I swear, every time I scroll through TikTok and a plate of Nasi Padang pops up, it’s game over for me. The moment I see that steaming white rice, the rich coconut-laden gulai, and—oh my God—the glorious Rendang, I practically scream, “I NEED THIS. NOW.” My partner? Already used to my dramatic food cravings.

If there’s one meal that truly captures the soul of Indonesian cuisine, it’s Nasi Padang. Named after its origins in Padang, West Sumatra, this iconic dish is not just a meal—it’s a grand, flavorful experience. Imagine a plate of warm white rice, surrounded by an irresistible selection of dishes: fragrant curries, crispy fried chicken, fiery sambal, and, of course, the legendary Rendang.

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Yes, that Rendang—the dish crowned multiple times in CNN’s “World’s Best Foods” poll as one of the most delicious dishes on the planet. This slow-cooked beef, bathed in coconut milk and an aromatic blend of spices, is the undisputed star of Nasi Padang. Tender, rich, and bursting with umami, it’s no surprise that Rendang has won the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers worldwide. But what makes Nasi Padang truly special is the variety. With more than a dozen dishes, every plate can be customized. Whether it’s the crispy perkedel (potato fritters), the spicy balado eggplant, or the melt-in-your-mouth gulai ayam (chicken curry), every bite is a celebration of bold flavors.

Travelling on V/Line to Melbourne

Long weekends are meant for adventures—and for me, that meant finally satisfying my craving for Nasi Padang. Where better to find an authentic taste than Melbourne? With its diverse food scene, the city is home to some of the best Padang restaurants in Australia. My destination? Salero Kito on Rose Lane, a place known for its rich, spicy rendang and perfectly fluffy rice.

But first, I had to get there. Victoria has V/Line, a regional train and coach service that conveniently connects smaller towns to the city. The best part? Every V/Line station offers free parking—though, of course, vehicle security is at your own risk. I started from Mildura Station, and to my surprise, a return ticket only cost A$15! A total bargain for a round trip. First, I hopped on a coach to Bendigo, a smooth ride with comfortable seats and—importantly—a toilet on board (because you never know when nature will call).

One thing I loved about the coach was its scheduled breaks. Every hour, it made stops at small towns, giving passengers about 30 minutes or more to stretch, grab some snacks, or just take in the quiet charm of the countryside. These little stops made the long trip feel less like a chore and more like a scenic road trip. Once I reached Bendigo, it was time to transfer to the train to Melbourne. Unlike the coach, the train offered a smoother ride, perfect for unwinding and watching the scenery blur past.

A pro tip for fellow travelers: Book your V/Line ticket online! Not only does it secure your spot, but it also lets you choose your seat—so if you're like me and love gazing out the window, there's no stress about getting stuck in the aisle. After hours on the road, I finally arrived in Melbourne CBD.

The Ultimate Nasi Padang Feast at Salero Kito, Melbourne

After hours on the road, I finally arrived in Melbourne CBD at around 2 PM—starving but deliberately so. I had only snacked on the train, holding back my hunger for one reason: to devour Nasi Padang to my heart’s content. As soon as I reached Salero Kito, I wasted no time and went straight to the glass display case—my eyes instantly feasting on the glorious spread before me. There it was: tender rendang, rich curry tendon (kikil), fragrant fish curry, stir-fried tempeh—a lineup of flavors screaming deliciousness.

To those who don't know what tempeh is, tempeh is a traditional Indonesian fermented soybean product known for its nutty flavor, firm texture, and high nutritional value. Unlike tofu, which is made from soy milk, tempeh is made by fermenting whole soybeans, which are bound together by a natural white mold. Its texture is firm, chewy, and slightly grainy due to the whole soybeans.

Without hesitation, I ordered a generous portion of rice with:

🍛 Curry tendon – soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness

🍛 Rendang – deeply spiced, slow-cooked perfection

🍛 Tempeh with beans – for that extra crunch and balance

And of course, I didn’t forget the green chili sambal and bakwan—an absolute must when eating Nasi Padang! With my plate stacked high, I took my first bite, letting the rich, spiced flavors slowly unfold on my tongue. The combination of aromatic coconut milk, bold chili, and deep umami hit just right—pure comfort food at its finest. But I wasn’t done yet.

One plate wasn’t enough. My cravings demanded more. I went back and ordered a plate of Padang Satay—skewers drenched in thick, peanut-spiced sauce. While it wasn’t as fiery as the ones back home in Indonesia, it still carried that signature sweet, savory, and slightly smoky taste that made every bite worth it.

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A Convenient Stay at Grand Southern Hotel Melbourne

Of course, one day of indulging in Indonesian food wasn't enough! To make the most of my long weekend in Melbourne, I booked a stay at Grand Southern Hotel Melbourne—a choice that turned out to be both practical and budget-friendly. What I loved most about this hotel was its flexible half-day extension option. Instead of booking two full nights, I only had to pay A$35 to extend until 3 PM—perfect since I planned to head back home the next evening. More budget for food, less spent on accommodation!

The room itself was not too big but cozy enough for a comfortable stay. It came with all the essentials—fresh towels, shampoo, and basic amenities—so I didn’t have to worry about packing extra toiletries. But the real highlight? Its strategic location. The hotel is right in front of Southern Cross Station, making it super convenient to get around the city. Whether I needed to catch a coach, hop on the metro, or explore Melbourne—everything was just a few steps away.

The moment the Ayam Penyet landed on my table, I knew I was in for a ride. The crispy, golden-brown chicken sat on a bed of steaming rice, accompanied by fiery sambal Madura that looked deceptively innocent. One bite in, and—boom! The spice hit me like a slap to the senses. My nose tingled, my eyes watered, and suddenly, I was in a battle between pain and pleasure. But did I stop? Of course not!

To cool down, I ordered a Martabak Keju Cokelat from Martabak Pecenongan 78. The thick, buttery pancake oozed with melted chocolate and gooey cheese, balancing out the heat with its rich, indulgent sweetness. As I took my first bite, I could feel my soul ascending to foodie heaven—a perfect mix of nostalgia and pure bliss. Spicy tears? Worth it. A happy, satisfied heart? Absolutely.

A Quick Freshen-Up Before the Journey

After a long day of exploring Melbourne, it was finally time to head home. But first—dinner. No trip is complete without one last good meal, and this time, I went for a solid choice: Burgertory. I went straight for the "Michael Burger" — a milk bread bun stuffed with juicy mashed beef, crispy chips on the side, and an ice-cold drink to wash it down. The first bite? Absolute perfection.

With my belly full, it was time to head back to Southern Cross Station to retrieve my backpack from the locker. But here’s a pro tip for fellow travelers: If you ever need to freshen up before a long trip, Southern Cross Station has shower facilities at Travellers Aid Australia. For just A$7-A$10, you get soap, towels, and a proper shower—a small price to pay for the luxury of feeling fresh on an overnight journey. And trust me, it makes a huge difference. After my quick shower, I made my way to the coach terminal on the ground floor, just a stone’s throw from Travellers Aid. The waiting lounge was surprisingly cool and comfortable, making the wait for my 9 PM coach to Mildura feel much more relaxing.

Another bonus? EzyMart is nearby, perfect for grabbing a late-night snack or satisfying random cravings. With my accommodation sorted, it was time to continue my ultimate Indonesian food hunt in Melbourne. Next stop? Another plate of deliciousness! 🍽️🔥

That night, a craving for something sweet led me straight to Piccolina Gelateria, the perfect spot for rich, creamy gelato. As I savored each spoonful, the night got even better—old friends joined me, turning a simple dessert run into a mini-reunion. As we finished our gelato, the sky above the Yarra River exploded with color. The Moomba Festival was in full swing, and the fireworks were nothing short of spectacular. The bursts of red, blue, and gold reflected on the water, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Eating Until I Cried Because of the Spicy Madura Chicken

The next day, my Indonesian food adventure continued—right after checking out of my stay. Lugging a backpack around Melbourne? No thanks. I quickly dropped it in a locker at Southern Cross Station, freeing myself up for the day. With just A$14, I could hop on and off public transport like a true city explorer.

At first, I had my mind set on Nasi Padang—a safe, familiar choice. But as I wandered through Carlton, something changed. The street was lined with Indonesian restaurants, each one tempting me with the aroma of home. Then, like fate, my eyes locked onto a menu featuring Madura Chicken at D’penyetz. The decision was instant—I was eating here.

As the coach rumbled out of Melbourne, I sank into my seat, finally ready to sleep. Just like before, the coach came equipped with a toilet—an underrated lifesaver for long trips. Outside, the city lights gradually faded, replaced by the dark, quiet countryside. With a full stomach, a fresh mind, and the comforting hum of the road beneath me, I closed my eyes, knowing that another adventure was already waiting for me in the future.

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