Build Dinner Out of Fragrant, Spicy Indonesian Snacks on Alberta Street

"Start with an assortment of snacks. Balance a couple fritters ($4.75 per order), like the beef-filled martabak daging or the cabbage-based bala bala, with the rujak serut: pineapple, papaya, jicama, peanuts, and cucumber in a tangy, spicy tamarind dressing."

"The lontong cap go meh ($22) is a must. Chewy cakes of compressed rice are served with chayote, seitan, fried tofu, and boiled egg, topped with flower-shaped krupuk crackers and tied together with a coconutty broth fragrant with shrimp paste."

"Pasar is the only spot in town that regularly serves kueh ($3.50 each) - small, colorful, lightly sweetened desserts, from pandan sponge cake to jackfruit pudding with tapioca pearls. For those with a sweet tooth, take note: The menu informs diners that these can be eaten before, during, or after a meal."

Pasar is Portland's second Indonesian restaurant from Jakarta-born restaurateur Feny, following her 2019 opening of Wajan. The restaurant draws inspiration from Jakarta's markets, featuring a dining concept centered on shareable snacks and desserts. The menu showcases authentic Indonesian cuisine including fritters, rujak serut with tamarind dressing, lontong cap go meh with coconutty broth, and kueh desserts. The restaurant uniquely serves kueh regularly, small colorful lightly sweetened treats available before, during, or after meals. Decor incorporates Indonesian shadow puppetry elements, and cocktails feature arak. Many menu items accommodate vegan preferences, and diners can customize heat levels with various sambals.

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