Exploring the San Gabriel Valley: Authentic Indonesian Eats

While West LA offers convenience for SMC students, the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) to the east is the undisputed capital of Asian cuisine in Los Angeles. If you are willing to make the drive out to Alhambra or Rosemead on a weekend, you will be rewarded with highly specialized, hyper-regional Indonesian restaurants that taste exactly like home. This area is heavily influenced by Chinese-Indonesian heritage, offering incredible noodle dishes and Sumatra-style cooking.

Located in the heart of Alhambra, Borneo Kalimantan Cuisine specializes in the flavors of the Indonesian side of the Borneo island. They are famous across LA for their Mie Keriting (curly noodles) served with BBQ pork or chicken, and their rich, coconut-heavy Laksa. The portions are generous, the prices are student-friendly, and the atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic.

If you are craving the bold, spicy flavors of North Sumatra, Medan Kitchen is a must-visit. Operating out of a small, unassuming storefront in Rosemead, they are primarily known for their takeout Nasi Bungkus. Their menu rotates frequently, but you can always expect fiery sambals, rich curries, and incredible cassava leaves. It is the perfect place to grab food in bulk to take back to your apartment for the week.

Another SGV staple, Wong Java House offers traditional Javanese fare. Their Nasi Ayam Penyet (smashed fried chicken with sambal) is incredibly crispy and packed with flavor. They also serve excellent Soto Ayam, a turmeric chicken soup that is the ultimate cure for cold weather or homesickness.