When in Padang, the quest for the perfect plate of beef rendang becomes a culinary adventure.
In this article, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the top places where you can savor the finest rendang.
From traditional rendang recipes passed down through generations to innovative twists on this beloved dish, Padang has it all.
Here are our top picks for where to find the best rendang in this vibrant Indonesian city.
1. RM. Lamun Ombak
Address: Jl. Khatib Sulaiman No.99, Ulak Karang Selatan, Kec. Padang Utara, Kota Padang
If you find yourself in Padang, you can’t miss this restaurant. RM. Lamun Ombak serve an outstanding Beef Rendang that’s simply perfect, earning a solid 10/10.
This is a highly recommended spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant boasts a spacious seating area and a convenient parking lot.
Their menu offers a wide range of food and drinks to choose from. This restaurant proudly holds the title of being the largest Padang-style restaurant in Padang, and it’s always on the locals’ list of top recommendations.
The food is not only great but the ambiance of the place is wonderful too. The people especially enjoyed the Rendang and curry dishes.
Plus, there’s ample free parking space, and the parking attendants are helpful in navigating in and out of the car park. The restaurant is clean and their service is remarkably fast and friendly.
Don’t leave without trying their Beef Rendang, paired with fried cassava cubes – it’s truly amazing!
2. Restoran Sederhana
Address: Jl. Rasuna Said No.81A, Rimbo Kaluang, Kec. Padang Barat
This place offers a diverse menu with a wide array of dishes, although not all are automatically served, so don’t hesitate to ask for your favorites.
The restaurant maintains a clean and tidy ambiance, and the prices are quite reasonable. In my opinion, it serves the best authentic Padang cuisine I’ve ever had.
What sets this place apart is its convenient dining style. You simply take a seat, and they bring a selection of dishes to your table.
The “Sederhana” experience at this restaurant is unlike any other you’ll find in Indonesia. The flavors here are not overly sweet, making it a must-visit for those seeking a more authentic taste.
This is high-quality, flavorful food that doesn’t overwhelm with spiciness, ideal for those who prefer milder sambal.
Service is prompt, and the food is truly satisfying. The restaurant offers a spacious and comfortable dining environment, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food.
Additionally, you’ll enjoy a pleasant riverside view, adjacent to Haji Agus Salim Stadium.
Despite its name, “Sederhana,” which means “simple” in Indonesian, this restaurant provides an exclusive and luxurious dining experience.
There’s no need to worry about parking, as the lot is quite large, with spaces in front, on the side, and behind the restaurant.
The cuisine at Sederhana Restaurant is nothing short of luxurious, and I highly recommend trying it if you haven’t already experienced the delicacies it has to offer.
3. Randang Rajo-Rajo
Address: Jl. Raya Jondul Raya No.2, Rawang, Kec. Padang Selatan
For an authentic rendang experience, head to Rendang Rajo-Rajo. This hidden gem is tucked away from the touristy spots, offering a genuine local dining experience.
The rendang here is a real standout – bursting with flavor and incredibly tender. It’s truly one of the most authentic rendangs you’ll ever taste.
What sets this place apart is their traditional cooking method. They still use woodfire for preparing the dishes, preserving the time-honored techniques that contribute to the rich and delicious flavors.
The rendang meat has a drier and denser texture, which adds to its unique appeal.
You can even watch the staff cook the rendang over an open wood fire stove, highlighting the traditional process that results in such delectable flavors.
Located in a residential area, parking space is limited, so be sure not to arrive too late, as their rendang tends to sell out around 1PM.
The quality of their rendang is so exceptional that they export it to locations beyond Padang, thanks to satisfied past customers who discovered this gem during their visits to the city.
In addition to beef rendang, they also offer variations like cow liver rendang, boiled egg rendang, and fried cassava rendang.
Also Read 7 Tempat Makan Bakso Favorit di Kota Padang
4. Rumah Makan Silungkang
Address: Across the Road from Stasiun Padang, Simpang Haru, Sawahan, Kota Padang
Rumah Makan Silungkang is easily noticeable with its prominent sign, making it simple to locate.
It’s conveniently situated near public facilities, and the restaurant boasts a spacious and easily accessible parking area.
Families will appreciate the presence of a kid-friendly playground, making it an ideal spot for weekend family outings.
Service here is remarkably swift and hassle-free, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
The restaurant provides a vast, stylish, and comfortable ambiance, complete with a VIP room.
The menu offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, and what’s even better is that the prices are quite budget-friendly, considering the quality and comfort offered.
This place offers something unique – a separate room for Padang cuisine, allowing you to enjoy the flavors first before taking your children to the playground.
The playground is generously sized and suitable for both kids and adults. Despite the luxury of the setting, the prices remain affordable.
Their menu is deeply rooted in traditional West Sumatran cuisine, providing an authentic experience.
The restaurant’s strategic location ensures easy access, and it’s kept impeccably clean and spacious. The attentive waitstaff adds to the positive dining experience.
For those seeking the highlight, their rendang is a shining star – a truly luxurious and delicious dish.
And you won’t have to worry about parking; there’s ample space available right at the front of the restaurant.
5. Rumah Makan Ampalu Raya
Address: Jl. Jhoni Anwar Kelurahan No.17, Ulak Karang Utara, Kec. Padang Utara, Kota Padang
Rumah Makan Ampalu Raya is the perfect spot for experiencing authentic Padang cuisine, particularly their renowned “Rendang and Gulai Tunjang.”
This is a must-visit if you’re craving the distinctive flavors of Minang cuisine. Their menu boasts several standouts, including rendang of course, gulai tunjang (beef tendon curry), fried chicken, and grilled chicken.
What sets them apart is their use of free-range chicken for their chicken rendang, elevating the dining experience.
However, be prepared for some lunchtime hustle and bustle, as this place tends to get crowded with locals and visitors alike looking to dine in or get takeout.
The limited parking space can be a challenge for those arriving by car, often leading to congestion along Jhoni Anwar’s road during peak hours.
Thankfully, this road is not a major thoroughfare, so the traffic jams are usually short-lived.
A unique feature of this restaurant is their chicken rendang, a delightful variation for those who adore Padang cuisine, especially Rendang.
The quality of their Rendang truly shines, making it a must-try. If you want to take a piece of Padang home with you, they offer the option to order Rendang as a souvenir.
6. Rumah Makan Pagi Sore
Address: Jl. Pondok No.143, Kampung Pondok, Kec. Padang Barat, Kota Padang
At Rumah Makan Pagi Sore, you’re in for a delightful culinary experience, with their rendang being a standout favorite.
The rendang is truly a taste sensation, with its sauce alone being a delectable companion to steamed rice.
What’s unique here is that you’ll only find the original “Pagi Sore” at this location; they haven’t opened branches elsewhere.
When you visit, make sure to try their fried chicken and, of course, the beef rendang – these dishes are often the main reason people come here.
The flavor truly speaks for itself, and it’s no wonder that this place comes highly recommended in the city of Padang, having been a local favorite since 1947.
The building’s architecture boasts a colonial-style design, evident in its facade, adding to the charm of the place.
Its strategic location ensures that it’s easy to locate. The menu offers a variety of options, with popular choices including pop chicken, beef rendang, and samba lado patai.
Whether you prefer a smoking or air-conditioned area, they have both options available to suit your comfort.
7. Restoran Sari Raso
Address: Jl. Karya No.3, Belakang Padang, Kec. Padang Selatan, Kota Padang
If you’re looking for authentic local nasi Padang, Restoran Sari Raso is a must-visit.
The restaurant is known for its cleanliness and offers both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned dining areas. The standout here is the flavorful and tender beef rendang.
For those who appreciate nasi Padang with a hint of sweetness, this place is a definite hit.
You’ll find a variety of condiments on your plate, including rendang seasoning, peanut curry, urap, chili sauce, red crackers, and curry sauce.
The jerky and rendang are the stars of the show.
When you dine here, you have the option to request table service or simply indicate your preferences directly.
It’s advisable to opt for table service for a more convenient experience.
While parking can be a bit challenging, the restaurant provides parking attendants to assist you, although there may be a fee.
Overall, Restoran Sari Raso offers a delightful nasi Padang experience in a clean and comfortable setting, with the beef rendang as a definite highlight.
These Padang eateries not only serve mouthwatering rendang but also offer a glimpse into the diverse and rich culinary heritage of the region.
Whether you prefer the classic flavors of Rendang Rajo-Rajo, the authentic delights of Rumah Makan Ampalu Raya, or the charming colonial-era ambiance of Rumah Makan Pagi Sore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable rendang experience in Padang.
So, next time you find yourself in this Indonesian gem, make sure to embark on your own rendang journey and taste the true essence of Padang’s cuisine.
