Not every restaurant manages to introduce diners to a cuisine they may not encounter often, but Andaliman at The Link, One Za’abeel does exactly that. Perched 100 metres above the city with sweeping views across Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, it offers a menu inspired by Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage. Citrusy Andaliman pepper, aromatic spices and traditional cooking techniques shape a dining experience that feels distinctive from the moment you arrive. Whether you already know Indonesian food well or are discovering it for the first time, this is one to add to your list.
The space
Set high above the city, Andaliman benefits from some of Dubai’s most striking views, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the skyline. The interiors strike a balance between relaxed and refined, with warm earthy tones, natural textures and subtle Indonesian details creating an atmosphere that feels inviting without trying too hard.
As soon as we were seated, the team brought over a refreshing shot of pure coconut water, a small but thoughtful gesture that instantly set a welcoming tone.
The food and drinks
Before the starters even arrived, we were presented with a colourful tray of sambals, one of Indonesia’s staples. Each brought something different to the table, from smoky and rich to citrusy and fiery, encouraging plenty of dipping and mixing throughout the meal.
The Asinan Pindang was a superb opener. Fresh organic sea bream was paired with chayote, passion fruit gel and fragrant Andaliman oil, resulting in a dish that felt bright, refreshing and beautifully balanced. The satays were equally impressive. The Sate Lilit, made with minced shrimp and fish wrapped around a lemongrass stick, was unlike any satay we’d tried before, while the classic Sate Ayam arrived smoky from the grill with a rich peanut sauce that was hard to resist.
For mains, the Nasi Goreng Seafood delivered exactly what you want from Indonesia’s beloved fried rice. With king prawns, baby squid, fish balls and a fried omelette on top, it was comforting and full of flavour. The Kota Jakarta Beef Char Kway Teow was another highlight, with smoky wok-fried flat rice noodles, tender sliced beef, crunchy bean sprouts and just enough chilli to give it a gentle kick.
Dessert was every bit as memorable. The Dadar Gulung, soft pandan pancakes filled with coconut and palm sugar, served with pandan coconut ice cream, was our favourite of the three. The Sarang Semut, an oven-baked caramel cake with salted toffee sauce, was rich without feeling too heavy. The Es Teler Campur, a country-style coconut sundae with jackfruit, avocado, sago pearls and roasted peanuts, was refreshing, creamy and a fitting finale.
We kept drinks simple with fresh watermelon juice, which worked particularly well alongside the food, though the tropical-inspired cocktail and mocktail list also looked appealing.
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The service
The calm, welcoming energy from the team only improves the experience. Service is attentive, and the staff know the menu thoroughly, happily talking guests through the dishes and helping them navigate the flavours if it’s their first time trying Indonesian food.
What’s on the bill
For two people sharing two starters, two mains, two desserts and drinks, expect the bill to come to around Dhs500.
dubai-lifestyle.ae verdict
What stood out most was the freshness of everything on the table. Every dish was vibrant and packed with flavour, hearty enough to satisfy yet light enough to leave room for dessert. Add the views high above the city, the relaxed atmosphere and genuinely warm service, and Andaliman is somewhere we’d happily return to for sunset drinks, a business lunch or dinner.
Where: Level 24, The Link, One Za’abeel
When: Daily, 12pm to 11pm
Contact: (04) 666 1617 or email [email protected] andalimandubai.com
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