Dortheys Hiyo Eluay International Airport

Dining at Dortheys Hiyo Eluay International Airport is a decidedly local affair, and that's precisely its charm. The main terminal's modest food court sits just past the domestic check-in counters, offering a handful of warung-style stalls where you can grab a proper Papuan meal before your flight. Don't expect international chains here — instead, you'll find steaming bowls of papeda, the region's beloved sago porridge, served alongside grilled fish fresh from Lake Sentani. It's humble, honest food that tells you exactly where you are.

For something a little more substantial, the sit-down canteen area near the departure lounge serves Indonesian staples like nasi goreng, mie goreng, and soto ayam alongside cold Aqua and sweet teh botol. Portions are generous and prices are refreshingly reasonable by airport standards. A few vendors also rotate daily specials that lean into Papuan ingredients — look out for ikan bakar with daun kemangi, or cassava-based sides that reflect the highland influence filtering down from the Baliem Valley. Arrive a little early and eat well.

Coffee lovers should seek out the small kiosk tucked near the domestic boarding gates, which pulls shots of locally grown Arabica from the Wamena highlands — one of Papua's best-kept agricultural secrets. It won't be a specialty-café experience, but the beans are genuinely exceptional and the brew is strong enough to carry you through a long connecting flight. Pair it with a pisang goreng or a klepon from the snack counter next door, and you'll leave Sentani with both a full stomach and a lasting impression of Papuan flavour.