If you think sambal is just a sidekick, think again. At Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal, it is the main event. This Indonesian eatery, newly opened in Carlton, Melbourne, offers a fiery deep-dive into sambal culture with 20 distinct varieties of the beloved chilli condiment, each offering a unique taste of Indonesia’s regional spice traditions.

A Taste of Home for Indonesians—and a Spicy Adventure for Everyone Else

Waroeng SS is no small-time player. With over 100 outlets across Indonesia and a few in Malaysia, this is the first Australian branch of the iconic brand. Located on Lygon Street, near Elgin Street, the restaurant is decked out in cheerful yellow with efficient staff in red uniforms and a prayer room upstairs—a thoughtful nod to its halal customer base.

Menus are digital, accessed via QR code, and start with the sambal selection: think raw shrimp paste sambal, green mango sambal, or chunky garlic sambal in hot oil. These aren't just condiments; they’re bold flavor components designed to mix and match with your meal.

Affordable, Customizable, and Packed with Flavour

The menu is designed for flexibility. Choose your sambal, add a protein—like grilled chicken thigh, fried catfish, or beef—and pair it with simple veggie sides such as sautéed kangkung (water spinach) or crunchy beans. Want a spice break? Gado-gado or an omelette offers a milder counterpoint to the heat.

Most items are priced under $12, making this a budget-friendly spot that doesn’t compromise on authenticity. However, the abundance of options makes it easy for the bill to creep up if you’re not careful (but who could blame you?).

Sambal Is the Star

For many Indonesians, a meal without sambal is like fries without ketchup or dumplings without vinegar—unthinkable. This restaurant captures that sentiment beautifully. It’s not just about heat; it's about flavor. From fruity and fermented to dry and oily, each sambal tells a different story.

The experience is fast, spicy, and casual—ideal for both sambal devotees and curious foodies. Pair your meal with a cooling avocado juice or their signature herbal ginger and lemongrass drink to balance the fire.

Visit Waroeng SS Carlton

📍 Address: 169 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne
📞 Phone: 0405 073 658
🌐 Website: waroengss.au
📸  Instagram: @waroengss.au
🍽️ Delivery: Available via Uber Eats
🕒 Opening Hours:

• Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Monday: Closed

Whether you grew up with sambal or you’re just starting your spicy journey, Waroeng SS brings a flavorful, authentic, and affordable slice of Indonesia to Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene.