Can Andaliman convince you to fall in love with Indonesian food? We think so

Not every restaurant introduces you to a cuisine you don’t come across every day. Andaliman, now at The Link, One Za’abeel, does exactly that. Set 100 metres above the city with one of Dubai’s most stunning views, the restaurant serves a menu inspired by Indonesia’s diverse culinary heritage, where citrusy Andaliman pepper, fragrant spices and traditional cooking techniques are at the heart of every dish. Whether you’re already familiar with Indonesian food or trying it for the first time, it’s one to have on your list.

The space

Set 100 metres above the city, Andaliman comes with one of Dubai’s best views, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the skyline and Burj Khalifa. The interiors feel warm and inviting, with natural textures, earthy tones and subtle Indonesian touches creating a setting that feels effortlessly laid-back yet elevated. As soon as we sat down, we were welcomed with a refreshing shot of pure coconut water – a thoughtful touch that immediately set the tone for the experience.

The food and drinks

Before the starters arrived, we were introduced to one of Indonesia’s staples: a colourful tray of Sambals. Each one brought something different, from smoky and rich to citrusy and fiery, encouraging plenty of dipping, mixing and discovering throughout the meal.

The Asinan Pindang was a brilliant way to start. Fresh organic sea bream was paired with chayote, passion fruit gel and fragrant Andaliman oil, creating a dish that was bright, refreshing and beautifully balanced. We also loved the satays. The Sate Lilit, made with minced shrimp and fish wrapped around a lemongrass stick, was unlike any satay we’d tried before, while the classic Sate Ayam arrived smoky from the grill with a rich peanut sauce that was impossible to stop dipping into.

For mains, the Nasi Goreng Seafood delivered everything you’d hope for from Indonesia’s beloved fried rice. Packed with king prawns, baby squid, fish balls and topped with fried omelette, it was comforting and full of flavour. The Kota Jakarta Beef Char Kway Teow was another standout, with smoky wok-fried flat rice noodles, tender sliced beef, crunchy bean sprouts and just enough chilli to give it a gentle kick.

Dessert was every bit as memorable. The Dadar Gulung, soft pandan pancakes filled with coconut and palm sugar, came with pandan coconut ice cream and was easily our favourite of the three. The Sarang Semut, an oven-baked caramel cake with salted toffee sauce, was rich without feeling too heavy, while the Es Teler Campur – a country-style coconut sundae with jackfruit, avocado, sago pearls and roasted peanuts – was refreshing, creamy and a great way to round off the meal.

To drink, we kept things simple with fresh watermelon juice, which was incredibly refreshing alongside the food, although the tropical-inspired cocktail and mocktail list looked equally tempting.

Also read

15 of the best business lunches in Dubai to try right now

The service

The calm, welcoming energy from the team makes the experience even better. Service is attentive and the staff know the menu inside out, happily talking you through the dishes and helping you navigate the flavours if it’s your first time trying Indonesian food.

What’s on the bill

For two people sharing two starters, two mains, two desserts and drinks, expect the bill to come to around Dhs500.

What’s On verdict

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by What’s On Dubai (@whatsondubai)

What stood out most was how fresh everything was. Every dish was so colourful and packed with flavour, hearty enough to satisfy yet light enough to leave room for dessert. Add the views high above the city, the relaxed atmosphere and genuinely warm service, and Andaliman is somewhere we’ll happily return to for sunset drinks, a business lunch or dinner.

Where: Level 24, The Link, One Za’abeel

When: Daily, 12pm to 11pm

Contact: (04) 666 1617 or email reservations@thelinkdubai.com andalimandubai.com