Batavia

 

2

14

dub m.

Boston, MA

So Cheap and So Good

The sign says Chinese Restaurant. Well, let me tell you this is an Indonesian restaurant. I love Batavia. Why? Cheap, tasty, and fast. The staff is very friendly too.

$4 meal - mixed rice (rice and your choice of 3 side dishes on top).
Food court style - you can see and pick what you want to eat.
Meat eaters - try the beef rendang, empal (this is beef too), or one of the chicken dishes.
Adventurous - try chicken livers, gizzards, ox tail soup (you have to order this soup from the menu).
Feel like splurging - order from the menu and expect to spend $6-$8. Wanna know what the dishes on the menu look like? Don't worry, the pictures are up on the wall.

I don't eat meat anymore (but I eat seafood), and I still have lots of options. I usually get either the tilapia, the crab noodles, or the mixed rice - I would ask for tofu & egg, bakwan, and spicy potatoes on top of my rice.

Let me warn you, the food is addictive. If you work or live around here, I'm afraid you'll be tempted to go to Batavia everyday. I could provide you with true stories.

I wish they would decorate the restaurant so it could be more aesthetically pleasing. I also wish that Batavia was closer to where I live (sorry for being subjective), thus the 4 instead of 5 stars.

Oh by the way, did I mention that I'm Indonesian?

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Elite '08

577

398

Deanna J.

Atlanta, GA

You know that thrill when you come across something off of the beaten path and no matter if its bad or good or even just ok, just the fact that you've discovered it is five stars enough?

Luckily, Batavia delivers both the thrill of good food AND uncharted Atlanta territory! Yay!

I went here with some Indonesian folk, who actually discovered the existence of the restaurant from Dub M's review (thanks so much!), and it was a pretty exciting trip, I must say.  The food got the authentic thumbs up from them, so I feel totally confident with a well-deserved sparkling five stars.

First off, not sure what percent of people out there have actually had Indonesian food, but my guess is not many. I mean, heck, there's not even an 'Indonesian' restaurant category. So, likewise for me too, a lot of the food flavors will be quite. . . unexpected. My take on Indo food is that they have a lot of different flavors/vegetables/spices that may surprise your taste buds.

The sign indeed does say "Chinese food" - maybe a decoy to keep it undiscovered? And is smack in the middle of a very Hispanic neighborhood. It's located in a small shopping center. Once you step it, it isn't the most elegant surroundings (think plastic trays and food court furniture) but the real reason you're here is to make a beeline for the food behind the shiny glass counter. There's the pictures on the wall to show what is in each dish, but if you want the ingredients listed, check the printed menu.

There's also a small market section, jam packed with Indonesian snacks, spices, teas and more.

As for the specifics on what to order, I'll politely refer you to Dub M's rockin review - I am by no means a Indo cuisine expert . . . just a lover of discovery.

So take those taste buds on a well deserved field trip to Batavia! And be sure to have a glass of water ready to take on those spicy dishes.

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4

2

Cary M.

Marietta, GA

I have never had Indonesian before and this was a great place to start. I was looking for something different and I found it!

Just as other reviewers have stated this is a "hole in the wall" type of establishment.  And although the decor leaves something to be desired, the food more than makes up for it.

There are a good amount of things to choose from:
First you have the buffet: Several different dishes consisting of Chicken, Fish, Beef, shrimp, rice, potatoes, vegetables, etc etc. You see it, point at it, they put it on a plate and you're done! 3 items and rice for $3.99 or something ridiculously cheap like that.
Then you have the menu:  
Appetizers, soups, noodle dishes, restaurant specials and more. You get a full description of the items you are ordering and if that's not enough there are pictures on the back of the menu and on the wall.

I ordered the Sate (lamb) it was great! Basically, little pieces of lamb on a stick cooked in this sweet soy sauce, rice and potatoes.

Also try some of their home made drinks kept in the cooler. I had the home made Soy Milk and a tea drink made with gelatin that was recommended by the staff. Both were very good. The tea drink is very different but grows on you quickly.

The wait staff was very helpful in recommending some things for us to try and very accommodating of our inexperience of this type of food (there is nothing worse that going to a new place and the wait staff making you feel like you are an idiot).

Will definitely go back

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