Indo Ranch

Finding good Indonesian food in Orange County was somehow challenging before Indo Ranch opened in Lake Forest. And though it went through a very rough patch before it closed in 2024, angering long-time customers, it was for a time one of the best local options available.

We visited the small, obviously family-owned market years ago to find a humble seating area with a nice menu – a handful of appetizers, rice and fried rice dishes, and fried noodle dishes, including some favorites: grilled lamb skewers (Satay Kambing) and spicy Mie Goreng egg noodles, served here with chicken rather than seafood, and pickled vegetables. Between these solid items, fresh cooked roti paratha, and a durian milkshake, we were quite happy; fans of other Indo classics such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice with chicken, beef, fish, or tofu) had plenty of options, too.

Indo Ranch went through a change of management and menu in 2023, and after a series of fits and starts, appears to have fully closed as of late 2024. We’re holding out hope for a remodel and rethink of the concept, as closing any option for Indonesian here feels like a major loss, given both community interest in the cuisine and its potential for hugely engaging meals.