Only yesterday I was told about this hidden gem so I went down to grab a bit of lunch for my family who are doing some reno’s just up the road.  The Bagus Café has been open since December last year so I don’t know how I hadn’t bloody heard of it.  Living just up the road I have driven past this place many times however I had no idea they sold Indonesian food (even though Bagus means good in Indonesian).  The lovely owner Sri moved up from Melbourne with her family in 2013 to open the Bagus Café.

I ordered takeaway this time however there is a handful of tables of chairs out the front should you choose to ‘dine in’.  All the food is made fresh on-site which meant about a 15 minute wait for the three dishes that I ordered.  Knowing the food is cooked to order I didn’t mind the wait at all.  With traditional dishes like Nasi Goreng, Satay and Rendang it’s one of only two places I know in Cairns that sells Indonesian food (the other being the Bayleaf of course).  For the non traditional eaters there is also a selection of Western breakfast and lunch fare including a Smoked Beef Breakfast Burrito with Jalapeno’s that sounds right up my alley.

Takeaway Nasi Goreng with Chicken (AU$13)

Takeaway Indonesian Satay (AU$13)

Occupying a small space out the front of the backpackers across the road from Muddies the Bagus Café is quaint, unassuming and kind of like the real roadside experience in Indo.  Located at 149 The Esplanade Bagus is open daily for breakfast and lunch from 6.45am – 3pm and for dinner on Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday from 5.30pm – 8.30pm with nothing on the menu over AU$16.  Don’t forget to ask for some of their spicy Anchovy Sambal!