Restaurant
The Sambal
shop a/432 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Find The Sambal
shop a/432 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout The Sambal
Kent Street’s sharpest lunch break trades in unapologetic heat, fast wok tosses, and real Indonesian soul. The draw is the house chili bar—think rich sambal balado spooned over flaky fried rice, fragrant chicken liver sambal, and tubs you can pack home. Sydney office crews pack the tables for generous plates of iga bakar sambal matah, petai-tossed prawns, and beef rendang simmered in house-made sauces. Staff clarify gluten-free dishes on delivery, the entire menu runs strictly halal, and BYO wine keeps long evening dinners grounded and casual.
- Dedicated Sambal Program: Tuck into specialty blends like chicken liver sambal or balado, tap the complimentary self-serve station, and grab retail jars at the counter.
- Dietary-Minded Kitchen: A fully halal menu pairs with verified gluten-free orders confirmed tableside by attentive staff.
- Speedy CBD Lunches: Minutes from Town Hall station, fast ticket times keep CBD desk workers and lunch gatherings moving on schedule.
What's On at The Sambal
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Dine at The Sambal
Authentic regional spice, dedicated dietary care, and swift service in the heart of the Sydney CBD
Customisable Specialty Sambals and Counter Retail
Guests can explore diverse specialty chili preparations including chicken liver sambal, relish complimentary self-serve stations, and purchase packaged jars to take home.
There is also free sambal which you can help yourself to. They also have sambal that you can buy...great experience will be back!
Praveen paul Fiery Regional Spice and Uncompromised Recipes
Traditional Indonesian staples such as Nasi Goreng, Iga Bakar Sambal Matah, and Soto Ayam deliver bold, uncompromised heat and authentic regional seasonings.
Undoubtedly the best nasi goreng I've ever had outside Indonesia. The portion was generous, and the rice was perfectly cooked, not overly oily
Fachrizal Faruk Baladraf Inclusive Halal and Gluten-Free Group Dining
Extensive certified halal dishes and clearly flagged gluten-free options make hosting diverse corporate or social gatherings straightforward.
Now I have the perfect spot to bring colleagues who prefer Halal or Gluten-Free meals.
John Reggie Montoya Attentive Allergen Protocols and BYO Wine Flexibility
Table staff actively verify and announce gluten-free selections upon arrival, complemented by BYO wine dining for shared casual evenings.
The waiters were careful to point out which dishes were gluten free when they brought them out to us.
Kamala Mansfield Central Kent Street Convenience Near Town Hall
Situated on Kent Street just two minutes from Town Hall station, the venue offers rapid turnarounds ideal for midday office breaks.
A 2 minutes walk from Town Hall and one finds great food served by friendly, top notch people.
Mehrdad Kosh Express Service for Efficient Workday Lunches
Speedy food preparation and effortless ordering let CBD workers and students enjoy substantial, generously portioned hot meals within a limited lunch hour.
Amazing service and lovely staff and easy ordering and food came out so quickly!
Riley Rose
Most popular items
Signature Indonesian favourites celebrated for authentic spices and bold flavours
Nasi Goreng
I ordered the Nasi Goreng with chicken, and it was absolutely delicious!
John Reggie Montoya Beef Rendang
I love the beef rendang here, it's different from other places.
김태익 Eggplant Sambal Balado
Highly recommend the nasi goreng (the pickled veggies on the side were incredible) and eggplant sambal
Kamala Mansfield Soto Ayam
The Soto Ayam is exactly what you'd expect from a real Indonesian kitchen — rich, comforting, and delicious.
Harry Nurhadi
Other favorites
Refreshing traditional Indonesian beverages and authentic sweets
Es Cendol
Es Cendol is one of the desert that you should try while in Sydney.
Frenky Ramiro de Jesus Durian Crème Brûlée
Couldn’t go past the durian crème brûlée—turned out to be a real winner, creamy with actual bits of durian.
Lucas Wedang Jahe
Carrick loved his wedang jahe (hot sweetened ginger tea)
OZ UTube Es Cincau
I had es cincau (Grass jelly, chia seeds, coconut pandan syrup) - yum!
OZ UTube
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful touches and hospitality details that elevate dining at The Sambal
Complimentary Self-Serve Sambal Station
Guests can help themselves to complimentary self-serve house chili sauces to tailor their preferred heat level throughout the meal.
Attentive Table-Side Dietary Verification
Waitstaff take deliberate care to clearly identify and point out which specific dishes are gluten-free as they are delivered to the table.
Retail Sambal Jars at the Counter
Signature freshly prepared red and green chili sambals are packaged in takeaway jars available for purchase directly at the counter.
Casual BYO Wine Welcome
Diners can bring their own wine to accompany casual Indonesian dishes right in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Sambal accommodate halal, gluten-free, and vegan diets?
Yes. Reviewers note that all food served is halal, alongside extensive gluten-free options where staff actively verify dietary dishes at delivery, and vegan choices that go well beyond a basic salad.
How spicy is the food, and what sambal options are available?
The menu highlights several varieties including red and green chili sambals, sambal matah, sambal balado, and chicken liver sambal. Jars are available for purchase at the counter, and complimentary sambal is provided for diners. Note that the house sambals pack significant heat.
How do ordering and service work for a quick lunch?
Reviewers mention that orders can be placed conveniently via table QR code with card payment, and the kitchen serves food quickly—making it well-suited for lunch breaks.
Can I bring my own wine (BYO)?
Guests have enjoyed BYO wine with their meal, while the restaurant also offers beer and wine service alongside traditional Indonesian beverages like Es Cendol and ginger tea.
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