Pondok Taman Sari Sidemen

Surrounded by flowering red hibiscus, bougainvillea, and fruit trees on the eastern flank of Sidemen village, Pondok Taman Sari is an unhurried garden sanctuary. Individual thatched bamboo gazebos (pondok) are scattered throughout the blooming garden compound, giving diners a private, peaceful retreat where they can relax on woven straw mats and take in the green contours of the surrounding hills.

The cooking is honest, comforting, and thoroughly satisfying. The signature Mie Goreng Spesial is wok-tossed to order with fresh garden vegetables, garlic, and sweet soy, served alongside skewered chicken satay, a crisp sunny-side egg, and fried prawn crackers. Vegetarians can opt for crispy tempeh mendoan and vegetable stir-fries with garlic and ginger. Enjoy your lunch with a tall glass of fresh watermelon juice or sweet iced tea. Lunch around 12:30 is a tranquil garden delight.