Famed suburban eatery, the Java Room, has occupied its terrace house for an impressive 29 years and remains largely unchanged apart from the occasional refreshed ownership and decor.
The Java Room has attained its place as a favourite in Parnell’s crowded eat street by following a simple formula: imaginative and refined Indonesian cuisine served by floor staff who skilfully navigate the diverse menu in relaxed surroundings.
Appetisers include roti with a curry dip ($9); prawn and corn fritters served with sweet chilli dip ($16); chicken satay served with peanut sauce ($16); vegetarian spring rolls ($16); raw snapper soaked in lime and coconut dressing ($24.90); and steamed dim sum ($16.90). Some mains you’ll find in most other Indonesian eateries, but if you look beyond the traditional curries, rice and noodles, wok-fried, vegetarian and Asian salads there’s some interesting classics. These include crisp Siamese snapper ($46.90) served with sweet chilli jam and fresh salad; salmon teriyaki ($38.90) served on cabbage, lettuce, and teriyaki glaze; and crumbed eye pork ($29.80) served with coriander and plum sauce. For sides, think jasmine rice ($4); coconut rice or noodles ($6); and a garden salad ($9) with baby bok choy, sweet chilli jam and crushed peanuts.
To start, we opted for a grand tour of Asia ($28.90) which is a selection of all the appetisers on the menu. For the main dishes we chose nasi goreng ($29.90) stir fried Malay rice, fried egg, vegetables, and toasted shallots; and some Thai gai ($29.90), a chicken salad with fresh paw paw, grilled lemongrass, roasted peanuts, crisp shallots and Thai dressing. Although traditional Asian simplicity can usually be thin on the ground, all the dishes were delightfully and theatrically presented and merit recommendation. The wine list, while basic rounded, off a winning formula.
And the verdict? Genuine hospitality, fair prices, and assured cooking with primary flavours all combine to create an irresistible culinary charm. In all, the Java Room is an unpretentious dining experience that sits comfortably among Parnell’s numerous dining options.
Menu: 8; cuisine: 8; wine list: 6; service: 8; decor: 8; value for money: 8.
Licensed and BYO. 317 Parnell Road;
09 366 1606;
thejavaroom.co.nz
