Food Spread 39.jpg

bone kettle, your new favorite southeast asian neighborhood restaurant in old town pasadena.

Southeast Asian Kitchen & Bar, right in the heart of Old Town Pasadena- bone kettle is a proudly family run and operated business by the Tjahyadi brothers & their father.

Since 2017 #onlyinoldpas

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, we rarely found Southeast Asian businesses that succinctly spotlight Indonesian, Filipino & Malaysian food and flavors in an elegant and inspired way. From there, our idea was born.

Our mission at bone kettle is to re-think what Southeast Asian cuisine is supposed to be. A re-claiming of our past and a reinterpretation of beloved dishes for the new generation.

flavors inspired by Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia & Singapore

flavors inspired by Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia & Singapore

Nasi goreng from bone kettle in pasadena, california.

Join Us

We are open daily for dinners from 4:30pm - 9:00pm. Weekend brunch are on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00am - 2:30pm. Friday lunches from 11:00am - 2:30pm. Reservations for dine-in are highly recommended.


Private Event / Catering?

We can help you with your private party and event catering. Our indoor terrace is the perfect space for celebration and events

What LA’s Food Critics Are Saying

Discover why LA’s top food critics and publications are raving about bone kettle in Old Town Pasadena.

“When COVID-19 shut outdoor dining and emptied their once‑packed communal tables, Old Town Pasadena’s family‑run Bone Kettle refused to fold—pivoting to takeout, selling baked goods, PPE, dog toys, and packaged feasts to keep its bone‑broth lifeline simmering through the crisis.”

“Ali Landry shares that during the holidays she ‘picks her battles’—including sipping nourishing bone broth for dinner to stay on track.”

“LA Weekly’s visual tour celebrates how Bone Kettle transforms its namesake bone broth into a vehicle for Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s vibrant, Southeast‑Asian–inspired small plates that elevate the New American dining scene.”

Eric Nam Chose Bone Kettle for His Ultimate Food Deathmatch — Here's Why

When Korean-American artist and global food enthusiast Eric Nam was looking for the perfect battleground for his "Nam Noms Deathmatch" challenge, he didn't just pick any Pasadena restaurant — he picked Bone Kettle.

The viral YouTube video, filmed right here at our Old Town Pasadena location, features Eric Nam taking on our menu in a head-to-head food showdown that's equal parts chaotic, delicious, and deeply satisfying to watch. And honestly? We don't blame him for choosing us.

Our 36-hour bone broth, Indonesian-inspired small plates, and bold Southeast Asian flavors have a way of making people competitive. Whether it's the oxtail dumplings, the garlic prawns, or the brisket noodle bowl — every dish at Bone Kettle is built to be unforgettable.

Eric Nam knows good food. And good food — the kind rooted in culture, craft, and community — is exactly what Chef Erwin Tjahyadi has been bringing to Pasadena since 2017.

Meet the Team

  • Executive chef Erwin Tjahyadi at bone kettle in pasadena, california.

    Erwin Tjahyadi

    EXECUTIVE CHEF

  • Sous chef Donna Famisan at bone kettle in pasadena, california.

    Donna Famisan

    SOUS CHEF

  • Chief broth officer Papa at bone kettle in pasadena, california.

    Papa

    CHIEF BROTH OFFICER

the ultimate treat

bone kettle Gift Card is the perfect thoughtful gift for the foodies in your life. Available via online or mailed physical form, it’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

ONLINE GIFT CARD SOLD HERE

Main dining room at bone kettle in Pasadena, California.
36 hour bone broth from bone kettle in pasadena, California
Brunch Menu item at bone kettle in pasadena, california.
 

 FAQs