Diaspora Develops Culinary Business in the Netherlands with BNI Support
Introducing authentic Indonesian flavours to the international market is no easy feat. It requires not only culinary skill but also sound management and capital. Suprapti, the owner of Waroeng Padang Lapek in Den Haag, Netherlands, has managed to do just that. Armed with a passion for Minangkabau cuisine, she has grown her business into a restaurant recognised by both the local community and the Indonesian diaspora.
In this journey, PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, or BNI, provided financing support to strengthen Waroeng Padang Lapek’s business capacity. This support has helped bolster operational development for the restaurant and its central kitchen in Den Haag, as well as the planned opening of a new branch in Amsterdam in 2026.
Established on 3 October 2019, Waroeng Padang Lapek offers a variety of authentic Minangkabau dishes. Located on Schoolstraat in Den Haag, the restaurant maintains original Padang recipes, from rendang and gulai tunjang to paru balado, gulai jengkol, and kue lupis. This consistency in preserving flavour has earned Waroeng Padang Lapek a positive reception from both Indonesians living in the Netherlands and local customers.
“From the beginning, we wanted to present Padang cuisine with a truly authentic taste. The reception we have received shows that Indonesian cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of the Dutch people,” Suprapti said.
As demand increased, Waroeng Padang Lapek continued to strengthen its business capacity. One key step was operating a central kitchen at Mercuriusweg 70 in Den Haag, serving as a food production and distribution centre. This facility plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent product quality, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the expansion of the business network in the Netherlands.
To further support this development, BNI provided an additional credit facility in 2025. The funds were used to purchase the central kitchen property, which was previously rented, thereby strengthening the business foundation to support the restaurant’s expansion in Den Haag and the opening of the new branch in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam branch is currently undergoing building renovation. Once operational, Waroeng Padang Lapek will run one central kitchen and two restaurants located in Den Haag and Amsterdam.
Separately, BNI President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan stated that Waroeng Padang Lapek’s journey demonstrates the significant potential of the Indonesian diaspora in promoting the nation’s culture through business activities. “We appreciate Suprapti’s spirit in introducing the richness of Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands. For BNI, supporting the Indonesian diaspora is not just about providing access to financing, but also about being a partner that helps business players strengthen their capacity and expand their reach in the global market,” Putrama said.
According to Putrama, strengthening production capacity and expanding the network are crucial stages for business players to serve a wider market without compromising product quality. He added that Waroeng Padang Lapek’s development is an example of how collaboration between the banking sector and business players can create added value for the business while strengthening the presence of Indonesian products and culture internationally.
As it enters its 80th year with the theme Swadharma Bhakti Nagara, BNI continues to strengthen its role as a growth partner for Indonesian business players, including the diaspora developing businesses in various countries. As part of the Badan Pengelola Investasi Daya Anagata Nusantara (BPI Danantara) ecosystem, BNI will continue to deliver adaptive and integrated financial solutions to support more Indonesian business players in expanding their markets and bringing the nation’s products, culture, and identity to the global stage.