Introducing authentic Indonesian flavors to the international market requires more than just culinary expertise. It takes courage to build a business in a foreign country, as well as the support of partners who can help the business grow sustainably.
This spirit is reflected in the journey of Suprapti, the owner of Waroeng Padang Lapek in The Hague, Netherlands. Driven by a passion for Minangkabau cuisine, she grew her business into an Indonesian restaurant well-known among both the local community and the Indonesian diaspora.
As part of this journey, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) is providing financing support to strengthen the business capacity of Waroeng Padang Lapek. This support facilitates the operational expansion of both the restaurant and the central kitchen in The Hague, as well as the opening of a new branch in Amsterdam in 2026.
Established on October 3, 2019, Waroeng Padang Lapek offers a variety of authentic Minangkabau dishes. Located at Schoolstraat 26, The Hague, the restaurant preserves original Padang recipes, ranging from rendang, gulai tunjang, paru balado, and gulai jengkol to kue lupis.
Consistency in maintaining its flavor profile has earned Waroeng Padang Lapek a positive reception from the Indonesian community in the Netherlands as well as local customers.
"From the very beginning, we wanted to offer Padang cuisine with a truly authentic taste. The reception we have received demonstrates that Indonesian cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of the Dutch people," said Suprapti.
In response to rising demand, Waroeng Padang Lapek continues to strengthen its business capacity. One of the measures taken is the operation of a central kitchen at Mercuriusweg 70, The Hague, serving as a hub for food production and distribution.
The facility plays a role in maintaining product quality consistency, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the expansion of the business network in the Netherlands.
To bolster this development, BNI is providing an additional credit facility in 2025 to fund the purchase of the central kitchen property—previously leased—thereby strengthening the business foundation to support the expansion of the restaurant in The Hague and the opening of a new branch in Amsterdam.
The Amsterdam branch is currently undergoing renovations. Once the new branch is operational, Waroeng Padang Lapek will run one central kitchen and two restaurants, located in The Hague and Amsterdam.
Separately, BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan stated that the journey of Waroeng Padang Lapek demonstrates the immense potential of the Indonesian diaspora to showcase the nation's culture through business activities.
"We appreciate Suprapti's enthusiasm in showcasing Indonesia's culinary richness in the Netherlands. For BNI, supporting the Indonesian diaspora goes beyond providing access to financing; it also involves acting as a partner that helps entrepreneurs strengthen their business capacity and expand their reach in the global market," said Putrama.
According to Putrama, strengthening production capacity and expanding networks are crucial steps for businesses to serve a wider market without compromising product quality.
He added that the growth of Waroeng Padang Lapek serves as an example of how collaboration between the banking sector and business owners can create added value for the business while strengthening the presence of Indonesian products and culture on the international stage.
As it enters its 80th year under the theme *Swadharma Bhakti Nagara*, BNI continues to strengthen its role as a growth partner for Indonesian business players, including members of the diaspora developing businesses in various countries.
As part of Indonesia’s Danantara ecosystem, BNI will continue to deliver adaptive and integrated financial solutions to support more Indonesian businesses in expanding their markets and bringing the nation’s products, culture, and identity to the global stage.