De Lachende Javaan in Oude Stad

This is a very interesting Indonesian restaurant, as the food is well-prepared. The set menus for two include many dishes, allowing you to sample a wide variety of specialties. The portions are well-proportioned. The desserts are appealing. The price is a bit high, but it's justified. However, the restaurant is quite noisy.

If you love rijsttafel, this is the place to go...

We had a varied rice platter, very, very delicious; no wonder everything has been running so well here for 41 years! Excellent value for money.

Doesn't miss. The rijsttafel options are always great and despite our frequent visits (this will be a favourite with dads) has not gotten samey or boring. Their vegan options are good too! Acoustics can be a bit tricky as the space isn't really proofed for it, and with how busy it gets, the place is usually packed. Don't expect to have an intimate dinner conversation. Instead just laugh boisterously before taking a bite of something nice and spicy!

Best rijsttafel in the Netherlands, tasted in Haarlem! I highly recommend Kunjit rijsttafel. Very good, friendly staff, pleasant atmosphere.

The best Indonesian in Haarlem. Nice atmosphere, friendly staff.

We had a delicious rijsttafel. Highly recommended! There was also plenty of choice for gluten-free options.

This plate combo meal was my best meal in a while. Amazing place, would highly recommend and come back whenever in Haarlem.

Really very good. Warm, family atmosphere.

I’m so glad we were able to eat here! We only had one day and one meal available for dining here, and luckily we were able to get a reservation. First, the atmosphere is incredible. There are so many beautiful decorations and details that are native to their country, and you can tell everything was thoughtfully curated. It made the experience feel not only like a meal, but also a wonderful introduction to the culture. This was my first experience with Indonesian food, so we decided to go with the meat rice table—and wow, it was amazing! There was such an abundance of food, and everything we tried was delicious. You definitely won’t leave hungry! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They took the time to explain the menu and translate anything we couldn’t read, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for a unique, memorable, and immersive dining experience. The food, atmosphere, hospitality, and cultural experience all came together beautifully.

A really good rijsttafel. We especially enjoyed the rendang; the restaurant was cozy and child-friendly, and the staff was very friendly. Reservations are definitely recommended on weekends.

I took the Rijsttafel and it was amazing 😍

What a search we had to find a really good restaurant in Haarlem. Finally, after a few suggestions from colleagues, we had a ‘delicious meal!’ Highly recommended 👍🏼👍🏼 👍🏼

The rice table and the typical beverages were amazing, and the service was very good

This place is supposedly iconic. It's truly delicious, and the service is fast. For a group of at least two people, you can order a "board" (though it's not a board; the dishes are hot, I don't remember the name, but there are three to choose from) and try a few dishes.

It’s not everyday that you find a perfect restaurant but this may be one of them. I knew the Netherlands is famous for their Indonesian food and wanted to try the cuisine. I made a reservation weeks ago and was sat promptly (even a little bit early). The restaurant itself is beautiful! Perfectly decorated and spacious with a Southeast Asian charm. The staff are all incredibly friendly and treat you like family. They are open to any questions and seem to take a lot of pride in their food and your experience. For those who are not Dutch speakers don’t worry, their English is perfect and they even have English menus. We ordered two teas which were tasty and the tasting menu. You have to try this! They bring out a sampling of small dishes and everything I had was fantastic. Great meats and mains, expertly cooked vegetables, and even some palate cleansers. This is a restaurant that you must try!

We had a great meal and a very pleasant atmosphere. Richard assisted us well.

You will leave here and wonder why you don't live closer. Just get one of the full menu spreads and be happy for it.

We had the rijsttafel and it was fantastic. A very lovely evening. And don't be put off by the reservation system. It said we were fully booked, but a phone call got us a table. Luckily. Definitely do it.

Authentic Indonesian food in lovely setting, with super friendly staff. Maybe the food is something on the ’sweet’ side, not spicy at all, but very tasty which seems to be the region it originates from. Warmly recommend and will come back.

Delicious food and good atmosphere

What a lovely ‘new’ discovery in Haarlem, where there is already so much nice and tasty food. Had a great meal and the people were super friendly. We will definitely be back. Thanks for this little moment of pure bliss.:)

A great location, the food was excellent, and the staff were very friendly. It's worth it!

Great restaurant, good service and delicious food. I say it's a winner.

Delicious, authentic Indonesian food. Caring, knowledgeable staff.

Great, therefore 5 stars for everything

Definitely a good choice for an authentic rijsttafel. The service is good and there is also child-friendly food. We will be happy to pass on the tip.

I just discovered my new favorite Indonesian restaurant! And that says everything! PERFECT PLACE

A very nice restaurant where delicious dishes are served. The restaurant brings you the atmosphere of the Dutch East Indies, with KLM posters featuring propeller plane flights. On the table, you will find the menu, which also doubles as a nice little newspaper about the restaurant. The food is pleasantly spicy (but not too spicy). The taste is exquisite, and the portions are a good size.

This is a gorgeous establishment in every sense. The first time, we managed to book a table for 5 pax at 8:45pm. Food was beautiful. I went back a second time without reservations (because it was fully booked but I decided to rock up anyway) and I got lucky only because it was 5:55pm and it was just 2 pax - somehow I don’t think it’s due to my charms. We got through our meal in 45 minutes as promised so they could seat their 7pm reservation. So I promised to always book ahead 2 days in advance.

Incredibly good food, very attentive service, and overall a truly authentic experience. Highly recommended! Make sure to book in advance.

As an Indonesian, I can rightfully say that the food is good and I can recommend this restaurant. It is as if my own mother had cooked! Selamat Ibu Bapak tadi kita berdua makan di restauran anda. Makanan yang disiapkan sama seperti Ibu saya masak.

We had a delicious rijsttafel at this lovely restaurant! The food is delicious and the atmosphere is completely in keeping with the restaurant's theme! Friendly staff and the service is fast! All in all a positive experience and definitely recommended! We will certainly be back.

10/10 Best Indo in North Holland!

We had a super good rijsttafel at this beautiful restaurant. The service was also great. Thank you!

What an amazing restaurant this is! We went out for dinner here yesterday with a team outing. You really get a lot of food and there is something for everyone. You can help yourself to whatever you want. The food tastes absolutely delicious! Full of flavor, well cooked, and with surprising and varied tastes. And there was more than enough. Super tasty! In addition, the service is very friendly and the decor is really nice, which adds to the atmosphere.

We are happy to drive an hour to come and eat here. The delicious Kuning rijsttafel is our favorite.

Had a good meal & good service!

Had a delicious meal, but hardly any zero drinks.

We enjoyed this culinary journey once again; it remains unsurpassed. What completes the experience is the beautiful, authentic Javanese atmosphere in which everything takes place. In a time when consistently high quality is no longer always a given, you never compromise on that..BRAVO! Matur Nuwun

Great location. Friendly service. The food was fantastic. I've rarely eaten so well. The cuisine is unique. A must-try. I recommend the rijsttafel (rice table). It allows you to sample many dishes, similar to tapas.

The food was delicious as always, but despite having a reservation, we had to wait over an hour for our meal.

It was my first time trying Indonesian food, and I absolutely don’t regret it. From the overall experience and atmosphere to the food itself, everything was amazing. I had a mouthwatering cod fillet that will definitely stay in my memory for a long time. As a tourist coming from Palestine, it was refreshing to try something beyond Levant cuisine, especially since we’re so used to our own rich food culture. This place truly felt like a 7-star experience. I loved the vibe, the people working there, and the hospitality overall. Everyone visiting the Netherlands should definitely give this place a try.

Exactly as we had hoped. A rijsttafel with many flavors, and everything was delicious. It was served quickly, and the staff was very friendly and attentive.

The menu is quite overwhelming and some more explanations of the different dishes would help. In our case it did not matter that much because we chose the rijesttafel where you get a lot of different food to taste. The whole table was full with different things to try. Everything tasted amazing and we were so happy to find this nice place. Thank you

Infinitely delicious! Nice to share such different dishes. Everything was top-notch. Highly recommended. Also for vegetarians.

Delicious food. Highly recommended. Excellent German-speaking service. Would gladly come again.

Our first time trying Indonesian food, and it was super delicious! We took the rice spread and loved everything we tried. We were absolutely stuffed at the end - wish we had room for dessert! Cozy and nicely decorated space as well. The only thing was it was hard to flag down someone for water - and for spicy food it was a must 😅 but overall would definitely come back!

Grate food first time I ever had indonision

What an exquisite experience! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was relaxing and the service excellent! Sarah our waitress, was warm, friendly and welcoming and went out of her way to explain the dishes to us. Highly recommended!!!

We had made an online reservation via Google, which unfortunately didn't reach the restaurant. Next time we'll book directly with the restaurant !!! However, the incredibly friendly staff found us a table for 2 1/2 hours. We thoroughly enjoyed the many different delicacies of the "Kuning" rice table. We will surely plan a return visit 😋

Authentic Indonesian food in a beautiful Indonesian restaurant. My wife is Indonesian, and if she says it's good, that says a lot!! Be sure to make a reservation, otherwise there's a very good chance you won't get a table.

Great atmosphere and fantastic service, and we had a delicious meal for a reasonable price. Highly recommended.

This was our first time eating here. We did so on my sister's recommendation. It turned out our father used to eat here often (I didn't know that). He was a huge fan of Indonesian cuisine himself, and so are we. Our Indonesian roots come from Java. What a wonderful place to eat. So authentic. We will definitely be eating here more often.

What amazing quality Indonesian Javanese rijsttafel we ate, and the very friendly meeting with the family of this restaurant, which has been in existence for 40 years, in the center of Haarlem. Everything is perfect: the welcome, the seating, the space, and the cozy interior, made with taste and a personal touch. The food is exquisite; rarely have I eaten Indonesian food this delicious. The toilets are very clean... But above all, the service is so delightful, and very importantly, we don't just come to eat, but above all to get a taste and an experience.... We can eat at home, but here you are completely away from it all... hang in there, Helling family

If you want to eat really good Indonesian food, you have to come here. The staff is amazing, and the food is even better. I can recommend this to everyone!!!

Super friendly staff and the food arrived quickly. The beers and rijsttafel were delicious. The only downside was that the spekkoek was a bit dry.

We enjoyed our fantastic meal at De Lachende Javaan. The food was delicious. Each dish was cooked well. We would come again next time we are in Haarlem.

Super delicious food, highly recommended. Fast service and friendly staff!!

Had a very tasty meal. Very friendly staff. Just a shame that there couldn't be a refill...

We had a delicious rijsttafel kuning (rice table). We finished it all, and it wasn't because there wasn't enough; no, it was absolutely delicious. We're not light eaters. We couldn't resist dessert, but they were quite large. If you can share, that's my advice. Friendly service, quite a large restaurant.

A little piece of Indonesia close to home. The rijsttafel was delicious!

We've eaten here about six times now, and the food is truly delicious! The quality and taste are perfect and authentic. It's a cozy restaurant, and despite being busy, there's plenty of space between tables, ensuring plenty of privacy. What strikes us every time is the energy of the wait staff. While not unfriendly, that's about it; there's no warm welcome or customer interaction. It always feels like, "Well, we're open again, we have to get back to business." We hate to have to put it that way, but after so many visits, we've experienced it no differently.

The food was excellent! The Rijsttafel is highly recommended.

I cannot recommend De Lachende Javaan enough! This was my first time ever having Indonesian food, and I am now a huge fan. We ordered the Rijsttafel Biasa (they had a few option to choose from) which consisting of various small, delicious dishes served over warmers. Every single bite was amazing, and even the smallest menu option left us feeling very full and satisfied. The service was just as good as the food. We made the mistake of not booking a reservation (this place is super popular!), but the owner was so friendly. He saw we were visiting for the day and kindly found a way to seat us for a quick dinner before their bookings arrived. Great atmosphere, accommodating staff, and incredible flavors. Make sure you reserve a table so you don't miss out!

Found this Indonesian restaurant in Haarlem with great reviews and decided to try it. We went right when they opened and didn’t realize reservations were required—everything was fully booked 😅 We told them we could eat fast and asked nicely if they could fit us in. The owner was super kind, especially after finding out we were visiting from out of town, and let us dine before the reservation guests arrived. Really appreciated the hospitality. We ordered the Rijsttafel Biasa (rice table) for two. It came with a variety of small dishes served on a heated tray, so you get to sample different vegetables and meats in a bunch of flavorful sauces. Honestly, everything was delicious. We were so full and satisfied by the end. We ate pretty fast so we wouldn’t hold up the table, but I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more if we could’ve taken our time. Highly recommend this place—just make sure to book a reservation in advance!

It was a treat to eat here again! This time we had the plate service: a plate with several dishes on it. (Based on multiple visits).

I’m Indonesian and decided to try this place, the taste was absolutely authentic and truly reminded me of home. The food deserves a 5/5 for its original Indonesian flavors and quality. The service was very friendly, and the menu offers a great variety of dishes. I will definitely come back here whenever I’m in Haarlem.

Great vegan food! Lovely staff ❤️❤️❤️

Nice exotic, spicy, tasty Indonesian food. Warm welcome, great service. Must try the rice plate with great variety of tastes.

Great restaurant, delicious food 👌

The food is delicious! I've been there twice in a short time. Highly recommended.

Last night, two of us dined at De Lachende Javaan. We'd been wanting to eat here for a while, but the reservations were always full, and now we understand why! We had a delicious rijsttafel Kuning with a portion of bami. The bami was without a doubt the best we've ever had, and the Kuning was also very flavorful. The other rijsttafel dishes were perfect! The service was good, funny, and customer-friendly (which is unfortunately becoming rare). The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere and is perfectly in keeping with the style. The peek into the kitchen is also a great success. In short, perfect!

Delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Reservations are a must.

This is a very cozy and good restaurant. Not overly fancy, but a full table with many tasty dishes.

Authentic Indian food in a nice atmosphere with good service.

Last night I dined at De Lachende Javaan in Haarlem for the second time, and what a special experience it was. From the moment I walked in, I felt like I'd stepped into Indonesia. The warm atmosphere, the aromas from the kitchen, and the friendly smiles of the staff made it feel instantly familiar. Every dish was delicious and authentic, with the satay as the absolute highlight. With the first bite, you immediately taste an explosion of flavors – rich, refined, and exactly how you'd hope Indonesian food would taste. I also loved the original menu. Not just for the dishes, but especially because it reflects the family's history and the origins of De Lachende Javaan. And that personal story isn't just reflected on paper: subtle elements have also been incorporated into the restaurant itself, referencing the roots and rich family history. This gives the whole experience an extra warm and authentic dimension. A warm, welcoming place where the passion for food and culture is palpable. Definitely recommended – I'd love to come back!

Delicious food and friendly people

The reaction to my review is a shame. I wrote it because I didn't really feel heard the evening I shared our experience. And returning, no, I won't be doing that anytime soon after the last experience. My daughter and son-in-law invited us for dinner, and since we had a delicious meal there once, and the atmosphere was great, we thought it would be nice to eat there again. There were five of us. It's a shame that we had a completely different evening this time. The soup was served, and we asked for sambal, but the waitress showed up with a small container of peppercorns. We asked the waitress again for sambal, but she was busy with other things, so we were given a small container when the soup was almost finished. We asked for another drink, but the waitress probably forgot. I went to the bar and told another employee that we'd like another drink and that we'd already ordered one. The waitress brought the drinks and put them on the table without saying a word. I received my main course a little later than the others at the table. I hadn't finished my plate before everything was cleared, and before I could even say I'd like it in a bowl, it was already gone. I was still eating my dessert when my tablemates' plates were cleared, and the bill was placed on the table. It was all very rushed and not very friendly. We felt like we had to make room for the people at the table next to us because they had brought one more person so they could have our table. What should have been a pleasant and enjoyable evening, something we were really looking forward to, turned into an evening with a bad aftertaste. It's a real shame, and I certainly wouldn't recommend this restaurant a third time, as we did after our first meal here. It's such a shame!

What a wonderful, charming restaurant! The staff were incredibly friendly. The four of us opted for a rijsttafel (rice table) and our table was filled with bowls. They came once to ask if we wanted more rice, and we got it. It was a pleasantly busy place with the long tables!

Fantastic restaurant. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and extremely friendly staff. Nothing to complain about.

Delicious authentic Indonesian food.

I made a reservation with a time slot, as it was busy. Unfortunately, the table wasn't available yet. There wasn't enough space to wait comfortably and relaxed. There's room for improvement: a wider slot or waiting area. I had the vegetarian rijsttafel (rice table) for three. The service was quick and friendly, with a touch of humor. They came up with the idea of ​​serving dessert as a sweet drink. The restaurant has a good reputation with good reviews and is always busy, so take this with a grain of salt. The tempeh skewer with soy was delicious, and the grilled tempeh disk topped with fine tomato and spring onion was good. Jackfruit tasted good, but wasn't particularly flavorful and more of an unappetizing bowl. In my opinion, there were a bit too many peanuts with coconut and sweet and sour dishes. The vegetables were nice and fresh, but the taste was good, not exceptional, a bit ordinary. I had homemade brownie with coconut ice cream for dessert. Yes, it was delicious, with a good texture and a nice flavor. The presentation was nice. We finished everything, and the rest tasted fine, but I can't quite share the euphoria. But of course there is much more on the menu.

Delicious food and great service

I recently had a lovely time at De Lachende Javaan in Haarlem and felt compelled to share. The restaurant is warm and inviting — the kind of place that feels just right for a celebration or a relaxed night out with friends and family. We were there for a small get-together and the staff made the whole evening feel special: attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Service was amazing from start to finish. Now for the food — outstanding. We tried the ayam goreng mentega, and while the sauce is a little different from the Indonesian version I’m used to, it was delicious. You can really taste the rich buttery flavors; the sauce complemented the chicken nicely and felt indulgent in the best way. It’s a lovely twist on a classic that still keeps the comforting notes I love. We also had pecel, which was fresh and tasty. The vegetables were crisp and the peanut-based dressing was flavorful without being overpowering — a very satisfying, balanced dish. For dessert we went for the fried bananas and dadar gulung. The fried bananas were spot on: crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, very much like the Indonesian style I remember. They were a perfect end to the meal. The dadar gulung was okay — a touch dry for us, but that’s likely because we ended up having it the next day. Even so, the crepe-like skin/wrapper was nice and soft, and when fresh I think it would be even better. Small things like that didn’t take away from an otherwise excellent dining experience. Overall, De Lachende Javaan strikes a great balance between friendly service, a cozy atmosphere, and tasty food with some delightful twists. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a comforting, flavorful meal in Haarlem, I’d definitely recommend stopping by. A must-visit when you’re in the area — we’ll certainly be back.

Extremely delicious! Better to make a reservation (on a Tuesday in late October)

How lovely! Beautiful historic building.

We both had the vegetarian rames plates and they were fantastic! Probably the best tempeh I’ve ever had. The staff were very nice and all the old KLM posters were fun, but I’d come back here for the tempeh regardless.

We had a delicious meal, the rice tables are delicious snacks.

Delicious food. Highly recommended for good Indonesian food.

Food and service were excellent. Reservations are recommended.

Super friendly service. The restaurant is quite large and divided into two rooms. We enjoyed our nasi rames meal, fresh and deliciously seasoned. We'll definitely be back.

Delicious food and great service!

Our group of Netherlands-Indonesian decent visited ‘De Lachende Javaan’ ‘The Smiling Javanese’. Our expectations are high as we travel to the Indonesian archipelago several times a year. Our reference is not the European hotel style Indonesian cuisine, but the traditional local Warung. This restaurant ‘De Lachende Javaan’ truly deserves a 5 star.

Amazing Indonesian banquet. Amazing flavours & generous portions. Highly recommended.

Authentic Indonesian! Delicious food, lovely people, and a wonderful atmosphere.

This place is incredible! We turned up about 9pm on a Tuesday evening and the place was packed! We had to wait a short while to be seated due to it being so busy but we were happy to wait! We ordered the large rice table - absolutely everything we had was insanely delicious! The waitress was so friendly, so helpful when it came to ordering and taking our leftover food home with us but we also had a really nice chat with her about her Indonesian roots and where we were from! The little newspaper style menus we had explained about the restaurant having the largest collection of posters in the country (on Dutch East Indies/Indonesia) and it was amazing to be able to see the collection around the restaurant as you’re eating! It’s such a lovely warm welcoming place. I’m definitely going to make a trip back to Haarlem sometime and I’ll definitely be visiting here again! I’ll also be recommending this place to anyone I know visiting the Netherlands - really did have an amazing time here ❤️

The best Indonesian food outside of Indonesia—even the restaurants in The Hague can't match it. Johan (the owner), thanks for the advice for our next trip to the Emerald Belt.

We'd heard from many friends that we should eat here sometime, and now it was finally happening. Our high expectations were more than met. The food was truly delicious, the service superb—a top-notch restaurant!

Real good Indonesian food. Nice staff. Always a pleasure.