Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Minangkabau hills, Padang is the capital of Indonesia’s West Sumatra province. It serves as a gateway to popular regional attractions such as the Kerinci Highlands, the beautiful surfing spots in the Mentawai Islands, and the magnificent Bukittinggi hills. Being the hub for these amazing sights, Padang offers an excellent selection of affordable accommodation and an exciting culinary scene.

The city is filled with authentic restaurants and street carts serving their unique Padang cuisine, as well as chic bars which offer some good old comfort food. You’ll be spoilt for choice when going through the delicious dining options that are available in the city throughout the night. And just for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Late Night Guide to tackle the must-eats and must-dos in this fabulous city.

Eat

RM Lamun Ombak

Jl. Khatib Sulaiman, Padang 25124, Indonesia

Monday to Sunday | 7.30AM to 10PM

When in Padang, it would be an absolute shame if you miss out on eating the famed Nasi Padang! Fluffy steamed rice served with a variety of pre-cooked savory dishes, with meats, vegetables and spicy sauces, Nasi Padang is one of Sumatra’s greatest contributions to Indonesian cuisine.

As an established chain in Padang, some say that RM Lamun Ombak serves the “original taste of Nasi Padang”. While that’s a hefty claim, this well-known restaurant, with branches all over Padang City, does not disappoint when it comes to quality and its broad selection of authentic dishes.

Everyone has the same problem when faced with a Nasi Padang menu; there’s simply too many dishes to choose from. While you can’t go wrong with a serving of beef rendang (beef cooked in coconut milk and spices), we highly recommend trying one of RM Lamun Ombak’s signature dishes – the Ikan Balado (fish cooked in a hot spice mixture).

Balado sauce is commonly prepared by stir-frying red hot chili peppers, garlic, shallots, tomatoes and lime juice in coconut oil before mixing in the main ingredient. At RM Lamun Ombak, their Ikan Balado is special as it’s made with a secret Balado sauce recipe.

If you can take the heat, this dish is a must try. But if you’d like something a little milder on your tastebuds, you definitely won’t be disappointed with the other dishes on the menu.

Sate Pondok Danguang Danguang Asli

Jalan Tepi Pasang, Kampung Pondok, Padang Barat, Kp. Pd., Padang Bar., Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat 25134, Indonesia

Monday to Thursday | 5PM to 10PM

Friday to Sunday | 5PM to 12AM

Your Padang food experience won’t be complete without a taste of their delicious sate padang. These Padang-style meat skewers are unlike any other. While the regular sate is usually accompanied by a tasty peanut sauce, sate padang is served with a unique yellow sauce, made with turmeric, that can only be found in Padang. Besides turmeric, the thick yellow sauce is prepared with a mix of rice flour, beef and offal broth, and a variety of aromatic spices to make the flavours truly pop.

Try these amazing meat skewers for yourself at Sate Pondok Danguang Danguang Asli. The heavenly combination of flavours from the marinated meat and the special dipping sauce makes this the perfect snack for a late night pick-me-up!

Bat & Arrow Beer Garden

Jl. Batang Arau, Kp. Pd., Padang Bar., Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat, Indonesia

Monday to Sunday | 2PM to 3AM

If you’re looking for a cool place to chill and hang out with your friends in Padang, look no further. Located in the ruins of an old abandoned hotel that was destroyed in an earthquake, the Bat & Arrow Beer Garden might look a little intimidating at first with its grungy rundown exterior. However, once you step inside, you’ll find that it has a unique, eclectic atmosphere that’s cozy and welcoming.

This edgy beer garden attracts both locals and tourists with its fine selection of food, cold beers and great music. You should definitely try their homemade pizzas which incorporate great Indonesian flavours. There’s nothing like pizza and beer to round off an amazing night with your friends.

Activity

Christine Hakim Idea Park

Jalan Adinegoro No. 11 A, Padang Sarai, Koto Tangah, Padang Sarai, Koto Tangah, Padang Sarai, Koto Tangah, Kota Padang, Sumatera Barat 25713, Indonesia

Monday to Sunday | 8AM to 10PM

There are many great surfing sites in Padang but a popular hot spot for surfers is Padang Beach, also known as Pantai Padang. First time surfers can learn in the shallows, while seasoned surfers can glide along the big waves. It’s definitely not as easy as it looks to balance on the surfboard but don’t let that deter you. Keep practising and you’ll get the hang of it.

If you don’t fancy catching some waves, you can still enjoy the breathtaking sunsets.

Home to great Indonesian cuisine, including the legendary Nasi Padang, the vibrant city of Padang won’t ever leave you feeling hungry or bored. With countless of places to explore and a variety of food to eat, a holiday to Padang will be a memorable experience.