From Padang, Indonesia to America: Bold, Spicy, Unstoppable Flavor

At Rendang Republic, we're bringing the boldest, most authentic Padang flavors straight to Chicago—and trust us, this is the kind of food that’ll make you fall in love. Padang food? It’s basically the darling of Indonesian cuisine, hailing from West Sumatra and packed with rich, deep flavors with protein braised for 8 hours in spices, aromatics, and coconut milk. It’s the kind of food that takes your taste buds on a ride, layering spice, depth, and history with every bite. But we didn’t just want to bring it here—we wanted to elevate it, keeping all that fire while making it something you can crave every day.

Our founder, Rizal Hamdallah, carries that Padang pride with him. Born and raised in Indonesia with deep roots in Padang, he saw a gap in the Windy City: no one was serving the bold flavors of his hometown. That’s when he met Chef John Avila, the mastermind behind Minahasa, another beloved Indonesian restaurant. Together, they knew Chicago—and maybe even America—was ready for its first-ever Padang restaurant. And what better way to kick things off than with Rendang, the coconut-braised masterpiece that’s the crown jewel of Indonesian cuisine?

Now, we’re here to change the game and give you an experience that feels like home, no matter where you're from. Get ready—because at Rendang Republic, it’s more than food—it’s a movement.