Story & Atmosphere
Welcome to Padang Express, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of North Jakarta, specifically on Jl. Pluit Utara Raya. With a legacy spanning over a decade, this establishment has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, captivating palates with its authentic Padang cuisine.
One of the standout features of Padang Express is its unwavering commitment to freshness. The fried chicken is a crowd favorite, renowned for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Each piece is cooked to order, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. Patrons like Whisky Dev and Arman Pramono rave about the delicious ayam goreng, which pairs effortlessly with the house chili sauce, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.
But it's not just the fried chicken that draws in the crowds. The establishment also shines when it comes to less conventional offerings such as sate padang and the deep-fried “paru” (beef lung). These dishes showcase the rich culinary heritage of Padang, blending a variety of spices and textures to elevate your dining experience. Ega Adrian's review stresses that the food quality surpasses many other Padang restaurants, making it worth every treasured rupiah spent.
For those who enjoy hearty portions, Padang Express does not disappoint. Many diners, including Angelyn and luzzu wang, have noted the generous servings and satisfying variety of side dishes, although preferences for vegetable flavors may vary. The vegetable curry, while occasionally noted for being a touch salty, adds an exciting element to the meal.
Service at Padang Express is another strong point. Fast and friendly staff, coupled with a welcoming atmosphere around the establishment near the Stella Maris church, invites everyone to enjoy hearty meals with family and friends. Whether you opt for dine-in or takeaway—where they thoughtfully use traditional banana leaves for packaging—the experience remains consistent.
Overall, Padang Express stands out not only for its delectable food but for its ability to create a comforting space where food lovers can gather over shared dishes. As you visit this culinary hotspot, prepare to be greeted with the aroma of spices and the warmth of genuine hospitality. It’s more than just a meal; it's a taste of Indonesian culture served on a plate.
“ Have been frequenting this place since its opening years. Honestly, back then, we were skeptical if it would survive long, but alas a decade-plus later, they’re still here. They have the typical fare of Padang dishes but what sticks out to me are the less conventional things: ayam goreng and sate padang. Their ayam goreng is crispy and perfectly golden brown on the outside. The kremes of their ayam goreng is really fragrant and crispy. Really really good stuff. Their sate padang might be the best in Jakarta. I tried famous sate padang stalls in South Jakarta and Menteng, but none of them could top Padang Express’ sate padang. Padang Express uses cubes/thicker cuts of beef tongue and meat, and fire-grilled them to perfection (charred and slightly crispy outside while the inside is still so tender). Their sauce is leaning towards a salty-savory flavor profile, not too sweet and not having any particular spice’s flavor that kicks out too much. The sauce is salty, smoky, velvety, a bit spicy from chillies. Complements their beef cubes really well. ”
“ Great nasi padang experience. Freshly fried chicken that scrumptious. Full of subtle spice flavours. The deep fried “paru” (beef lung) was very good too. It’s the “crispy” thin cut style rather than the soft and chewy thick cut version. Vegetable sides we standard fare but then I’m not a big vegetable person so not an issue for me. Overall, definitely a place to return to. ”
“ Love the fried chicken here! Can be very crowded during lunch time. Parking is relatively easy here. ”
“ nice and friendly owner. delicious food and better than most Padang restaurant. price is worth the taste, for 2 people with each 1 main course is around 100k ”
“ A repeat customer here. The place located near Stella maris church. Fried chicken is a must eat here, it is crunchy but the meat taste juicy inside. Their vegetables curry also taste different compare to other place, but at times the dish is too salty. Bbq chicken also nice, soft n buttery. For take aways packaging, banana leaves are still in use as base. Appreciate the effort. Snacks n korean ice cream also available here. ”