Indonesia is fast becoming a food destination as the government promotes its food abroad. May Tien reveals the best places to eat regional cuisine in Indonesia and around the capital.
Mention Thailand and Vietnam, and most people who visited respond instantly with an exclamation of how much they enjoyed it. Mention Indonesia and there is a wide range of responses; usually none of them involving food.
Surely I am guilty of being a contrarian initially. In a fit of frenzy too optimistic culture shock, I sampled various Indonesian dishes, only to be disappointed by the surprisingly bland and awkward preparations. Everything came across as pedestrian and dull. I complained to my family and friends unabated.
However, it was with a heady bowl of ikan asam Kuah Manado (Manado sour fish soup style) that I began my journey with the true food of Indonesia. The high sour notes of lime, lemon grass and young tomatoes were tempered by fresh Thai basil and pandan leaves. It was the most unique and fragrant soup I had met in some time; remember a good tom yam (Thai hot soup and sour), but with a beautifully bright and clear broth tasting. I'm floored. This soup bowl embodies everything that I wanted in Indonesia :. Flavor, good technique and fresh ingredients
And although the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has published a list of 30 iconic Indonesian dishes which I encourage visitors to try, I find Java-centric suggestions and leaning on the soft side - as befits the Javanese palace.
There is so much nuance flavors in this beautiful archipelago; and with a bit of adventure and exploration, there are delights to enjoy.
North Sulawesi (Manado / Minahasa kitchen)
Famous for its extensive use of spices (and meat outrageous bush as fox, wild boar and field mouse), North Sulawesi kitchen is a fine example of tradition and influence intertwined. Fresh seafood is represented in abundance. Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese influences are mainly in baked goods, stews and soups. Be forewarned, however. These rates among the most spicy cuisines of the region, so that sensitive palate might want to steer clear of rica-rica .
Rumah Makan Raja Oci
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman No. 85, Manado, North Sulawesi
Tel: 86 0431 3946
fresh seafood is king here; do not miss ikan bakar oci with sambal dabu-dabu . A row of juicy scad mackerel is grilled and served with a tart sambal consists of miniature slices of green tomatoes, peppers and lots of lime juice. It is quite the party with lightly sautéed water spinach ( kangkung tumis ), cooked steamed rice and an ice cold drink.
Beautika
http://beautika-manado.com
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta, Java
This is the restaurant that has everything to me. Do not leave here without a bowl of their Kuah asam ikan Manado and tumis bunga pepaya Khas Manado , which jumped papaya flowers and sprouts with anchovies and fried flash dried aromatic . There is a wonderful array of desserts influenced Dutch, and most of the food is served cafeteria style, where food is on the screen, so each dinner can walk and choose according to their preference. Freshness is never a concern that the lunch and dinner hours hordes keep restocking the kitchen busy.
Bali
Although the most recognized kitchen outside Indonesia through the steady flow of international tourists and travel programs filmed here, Balinese cuisine is quite underrated. Pork and duck are consumed in abundance on this predominantly Hindu island specialties reflect these local delights. As a spiritual epicenter for many travelers, you can also find modern Balinese takes vegetarian and specialty restaurants, especially in Ubud.
Babi Guling Chandra
Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar, Bali
Tel: 0361 22 1278
There most famous warungs (sellers roadside) located in more heavy tourist towns in Bali, but for taste and with respect to comfort eating, I prefer babi guling spesial Chandra. A portion is big enough for two people and the crackling is divine with its crispiness glass-like, with just a little fat underneath. It is a complete meal with vegetables, pork, sate skewers, served with rice and 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 around a large paddy field, Bebek Bengil serves fine version of the famous bebek betutu a whole roast duck is steaming roasted spices. Diners must order in advance as it is not on the menu of the day, but their special version called Bebek Bengil is a very good alternative. It is first steamed then fried in spices for texture and extra flavor.
Bebek Bengil
Sumatra (Minangkabau kitchen or Masakan Padang )
perhaps the most popular regional form of Indonesian cuisine served throughout the country, one can find Padang restaurants in all provinces. In West Sumatra, there is a heavy cultural nod to Middle East and Indian flavors and curries are loaded with rich milk and coconut spices. Everything is mixed on the plate and eaten by hand, but spoons and forks are available for those who do not feel as hard on rice pieces and staining their fingers with thick sauces. Eastern parts of influences from the island more Malay and Chinese.
Lamun Ombak
Jalan Khatib Sulaiman, Padang, Indonesia
Tel: 0751 715426
Come early or during the hours of tip for a real taste of Padang as you rub elbows with the locals. There is no official menu itself with this kind of business so be prepared to point and eat. You can order special dishes and drinks from uniformed servers. Try the chili shrimp, rendang , cassava leaves and the special fried chicken.
Serbaraso
http://www.serbaraso.com
Jalan Batu Tulis Raya No. 41, Jakarta
Tel : 021 3890 1794
although its Jakarta branch is relatively new on the scene of the dining room, Serbaraso was well known rumah makan in Riau for many years. The ingredients are fresh with an inclination towards the seafood on the à la carte menu. They serve pakis , which is a soft gently cooked in a mild curry fern. For advanced Epicureans, tongue toast and curry fish head beef are delicious; and two grilled flavored fish is also a highlight.