Dec 30, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
A Taste of Indonesia in Steamboat Springs
If you are looking for a unique and delicious dining experience in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you might want to check out Sumatera, a small and cozy restaurant that serves authentic Indonesian cuisine. We had the chance to visit this place recently and we enjoyed it so much that we ate there twice while we were in Steamboat. Once take out and once dining in.
FYI: Sumatra is a correct spelling in Indonesian, however, it is popularly and legislatively spelled as Sumatera.
Sumatera is located on Lincoln Avenue, in downtown Steamboat, about 10 minutes from the ski resort. The restaurant is run by Chef Lia, who is from Sumatera, an island in Indonesia. She prepares everything from scratch, using fresh ingredients and spices. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to noodles and curries. You can choose your level of spiciness, from mild to Thai hot.
For an appetizer, we ordered the Pastel, which is an Indonesian empanada. It is a deep-fried puffed pastry filled with savory carrots, potatoes, and vermicelli noodles. It was not specifically marked as vegan but was as close as you could get to it. If you have specific dietary restrictions, make sure to ask before you order. The Pastel came with a sweet chili sauce for dipping. It was crispy and flaky, and the filling was soft and warm. It was a great way to start the meal.
We decided to try the Basil Tauco, which is a stir-fried dish with eggplant, basil, bok choy, onion, peppers, broccoli, carrots, and cabbage in a spicy soy bean sauce. Again, it was not specifically marked as vegan. It was however marked as Gluten Free. We chose tofu as our protein, but you can also have tempeh or chicken if you would like. The dish was also served with a side of steamed rice. The Basil Tauco was amazing, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. The vegetables were crisp and tender, and the tofu was juicy and flavorful. The portion was generous and satisfying for both of us to share.
The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was small, cozy and inviting. The restaurant has only five tables, I am not sure if they take reservations but you can call and ask. We did not have reservations but were able to get a table fairly quickly. Their webpage says “No Reservation needed”. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and quantity of the food. But keep in mind that they do add a 15% gratuity if you get orders to go and it’s over $60. If eating in the restaurant the charge a 20% gratuity for orders over $100 and 25% for parties 5 and over.
Sumatera is a hidden gem in Steamboat Springs, and we highly recommend it to anyone who loves Asian food or wants to try something new. It is a great place to enjoy a taste of Indonesia in the heart of Colorado.
If you have eaten here, we would love to hear about your experience. Please leave a comment below.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
