Yoi

The Verdict

Some cuisines in Melbourne have been known to fluctuate in popularity, others hold their position in the culinary pecking order year in year out, and that can certainly be said for warm and rich flavours of Indonesian. One family-run restaurant that’s nailing the formula is Yoi, nestled in the top-end of the CBD.

Their specialty is fried chicken that’s lathered up with salted egg sauce. The condiment may sound like foreign to your palate, but truth be told if you’ve eaten Indonesian, Malaysian or Chinese before, you’ve probably tried it—Yoi just make a point of doing it right.

Yoi pays respect to the traditions of Indo cuisine with the classics like Nasi Goreng and Bakar Penyet (tenderised beef ribs), but there are also more playful dishes that explore various textures and tastes, like the crispy chicken skin Nasi Bali.

A more recent tradition is also highlighted on the menu with a section dedicated to Indomie noodle dishes. Kind of like those Mie Goreng instant noodles you’d have as a kid, but cooked, prepared and served by professionals. Red hot tip: get started with the beef rendang.

Yoi is bringing the heat with their dessert options, too. At the forefront is the martabak, a thick and chewy pancake that’s stuffed with the likes of Oreo, Nutella, peanuts and choccy sprinkles. The pancake also serves as a damn tasty vessel for savoury fillings if you prefer.

Yoi is open for takeaway seven days a week. Order up here.

Image credit: Yoi