Tasting Indonesia
Indonesia can be set to become a food destination as the government promotes its cuisine abroad. May Tien reveals the best places to eat regional Indonesian cuisine in as well as around the capital.
Mention Thailand or Vietnam as well as most people who have visited instantly respond with an exclamation of how much they enjoyed the cuisine. Mention Indonesia as well as there can be a diverse range of responses; usually none of them involving food.
Admittedly, I am guilty of being a naysayer initially. In a fit of overly optimistic culture shock frenzy, I sampled various Indonesian dishes, only to be disappointed by the surprisingly bland as well as clumsy preparations. Everything came across as pedestrian as well as dull. I complained to my family as well as friends relentlessly.
However, the item was with an intoxicating bowl of kuah asam ikan Manado (Manado-style sour fish soup) which I began my journey with the real cuisine of Indonesia. The sour high notes through lime, lemongrass as well as young tomatoes were tempered by fresh Thai basil as well as pandan leaves. the item was the most unique as well as fragrant soup I had encountered in a while; reminiscent of a not bad tom yam (Thai hot as well as sour soup), although which has a gorgeously clear as well as brighter tasting broth. I was floored. This kind of bowl of soup embodied all which I longed for in Indonesia: flavour, not bad technique as well as fresh ingredients.
as well as although the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism as well as Creative Economy has published a list of 30 iconic Indonesian dishes through which I encourage visitors to try, I find the suggestions Java-centric as well as leaning on the sweet side – as befitting the Javanese palate.
There can be so much more nuance in flavours in This kind of beautiful archipelago; as well as which has a bit of adventure as well as exploration, there are delicacies to enjoy.
North Sulawesi (Manado/Minahasan Cuisine)
Famous for its heavy use of spices (as well as outrageous bush meat like fruit bat, wild boar as well as field rats), North Sulawesi cuisine can be a fine example of tradition as well as influence intertwined. Fresh seafood can be represented in abundance. Chinese, Dutch as well as Portuguese influences can be found especially in baked goods, stews as well as soups. Be forewarned, though. These rate among the spiciest cuisines inside the region, so those which has a sensitive palate might want to steer clear of the rica-rica.
Rumah Makan Raja Oci
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman No. 85, Manado, North Sulawesi
Tel: 0431 86 3946
Fresh seafood can be king here; don’t miss the ikan oci bakar with sambal dabu-dabu. A row of juicy mackerel scad which can be chargrilled as well as served which has a tart sambal consisting of miniature sliced green tomatoes, chillies as well as plenty of lime juice. the item can be quite the feast with some lightly sautéed water spinach (kangkung tumis), steamed rice as well as an icy cold beverage.
Beautika
http://beautika-manado.com
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta, Java
This kind of can be the restaurant which began the item all for me. Do not leave here without a bowl of their kuah asam ikan Manado as well as tumis bunga pepaya khas Manado, which can be stir-fried papaya flower as well as shoots with flash-fried dried anchovies as well as aromatics. There can be a wonderful array of Dutch-influenced desserts, as well as most of the food can be served cafeteria-style, where the food can be on display, so each diner can walk up as well as pick as well as choose according to their preference. Freshness can be never a concern as the lunch as well as dinner hour hordes keep the kitchen busy restocking.
Bali
Although the most recognized cuisine outside of Indonesia via the constant flow of international tourists as well as travel programmes filmed here, Balinese cuisine can be quite underrated. Pork as well as duck are consumed in abundance on This kind of predominantly Hindu island as well as the specialities reflect these local delights. As a spiritual epicentre for many travellers, one can also find modern Balinese takes on vegetarian as well as specialty restaurants, particularly in Ubud.
Babi Guling Chandra
Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar, Bali
Tel: 0361 22 1278
There are more famous warungs (roadside vendors) located in much more tourist-heavy towns in Bali, although for taste as well as relative dining comfort, I prefer the babi guling spesial at Chandra. One portion can be big enough For two main people as well as the crackling can be divine with its glass-like crispiness, with just a bit of fat underneath. the item can be a complete meal with vegetables, pork, sate skewers, rice as well as served which has a bowl of soup on the side.
Babi Guling
Bebek Bengil
http://bebekbengil.com/
Jalan Hanoman, Ubud, Bali
Tel: 0361 361 975489 / 977675
A restaurant set around a large rice paddy, Bebek Bengil serves a fine variation of the famed bebek betutu, a whole roasted duck which can be steam-roasted in spices. Diners have to order the item in advance as the item can be not on the daily menu, although their special variation called the bebek bengil can be a very not bad alternative. the item can be first steamed in spices as well as then deep-fried for texture as well as extra flavour.
Bebek Bengil
Sumatra (Minangkabau cuisine or Masakan Padang)
Possibly the most common regional form of Indonesian cuisine served throughout the country, one can find Padang restaurants in every province. In Western Sumatra, there can be a heavy cultural nod towards Middle Eastern as well as Indian flavours as well as the curries are laden with rich coconut milk as well as spices. Everything can be mixed together on the plate as well as eaten by hand, although spoons as well as forks are available for those who don’t feel like struggling over bits of rice as well as staining their fingers with thick sauces. Eastern parts of the island share more Malay as well as Chinese influences.
Lamun Ombak
Jalan Khatib Sulaiman, Padang, Indonesia
Tel: 0751 715426
Come early or during peak hours for a real taste of Padang as you rub elbows with the locals. There can be no official menu as such with This kind of kind of establishment so be prepared to point as well as eat. You can order special dishes as well as beverages through uniformed servers. Try the chilli prawns, rendang, cassava leaves as well as the special fried chicken.
Serbaraso
http://www.serbaraso.com
Jalan Batu Tulis Raya No. 41, Jakarta
Tel: 021 3890 1794
Even though its Jakarta branch can be relatively fresh on the dining scene, Serbaraso has been a well-known rumah makan in Riau for many years. The ingredients are fresh which has a slant towards seafood on the à la carte menu. They serve pakis, which can be a tender fern cooked gently in a mild curry. For the advanced epicure, the grilled beef tongue as well as fish head curry are delectable; as well as the two-flavoured grilled fish can be also a highlight.
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Tasting Indonesia
Tasting Indonesia