Sky Cafe

Don’t judge this restaurant by its location. Nestled in a cluster of Asian eateries, tea shops, and grocery stores on Washington Avenue, Sky Cafe is one of those if-you-know-you-know spots in Philadelphia. Locals head to this culinary haven to do all their international shopping, but most importantly, they go to chow down after a long day of grocery hunting. 

Sky Cafe delivers unadulterated essentials just as you would find them in Indonesia. You can start the feast with savory pork or chicken satay (or beef tongue padang, if you’re feeling adventurous), complete with peanut dressing for dipping. Pempek—or fried fish cake with vinegar sauce—and gado gado—Indonesia’s signature salad—are also available, alongside soul-soothing wonton soups and crispy chicken wings. 

As for mains, you’ll want to try something with noodles or rice if it’s your first time. The mie belacan, starring shrimp-paste-fried egg noodles, will delight you with its springiness and deep umami, while the nasi campur medan, loaded with house-made pork sausage, BBQ pork, and pork belly, will wow you with its varied textures and flavors. But the most essential of all the principal plates is arguably the fall-apart-tender beef rendang. Pro tip: If your meal comes with plain white rice, get an additional side of coconut rice for good measure. It’s fragrant, fluffy, and endlessly versatile, meaning you can pair it with just about anything on the menu.

The vibe: Moody and intimate, prime for date night

The food: Indonesian classics bursting with spices and Southeast Asian ingredients

The drink: Exotic juices, lemonade, and soft drinks

Time Out tip: Before you settle for your usual Diet Coke, take a good look at the beverage offerings. They include everything from soursop juice to soda gembira, a fizzy Indonesian drink made with cocopandan syrup and condensed milk.