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Restaurant

The Sambal

shop a/432 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Recommended by 26 people

Updated

Find The Sambal

shop a/432 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 423 636 793
HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
RestaurantIndonesianRestaurant

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

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.

Before you head over

Practical tips on spice levels, dietary accommodations, and planning your visit

  • Navigate Heat Levels & Sambals

    The kitchen does not shy away from genuine heat, with even mild dishes packing a punch. Take advantage of complimentary self-serve sambal stations or order specialty varieties like chicken liver or sambal matah to suit your spice tolerance, and grab a jar to take home.

  • Dining with Dietary Requirements

    All menu items are halal, with wide-ranging gluten-free and vegan selections. For those with strict gluten intolerances, waitstaff proactively verify and identify gluten-free plates upon delivery at the table.

  • CBD Commute & BYO Dining

    Situated just a 2-minute walk from Town Hall station on Kent Street, food arrives rapidly during weekday office lunches. If you are dining for dinner, feel free to bring your own wine.

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