It's Java

It’s Java first opened as an Indonesian-inspired cafe in the Grey Lynn area off Ponsonby Rd, serving Indonesian specials alongside Western classics and regular flat whites. It must have become clear to them that what the people really wanted — and came to them for — was the Indonesian food, a rarity in Tāmaki Makaurau. So they pivoted. And they pivoted again, recently moving to Karangahape Rd and leaning fully into a fun, street-food-experience vibe, with colourful tables and vibrant wall art. It suits the food, which is full of flavour and can be hot as hell (especially that sambal that always gets put on the table). It’s also generous: in the way a lot of the dishes that we like are designed for sharing (such as the Javanese rijsttafel), and also in the friendly service from the staff who work here. Lunchtimes are a particularly good time to drop in for an affordable eat, as a $15 menu is available on weekdays from 12–2pm. Bargain!