West LA Indonesian Food Guide: Staples Near SMC

For decades, West Los Angeles has been a popular landing spot for Indonesian students attending Santa Monica College and UCLA. Thanks to this vibrant community, the area boasts some of the most accessible and comforting Indonesian dining options in the city. Whether you are homesick for a warm plate of Nasi Goreng or need a quick bite between classes, West LA has you covered without requiring a long commute on the 10 freeway.

Located in Palms, Simpang Asia is arguably the most famous Indonesian restaurant in Los Angeles. It serves as a central gathering place for the SMC PERMIAS community. Their Nasi Bungkus—a banana leaf-wrapped parcel of rice, chicken curry, beef rendang, and egg—is a crowd favorite. They also serve excellent Nasi Campur and deeply flavorful Sate Ayam. As a bonus, all their meats are Halal, making it an inclusive dining spot for everyone.

Situated on Westwood Blvd, Ramayani is a long-standing, family-owned establishment that has been serving authentic Indonesian flavors for over 30 years. It is slightly quieter than Simpang, making it a great spot for a relaxed dinner after midterms. They are well-known for their Rijsttafel (a Dutch-Indonesian feast featuring many small side dishes) and their incredibly tender Beef Rendang, which is slow-cooked to perfection.