Our Story
Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, each with its own flavours, spices, and cooking traditions. Yet for many people in London, Indonesian cuisine remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
SAMBEL! was created to spark that discovery.
Built on over 25 years of culinary experience, our food brings together fire, smoke, spice, and comfort through a modern take on Indonesian cooking. From ayam bakar to se’i sapi and fragrant nasi bakar, every dish is designed to offer something familiar, surprising, and full of flavour.
At the heart of it all is sambel; bold, vibrant, and deeply personal. It is not just heat; it is character, balance, and the flavour that brings everything together.
Come hungry. Leave curious. Taste Indonesia, one sambel at a time.
Behind SAMBEL! is a small team with a big passion for Indonesian food. Built on decades of experience in hospitality, kitchens, branding, and service, we came together with one shared purpose: to introduce London to the flavours we grew up with and love deeply. Every dish we serve carries that spirit, warm, bold, generous, and full of character, inviting guests to taste authentic memories and the stories behind them.
The People Behind SAMBEL!
The People Behind SAMBEL!
SAMBEL! was built on a shared love of Indonesian food, warm hospitality, and the belief that our cuisine deserves a bigger place in London.
Behind the restaurant are three friends whose story began in Semarang, Indonesia. They first crossed paths at Kolese Loyola, where a friendship was formed over the things that still bring them together today: good food, great conversation, and a deep appreciation for the flavours of home.
Years later, thousands of miles from Indonesia, they found themselves reunited in London.
Leo and Bayu bring decades of culinary experience to SAMBEL!. Classically trained chefs, they have worked everywhere from the vibrant food scene of Semarang to some of London's most respected hospitality institutions, including The Savoy, The Landmark London, and Searcy's at The Gherkin. Along the way, they mastered the techniques of professional kitchens while never losing sight of the flavours and traditions they grew up with.
Andrew arrived by a different path. Coming from a background in 3d design, he spent his career focused on creativity, detail, and crafting memorable experiences. Yet food remained a constant passion, and the connection that always brought the three friends back together.
Reunited in London, they noticed something missing. Indonesian food was still unfamiliar to many people, and too often represented by only a handful of dishes. They knew there was so much more to share: the smoky aromas of food cooked over fire, the richness of slow-prepared marinades, the comfort of rice wrapped in banana leaves, and the vibrant character of sambel.
So they stopped talking about it and started cooking.
Every dish at SAMBEL! reflects that journey. The marinades are prepared with patience, the grill is watched closely, and every sambel is balanced until it tastes just right. Our food is shaped by memories of home, years of experience, and a genuine desire to share Indonesia's incredible culinary heritage with new audiences.
Today, SAMBEL! is powered by experience, but driven by passion. We are here to share the food we love in the way we believe it should be shared: boldly, generously, and from the heart.
Pull up a chair. Come hungry, stay curious, and discover Indonesia, one sambel at a time.