Hardena

"Hardena, a small corner spot near East Passyunk, has a lot of choices. For your meat-eating friends, there’s beef rendang and a goat stew to top their rice plate. But for vegetarians, there’s even better stuff, like tempeh and vegetables in a sweet soy sauce, and some of the best collard greens we’ve ever had. Plus, if you don’t want to take it to go, there are a few tables where you can hang out and BYOB." - candis mclean

"On nights you’d rather not sit in a dining room for 90 minutes, get takeout from Hardena in West Passyunk. They serve Indonesian food that changes daily and usually comes over a big pile of rice. Mix and match whatever looks good to you, but we highly recommend the beef rendang that’s caramelized and slow-cooked in coconut milk, along with the collard greens. There are a few tables where you can sit inside, but there’s no shame in taking yours to go and eating it while watching reruns on your couch." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"When we’ve had a hard week of seeing all our friends’ vacation posts, we head to Hardena. And with limited seating and no reservations, we suggest you plan ahead before stopping by this South Philly Indonesian BYOB. Whether we’re ordering our favorite beef rendang to go or uncorking a bottle of wine with a few friends, the great service, massive portions, and tenderness of the caramelized beef can’t be beaten. Plus, you can get a plate of food here for under $20." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"The Meal: Sayur Singkong and Beef Rendang, $13 The menu at this South Philly Indonesian restaurant varies daily, but you can always find beef rendang ($8) and sayur singkong ($5). If you head there during the week and avoid the crowds, the plate of braised, caramelized beef in coconut milk and tender collard greens will taste even better. Instead of reheating day-old pizza or making another air fryer meal, get a large, aromatic curry that’s worth crossing town for." - candis mclean

"Diana and Maylia Widjojo’s delightful buffet in South Philly has a rotating menu of outstanding Southeast Asian halal cuisine. Come here and try their sour-spicy fried chicken ayam, slow-cooked beef rendang curry, and other comfort foods that will make this place a personal dining staple." - Ernest Owens