I love insider tips. Thoughtfully whispered to me either by email, SMS or phone or even through the twitterverse, I find them invaluable. @kewpielovesyou tweeted me a couple of weeks ago asking if I had tried it. It was very new at that stage and I wasn’t able to find much in the way of a review. Then my birthday snuck up on me (I don’t know why, it’s the same day every year) and I asked Mr NQN to research the restaurant while I was out for the day and book it if it sounded good. He read the eatability page which had three reviews, two of which were from reviewers with only one review which I tend to trust less but he still went ahead and booked it.
When I talked to him that afternoon he told me of his “research” and I was worried that we were going to have a less than stellar experience. Still this Saturday night on my birthday we found ourselves dining there with my parents. The name “1945″ refers to the year of Indonesian independence.
Kartini
Looking over us is a large painting of Kartini, a pioneer for women’s rights in Indonesia and a national heroine. The waitresses hands us the cute wooden photo frame menus and explains to us that the meals are inspired by ristaffel (which literally means “rice plate” so serves are small plates designed to be eaten with rice and they recommend about 5 plates ought to do for each person. Considering the plates start at $3 and go all the way up to $6, we figure it was pretty easy to eat inexpensively. They also have their own organic wines specially made for them. We’re tempted by the set meals only because there is so much choice but after dithering we instead opt for the a la carte to share for maximum carnage…ahem I mean tasting opportunities. This would mean splitting some dishes into four but luckily my parents and Mr NQN are used to it so they don’t mind. We see that the set menus are popular with every component being brought out together on the one large plate.
Es Tjintjaoe (cold) Grassjelly drink served with Pandan flavoured milk and palm sugar $5
My mum’s order was for the Grassjelly drink served with Pandan flavoured milk and palm sugar. It’s the kind of drink you don’t want to share. In fact when my dad shows a clear interest in it she orders him another drink so that she can have more of this one (I don’t blame her). The palm sugar syrup with the pandan imparts an almost iced coffee milk flavour to it and it’s addictively moreish. And don’t let the grass jelly idea put you off, you can barely taste the “grass” in the grass jelly.
Soda Gembira (cold) $5
My father ended up getting a Soda Gembira, a blend of rose flavoured syrup, sweetened condensed milk and soda water and it is nicely refreshing although the rose is a little overpowering (which is what we usually find with this drink where ever we order it).
Roedjak Air (cold) grated exotic fruits with pandan sugar and lime juice $5
Mr NQN’s drink was finely grated exotic fruits with pandan sugar and lime juice. He loves it and the little tendrils of finely grated fruit are sucked up through a straw with a sweet, clear juice. It reminds me on eating the cabbage salad that comes with Japanese dishes though which is a touch disconcerting.
Sari Katjang Hijao (cold) fresh mung bean essence infused with young ginger $5
The name of this might not be too enticing for some but I really liked the boiled mung bean syrup with young ginger.
Sate Babi $3 each
The food comes out quickly and all at once which is good as Mr NQN was hungry. We start with the grilled pork skewers spiced with cumin and coriander. The sauce is thick and rich and sweet and nutty whilst the pork is tender with a gentle char from the grill.
Siomaj Daging & Oedang Steamed Dumplings $3 each
These fat steamed dumplings were steaming away when I walked past the kitchen on the way to the bathroom (which are very clean and smell of lemongrass!). They are filled with pork, prawns and shitake mushrooms and are served with sweet and tangy chili sauce. They’re like slightly larger than Chinese shumai and taste quite similar although I mostly taste pork and not so much prawn in these.
Baso Goreng meatballs $3 left and Daging Goreng Renjah pork neck $5 on the right
I do love a good juicy meatball but these are very unusual.The deep fried texture gives them almost a chickpea type texture (they’re said to be filled with pork and prawn) and they’re a touch dry as a result. The pork neck comes in bite sized pieces and is a touch chewy but flavoursome.
Ajam Panggang Ketjap grilled chicken drumstick $5 on left, Oedang Panggang Goerih grilled prawn $6 in centre and Ajam Goreng Koening deep fried spice braised chicken $5 on right
The simple grilled sweet and spicy chicken with a dash of lime is strong with the kecap manis and lovely char of the grill. The single prawn on a skewer with the shell was nicely cooked although since the shell was on it the spiced coconut milk baste didn’t quite get through to the prawn meat once you peeled the shell off. The deep fried spice-braised chicken comes with a deep fried mix of spices and flavours including galangal that resemble cookie crumbs at first. The drumstick meat is tender and soft and it’s not dry despite the deep frying.
Kerang Saoes Padang Mussels $6
Although we were warned on the menu with a three chilli icon and therefore hot, this mussel dish was very mild with a sweet and sour sort of sauce and kaffir lime leaves with three to a serve.
Boentoet Bakar Madoe Oxtail $5
The small bite sized pieces of bone-in oxtail were great to nibble on (I do love meat on the bone) and it’s sweet from the honey glazing. Like kecap manis, the sweet Indonesian soy sauce, we’re finding that a lot of the food has a distinctly sweet and spicy flavour to it.
Dendeng Sapi Balado Lemongrass Beef $5
The stewed lemongrass beef fillet is pan fried with chilli, shallots and capsicum is not particularly lemongrassy and tasted strongly of the capsicum it was cooked with.
Chicken wings with caramelised cashews $10
This was one of the specials on the board which appeared to be priced higher than the rest. This serve has five wings and they’re coated in a thick kecap manis based sauce with chopped cashews on top making it sweet, tender and crunchy.
Iga Kuah Koening $6
We all really liked the simple beef rib soup with with turmeric and candlenut and the soup itself has a lovely comforting feel and slightly sweet taste to it with lots of crispy shallots. I’ve decided that I want this when I’m sick as it would do the trick. The pork rib flesh is tender and falls off the bone and the flavours of the soup permeate thoughout the soft meat.
Pepes Tahoe Tofu wrapped in banana leaf $3 on left and Perkedel Djagoeng Corn Fritters $2 each on right
What we originally thought was the dish otak otak this is filled with spiced mashed tofu with basil and mini whitebait grilled in banana leaves. Whitebait itself is quite a delicate flavour so I don’t really taste much of it and it tastes mostly like lightly seasoned tofu. The corn fritters with Coriander were simple but satisfying. And who doesn’t love a corn fritter?
Clockwise from left: Nasi Koening $3, Nasi Pandan $2 and Nasi Oedoek $3
We tried three different rices and it has to be said all were excellent. There was steamed Jasmine rice Infused with pandan leaf (Nasi Pandan), Turmeric rice cooked in chicken stock, lemongrass and bay leaf (Nasi Koening) which was everyone’s favourite and fragrant Coconut rice flavoured lightly with lemongrass (Nasi Oedoek) $3.
Es Tjendol $7
Onto the desserts! Our favourite is undoubtedly the Es Tjendol. It’s that same addictive combination of palm sugar and coconut milk that we just cannot put down and I resort to drinking it instead of picking it up teaspoon of liquid at a time.
Es Pelangi $7
The colourful Es Pelangi would have been my dream dessert as a child-just look at all of those colours and those basil seeds which resemble eyes. Flavoured with lime and pandan syrup it’s very sweet though and possibly a bit too sweet for me although others seem to like it.
Kolak Pisang $7
Served either iced or hot we opted for the cold. This dessert divided us. Again it’s the palm sugar and coconut milk but this was stewed with a plantain banana (the short, fat variety), sweet potato, sweet palm seeds it has a distinct molasses flavour to it which Mr NQN likes as he grew up eating molasses as his father thought that it was healthy but my parents and I find it a touch too strong.
We’re all pleased and relieved that this little gem with so few reviews yielded us such a great meal. We agree that sometimes it’s worth it just to dive right in and try a new place.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you prefer to share food when you dine out or do you like to have your own plate?
1945 Dutch East Indies Cuisine Restaurant
Shop 2. 42 Harris Street, Pyrmont, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9660 9699
www.1945.com.au
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62 Comments | Add your own
First – Hapy VBirthday! I hope it was a brilliant weekend for you
Wow – and what a feast! I definitely love sharing – that was you get to try a bit of everything
This definitely looks like a place to try out, thanks for the post! And hey, sharing is caring right? Means we get to taste more, who wouldn’t want to share??
I love sharefood, but I have to say, most of my dining companions like their own meal. The chicken wings look fabulous!
Happy birthday!
I’m all for sharing as I love trying everything – I never let my partner order the same as me, and we always switch plates when we’re half way!
Oh Lorraine…. what a fantastic birthday feast you had!!! This restaurant did a very nice job in showcasing Indonesian cuisine from the appetizers to beverages & desserts. You and Mr. NQN made the right decision by ordering a la cart.
I like the fact that they even use the “old” spelling in keeping the 1945 theme.
Thank you for sharing the dining experience.
Could have just gone for the drinks
Happy Birthday
Even at a non-sharing restaurant, my husband and I often order two meals that we both like and then swap half way through. We are good sharers
I love finding a great new place to eat. I like sharing in small groups of people but find that the pleasure wanes when in a large group.
Great to see a review of this one, I have been eyeballing it for a little while but wanted to give them a chance to settle in. I love Rijstaffel!
Happy Birthday Lorraine!
Wasn’t aware of this restaurant at all. Love the way the rice is presented, and that rojak salad drink is kinda clever. How cute that the rose drink is called Happy Soda!
Am definitely going to check this place out! Those drinks look amazing
Sharing is essential.
The food looks great. I love sharing little plates of food – more to taste and explore.
Happy birthday!
Lovely article. I will put this one on my list.
Hi Lorraine,
All the dishes made my mouth water. The photos have convinced me to check out this restaurant when I’m in Sydney next month, woohoo!
Happy belated Birthday! Hope you had a blast on your b’day
Must…share…food…
wow- the drinks look really nice and all the food you had are really something different
Thanks heaps and heaps for finding this restaurant and doing this great review! I’m Dutch and from Indonesia that’s why….!
Good choice for a birthday – mine is coming up too.
Still can’t believe that I didn’t know about it’s existence. And that amazing array of really authentic dishes reminiscent of the good old days – eating at the picturesque street stalls – as well as the modern dessert creations etc…have convinced me to head straight over to 1945 with as many friends as I can round up…..
For this restaurant with so many dishes it’s got to be sharing of course so everybody can sample and enjoy as many of those tastes as possible on the night itself. Wonderful.
Sharing is a must. It is more fun, more congenial plus you can test out the whole menu – especially important if you dont get out as much as you would like. I find that the standard 3 course ordering that used to pass for a night out is just boring these days (and often means I have eaten far too much as well) . I want to try things I wouldnt normally be able to do/have time to do at home; and to go to places that embrace the shared table approach as a chance to really show off. Come to Brisbane and try Simpatico at (our) Paddington for master of shared dishes dining. (Thats if you can get a seat!). Cheers
Happy Birthday and Happy Mothers Day to you!I would love to visit that place but my Hubby does not like to travel far from home.
I have to try this place!
I love cendol.
SSG xxx
I usually share food – if people want to share with me…
This place looks nice. I may have to tell my friends about it, and take them there one day after church (which is in the city)…
This is now top of my list to try – any new Asian restaurants that look good get my vote.
And it has to be shared food every time – that way you get to taste more. ! big plate of main meal bores me half way through.
When it comes to food like this I’m happy to share. It all looks really good, though I’d pass on the Soda Gembira. Tried it once before and wasn’t too keen. I think I need to try this place!
What a meal…. many varieties, and fabulous flavours… I don’t mind a tasting tour like this feast.
Food looks good and at $3-$6 it’s a steal. Love the drinks too. I would have done the same as your mum! haha
I have never, ever had anything like that grassjelly pandan drink, but I so want it! It looks and sounds heavenly. Second choice would definitely be your mung bean drink
And the desserts… again, there’s a whole world of Asian sweet things I’m yet to be initiated into. One day!
This all sounds wonderful, though it is new to me.
Happy Birthday, it looks like you had a very enjoyable Birthday dinner. When I dine out it really depends on the meal or style of food I am eating. A steak and veggies type dinner I would keep to myself but things like a bowl of satay chicken and a bowel of rice I would share. Basically any style of food where you buy the main and a side to go with it we share.
Happy birthday!
The food looks fab – and were those Indonesian corn fritters?!? I adore those! I think the soda gimbira would appeal to me; I’m such a bandung fan.
As for plates, I’d like my own plate but I’m not averse to sharing.
Love the sharing concept – yum cha is my favourite at the moment. Just wish I were in Sydney to try 1945 – it looks fantastic!
I was reading their menu a few weeks ago and its very interesting… but its so difficult to know what dish is (like the set menu dont have to description).. Should i have the set menu or a la carte? so indecisive lol
Looks interesting and some of the dishes and drinks, I’ve not tried before. I would give it a go and we’d definitely share all dishes around.
Hope you had a great birthday.
When we eat out, we generally get something each, but are quite happy to share too. I guess it depends on the cuisine and whether it’s easily shared or not.
This place looks awesome!! ALthough I will admit I’m a little bit weirded out by the all the things in your drinks… I”m yet to conquer “bubble tea”… but yes – love to share… although hubby calls it “Stealing” – you get to try twice as much that way!
Happy birthday! Sounds like you celebrated in style – I love Twitter tips as well in nearly all cases the suggestions come through
We’re sharers over here! like some others my husband and I swap half way so we get to try as much as possible and if a restaurant has an assiette of desserts or entrees I am in heaven!
happy happy happy birthday! those things are indeed sneaky, coming around when you least expect ‘em.
i like to have my own plate and have others share theirs with me. is that wrong?
Totally a sharer – otherwise how can I try everything? ;P
Happy birthday, Lorraine! One of my first big dinners was doing a ristaffel with a million dishes. I think I cooked for a week. It wasn’t a screaming success. A good time was had by all and some things were very tasty but I hadn’t learned the trick of getting many different things ready and hot at the same time. It was a real learning curve! I need to revisit this cuisine!
That place is right near my old job! DAMN I miss working in Pyrmont.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
You had me at the drinks menu!
I prefer to share my meals, as I get to taste a bit of everything. I think it gets a bit boring just having one dish!
This is definitely food that seems very familiar yet intriguingly different. The description of the drinks alone have gotten me very keen. I love pork neck too! And the infused rice? mmmm, what can I say? We asians LOVE our rice!
Happyhappy birthday!
What a lovely discovery! I love everything about it from the drinks menu to the brown paper used in all the dishes, it reminds me of sepia tinted pre-war photographs, a little place from another time! I love sharing, I once went to Banc in Martin Place with 3 other people and every 15 minutes we swapped plates one place left (or right, it’s been a while now), got some weird looks but we managed to try half the menu that way!
Seem these are Indonesian foos with most of them are Javanese food (aside from balado), however the Es Tjendol did not look convincing enough as Indonesian dessert. Indonesian always find the Es Tjendol with lots of filling and the big fat green hunkwe (cendol) inside. For the rose flavoured syrup, yes the original does have strong rose flavour.
The siomay seem a bit pale and no chilli or sambal oelek on table? Are these cooked by Indonesian or a Dutch who had been to Indonesia?
Forgot to say, Happy Birthday! Hope your blog journey will spreading into more places around the world
Happy birthday! What a great feast here!
There are some lovely touches in the presentation here from the baskets to the pebble with 1945 on it at the end. The meat dishes look luscious and I’d really like to sample one of those corn fritters.
Those chicken wings look delicious! I’m glad you had a nice birthday dinner
I like to share meals as long as my fellow diners are courteous – i’m about the slowest eater in the Southern hemisphere so I don’t like sharing if I just get left with the scraps!
I like the pink drink!
I’m a devoted food sharer.
The food looks and sounds amazing but I’m mesmerized by those wonderful drinks!!! 
lorraine.i hope ur birthday was splendid yesterday
well,, d grill pork look exacttly like NIGERIA”s-SUYA.
I hope it was a fabulous birthday, sweetie! This looks like an amazing place to celebrate it. The food looks wonderful — I love the sweet and spicy flavor combo you described!
Oh, I’m definitely going to have to check this place out, thanks
I definitely prefer to share cause then you can get to try a little bit more of everything 
Happy belated bday! My friend actually recommended this restaurant 2 weeks ago! She’s indo and this sounds fantastic! Guess it’ll be the restaurant for my going away dinner!
Thanks so much for posting this review, Lorraine! We live around the corner from this place and frequented its predecessor (Blue Eye Dragon) on a weekly basis. I couldn’t tell you how many times since 1945 moved in that my husband & I have pushed our little noses to the glass and wondered what the food was like in this place! They took a long time to get a menu up at the doorway, so we would always gaze in, wondering, before going to the little Japanese restaurant next door. Will definitely give 1945 a try now!
By the way, have been meaning to thank you for some time – I was one of the lucky winners of your fat duck competition, and I received my cookbook a few weeks back. WE LOVE IT. I recently blogged my (gushing) appreciation.
Hope you had a lovely birthday.
I’m also around the corner, and I had no idea what “Indo Dutch” cuisine was so, like Amy, I’ve been trying to figure out what was served there! And then when the menu finally went up, with the prices set so low, I was sure I was missing something. Thank you for explaining!
That said – it might be fun for a few bloggers to go here one night? Amy??
Happy Birthday Lorraine!
Woo nice!
I’m very intrigued by your description of the drinks – isn’t it always fascinating to see desserts/beverages in different cultures?
Love to try this place for sure. I like my plate to be filled with shared food *grin*
Oh wow, what an interesting concept! As an Indonesian-born Chinese, I was very excited to read this review. It sounds like a restaurant that I would totally visit, it’s a shame that there aren’t any good Indonesian restaurants in Melbourne. I also looked at the restaurant’s website and loved how they incorporated the old school Dutch-influenced Indonesian spellings in their menu (e.g. Nasi Oedoek instead of the more modern Nasi Uduk. I must go there when I’m in Sydney next time.
Thanks for the details – can’t believe you manageed to sample so many dishes. We went there, for the 3rd time, last night – love the place, the food and the ambience. Highly recommended! And your photos are enough to make me salivate in memory of last night’s meal.
We just ate there this evening. Despite being locals it was our first time there and we opted for a la carte. 4-5 dishes each and it was a taste feast. We loved the food, loved the BYO wine and all was served in minimal time and we left full and very satisfied. Great value for money, wonderful flavours and helpful, friendly staff.
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