Philadelphians now have the opportunity to try some of Chef Diana Widjojo’s popular Rice & Sambal Indonesian concept when it pops up at Joncarl Lachman’s intimate East Passyunk Dankbaar for the month of August.
The James-Beard nominated and former Hardena chef will be offering up her fare every Friday and Saturday next month for Rijsttafel service, plus Sunday nights will hold the pandemic-famous “Not Pizza” and two vegan/vegetarian nights on Thursdays.
Widjojo’s “Mini Rijsttafel” will feature six sharable entrees, plus dessert, for $85 per person with two seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Menu items span a few different options, including popular apps like the Nasi Uduk (jasmine rice steamed with lemongrass, pandan, galangal and coconut milk, served over fresh vegetables) and Sambals (Indonesian chili sauce or paste made with a variety of chili peppers and other ingredients.) The Sambal hijau is made with green tomato and chili garlic hot sauce with shrimp paste, the Sambal terasi on the other hand boasts red pepper hot sauce with shrimp, and the Sambal kecap features sweet soy with slices of chilies, lime leaf and shallots.
Main courses will span Rendang Bitterballen (fried Dutch meatballs with beef rendang, Indonesian sweet and spicy pickles and Sambal aioli,) Ikan Balado (sauteed trout filet, Sumatran red pepper sauce, lemon, basil and watercress,) Lawar Ayam (Balinese salad, long bean, bean sprouts, chicken and shredded coconut,) Tongseng (lamb chops, Javanese mutton curry, cabbage, tomatoes and coconut milk,) and Tempe Bakar, (grilled tempe, sweet soy sauce, lemon grass and coriander.)
To end things on a sweet note, this particular service will offer Kueh Putri Ayu Ubi Ungu aka a steamed purple sweet potato cupcake with shredded coconut and rum sauce.
“I was blessed to grow up in New York City, the most diverse city in the world. I had the opportunity to experience many cultures, but Indonesian food and culture was hardly an option or a thought,” Widjojo says.
Widjojo continues: “I grew up sort of lost not having representation. I was an all-American girl aware of my roots but growing up without representation of myself meant I had to learn about my culture in the very little exposure I had here. Thankfully my family never let us forget our roots and as a young adult I made it my mission to share with people Indonesian food and culture however possible and I’m really honored to be able to do it here in Philly.”
Sundays throughout the month of August will feature Not Pizza — Rijsttafel served in a pizza box for take out or a casual experience to dine in — for pick up from 3 to 7:30 p.m. (must be prepaid in full to order via a link on Instagram).
As a release states, Not Pizza is Widjojo’s cleverly presented take on a rijsttafel meal presented in a classic pizza box instead of a platter for in-restaurant enjoyment or to go. Rijsttafel translates to “rice table” in Dutch, and is a festive and elaborate Indonesian meal adapted by the Dutch since the Netherlands colonized Indonesia from 1816 to 1941.
A limited amount of Not Pizza will be made available, and each box contains 18-20 different foods (enough for four people) for $120 with tax included. Not Pizza will have vegan, vegetarian and mixed protein options, and booking should be made via the Rice & Sambal Instagram page (@ricensambal).
Philadelphians can also find two Vegan Rijsttafel Nights on Thursday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Aug. 24, with two seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for $75 per person.
“Diana has been a dear friend for years. I’ve been a big fan of her family’s restaurant, Hardena, since I moved back to Philadelphia in 2013. My first visit there we brought some nice Champagne and drank out of plastic cups — I was charmed immediately,” said Chef Joncarl Lachman, owner of Dankbaar in a statement.
“Diana also worked with us at Noord for a time and was a valued employee. It is my pleasure and privilege to be able to help her feature her wonderful food in an intimate environment. I feel like Dankbaar is a great spot for her to dip her toe in the water in terms of doing something on her own. When Dankbaar reopens in September, I look forward to featuring some Rijsttafels…the traditional Indonesian/Dutch feast that came about over years of our cultures being intertwined.”
Reservations may be made via TOCK and note that no changes are permitted to menus, according to the release. Rice & Sambal does not accommodate for allergens, as Widjojo is solo in the kitchen. For additional information on Rice & Sambal, follow them on Instagram.
