Ayam Bakar Rica
Despite offering a variety of fish and seafood choices, it is its Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) that has made more waves in the city of Makassar. “Its Ayam Bakar Rica (spicy grilled chicken) is the best in town and is the pick of the masses,” says my local driver. “It is very spicy; I reckon you will have a hard time trying to finish even a piece.”

His description of the dish made me even more bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; I could not wait to have a go at this renowned Ayam Bakar. Thankfully, the place where I was staying at was not too far from the eatery. A five-minute drive was all it took for me to get there. Due to its rather small size, the crowd of customers inside made it look even more packed that it was. Service was fast and efficient, though, helped largely by its great number of waiting staff on its payroll.

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I did not need to think twice on what to order. I opted for its Ayam Bakar Rica, along with a couple of glasses of iced tea just to be on the safe side. Not long after, it arrived on my table in all its glory. Its appearance made my mouth water, with the red-coloured mixture of chilli and tomato harmonising gorgeously with the golden-like hue of the grilled chicken.

A Refreshing Spicy Sensation
My first bite brought about a refreshingly spicy flavour spraying throughout my mouth and on to my taste buds. And then the tender and juicy meat – fantastically cooked and seasoned, if I may add – gave off a sensation unlike any other.

After a few spoonfuls, I could not help but notice the amount of sweat that was covering my face. My local driver was spot-on when he said this was one fiery dish, but not as hot as I thought it would be. Its spiciness was perfect for my liking. Definitely one of those dishes that will linger in the mind once you sampled it.

Jl. Arief Rate, Mangkura,
Makassar
Open daily from 8am-12am
Rp.40,000/US$3 per person

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And that was exactly what I got when I popped around Warung Sate Solo Pak Agus. The majority of the locals call it Warung Tongseng Danau Pangkalan Jati because it is located right in front of the lake in Pangkalan Jati in Cinere, while some have dubbed it Tongseng Pura for its close proximity to Pura Amerta Jati. According to owner Pak Agus, he has run the place for about 19 years now. Four years ago, his warung was situated opposite Cinere Mall. He relocated his business to its current location following a mass eviction of the area.

In general, its customers comprise people who became regulars after they were brought here by a friend or relative. Due to its slightly secreted whereabouts, you might not notice it even as you pass by the place. However, this unassuming warung has managed to thrive amidst the emergence of many other similar shops in the area – a testimony to the quality of its menu.

I ordered a plate of Sate Ayam (chicken satay) and Tongseng Ayam (chicken stew in curry soup with vegetables) for that evening. Although not too big in size, the bowl was filled to the brim with the Tongseng. The aroma that emanated from the vapours that rose from the hot Tongseng soup was enticing. It was savoury and packed with spices that were not too zesty to the palate. Its Sate Ayam, however, was sublime. Its meat was thick without any trace of chicken skin or fat. You could also choose to have it with either peanut sauce or sweet soy sauce – or both. Uniquely, it is served not only with peanut sauce but also slices of cabbage and Acar (pickled vegetables).

Jl. Ulin Raya No.11,
Komp. TNI AL Pangkalan Jati, Cinere,
Depok, West Java
T: 0812 102 2118
Open daily from 11am-9pm
Rp40.000/US$3 per person

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Located right between Holland Bakery and Pastel Ma’Cik, long-term residents of Cinere should be familiar with Waroeng Indo. Some of them may even be a loyal customer. According to one of the waiting staff, Waroeng Indo has been around since 1996 – for about 20 years. It features a very simple interior decor, with a few paintings adorning its walls, while it uses long benches and tables instead of your common dining room tables and chairs. Melodies from the 1980s will greet you once you step inside the establishment, silencing the noisy after-office Cinere crowd and traffic outside.

I was quite surprised by their opening hours the first time I visited the place. It would start its daily routine at 10am up until 3pm. A three-hour break followed, and it then opened again from 6pm to 8pm. Fortunately, after realising that there are actually quite a lot of customers who would like to stop by during its afternoon recess, the management adjusted its working hours. It offers an extremely varied menu, which includes the likes of Tahu Petis (fried tofu with paste), Tahu Telur (tofu omelette), Gurame Asam Manis (sweet-and- sour gourami), Ayam Goreng Indonesia (Indonesian fried chicken), Bakmi Ayam (chicken noodles), Kwetiau (flat rice noodles), Sapo Tahu (clay pot tofu), Nasi Goreng Babat (beef tripe fried rice), and many more. It also has an assortment of refreshments such as juices, teas and coffee.

After being recommended its signature food by the waiter who served me, I ended up ordering two dishes. It seems that its Lontong Cap Gomeh (rice cake with various richly flavoured side dishes) has become quite a favourite of its customers. Compared to its Lontong Sayur (rice cake in coconut milk soup with chayote, tofu, tempeh and hard-boiled egg) with its yellowish broth and chayote with added hard-boiled egg or chicken curry, Waroeng Indo’s Lontong Cap Gomeh is richer in content, which includes long beans, liver-gizzards, Ayam Opor (chicken stew with coconut gravy), and eggs. Its broth is flavorous to the last spoonful and it will not leave you with a fully tummy. Although there are only three pieces of rice cakes given, they are quite sizeable and velvety in texture. You could also ask for some sambal to give it a bit of spicy kick and some crackers to accompany it.

My second order of the day was its Ayam Goreng Indonesia. It is quite large in portion, which makes it a treat to be eaten with some steamed rice. It is served with crunchy flakes on the side that are dark brown in colour. The chicken meat is tender and delicious, which signals that the seasonings used actually get absorbed right into its insides. However, it would not be ideal to have fried chicken without some sambal, and the sambal that is provided in a separate saucer is not too spicy yet has sufficient bite to pleasure your palate.

you can also read this article on The Jakarta Post: Deliciously authentic Indonesian cuisine at Waroeng Indo

Jl. Cinere Raya, Ruko Blok A #1B, Cinere, Kota Depok, West Java
T: 021 754 5817
Open daily from 10am-8pm
Rp.70,000/US$5.20 per person

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I only understood why it was given such an unusual name – “bingung” means “confused” in the English language – once I paid the shop a visit. The moment I stepped foot inside, I was directed straight to the cashier to order and pay for my Serabi. It is a system that I assume would be very useful during crowded times, as it would mean that my receipt will not be accidentally swapped with someone else’s.

As I had a look at its menu, only then I realised why this place was bestowed with the moniker Surabi Bingung – or at least I assumed it may be: the variety of toppings that are on offer here is countless, with one being able to order up to two to three topping. Its motto is “Kalau bisa murah, kenapa harus mahal?” – roughly translates as “If you can get it on the cheap, it does not have to be expensive” in English – which is reflected by the prices of its menu items. Besides Serabi, the joint also has other delights available, including French fries, a variety of beverages, and even Sate Daging Kuda (horse meat satay) for the curious and the adventurous.

Ever since it opened up for business at 5pm, there was not a single moment when the shop was void of customers. Its kitchen – complete with its 40-piece Serabi mould – is located at the forepart of the eatery where punters are able to witness these tantalising traditional delights in the making. The employees here are very affable, ready with a smile, a greeting, and even a joke or two.

I decided to try out four toppings at once: banana and cheese, cheese and durian vla, strawberry ice cream, and cheese, sausage and spicy mayonnaise. Its Serabi is quite thick, yet its centre leaves a velvety sensation with every bite. Each topping has its own unique flavour, especially the cheese and durian vla, which tasted as if I was eating a real durian. If you opt for the strawberry ice cream like I did – a masterpiece of a combination between the cold and sweet ice cream and the soft and savoury Serabi – make sure you eat quickly before it meltsdue to the heat from the warm Serabi.

Surabi Bingung is without doubt a must-visit place for an affordable round of modern Serabi.

You can also read this article on The Jakarta Post: A luscious portion of ‘serabi’ with a modern touch

Jl. RE Martadinata, Ciputat, Tangerang
T: 0877 432 9234
Open daily from 5pm-12am
Rp.30,000/US$2.30 per person

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