The Story Behind Warung Leko

While ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken) was already common across Indonesia, Warung Leko became one of the pioneers that introduced Iga Penyet to the Indonesian dining scene in 2006.

Surabaya has its own food culture, distinct from what most Singaporeans know of Indonesian cuisine. The food is bolder, the sambals are sharper, and the dishes carry a confidence that comes from generations of people cooking the same things the same way.

At the time, Indonesian penyet dishes were mostly made with chicken, tofu, tempeh, or fish. Beef ribs were rarely served this way. Warung Leko saw an opportunity to create something different — tender beef ribs paired with fiery sambal and traditional Indonesian flavours.

What began as a humble eatery in Surabaya quickly became popular through word of mouth. Diners travelled across cities for the tender ribs, bold sambal, and authentic Indonesian comfort food experience.

Today, Warung Leko has grown to more than 40 outlets across Indonesia and is widely recognised as one of Indonesia’s most iconic Iga Penyet brands. Warung Leko in Singapore, the idea was straightforward: serve the well known brand, authentic indonesian food just as how it’s being served in Indonesia in Singapore. The Iga Penyet on the menu is the same recipe. The Tahu Telor, a Surabaya egg and tofu dish, is made the way it is made back home. The Sup Buntut is slow-cooked. Nothing is rushed.

Why the name Warung Leko

A warung is a small, family-run eatery. The word is common across Indonesia and carries a particular meaning: simple food, made properly, without pretension. It is the opposite of a restaurant that is trying to impress you - a warung feeds you.

Leko or Lekoh, the feeling of eating something so good you really savour it. A Surabaya-area usage describes "lekoh" as an expression of eating with deep enjoyment because the food tastes so good almost like "eating with real satisfaction" 

What the restaurant is known for

Warung Leko has built its reputation on the Iga Penyet, and the restaurant is currently ranked number one for Iga Penyet in Singapore. But regulars know that the menu goes well beyond the beef ribs. The Tahu Telor has a following of its own. The Es Kopyor, made with a rare coconut variety that Warung Leko sources specifically for the restaurant, is something you will not find anywhere else in Singapore.

The restaurant is fully halal. All ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. There is no alcohol.

Come and eat

Warung Leko Singapore is located at 162 Rochor Road at Bugis Village, just a short 2-minute walk from Bugis MRT Exit A. If you are visiting Bugis Street, you can easily spot our restaurant near the popular Art Lane area.

Situated in one of Singapore’s busiest dining districts, the restaurant is popular with office crowds, families, tourists, and diners looking for authentic halal Indonesian food in Bugis.

Warung Leko Singapore is fully halal-certified. Whether you are dining with family, friends, colleagues, or visitors from overseas, Warung Leko is a welcoming halal dining destination in Bugis where everyone can enjoy authentic Indonesian cuisine together.

Lunch and dinner periods can get busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended for larger groups. Warung Leko | Reservations

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations can be made here: Warung Leko | Reservations