Dapur Penyet @ City Plaza

My colleagues and I now have another favourite Ayam Penyet place for lunch. We used to troop down to Ayam Penyet Ria at Bedok Point but we've stopped since they moved to Bedok Mall.

We were planning to have some fried chicken at Arnold's in City Plaza one day, when we saw a poster in the lift, advertising this new restaurant called Dapur Penyet. There were pictures of food items in their menu and needless to say, we were taken in.

Below are a compilation of pictures from our many trips there; from poor quality images to better ones (after I changed phones).


Counter & menuboard

I love it when restaurants have pictures of their food on the menu boards. Sometimes, you just need to see the pictures to decide what to order. Or you want to know how some dishes actually look like. Especially when you're fickle.

Interior

Bright, spacious and contemporary.


Beverages

The ever popular 'Soda Gembira' (Happy soda)-made with Strawberry syrup+condensed milk+carbonated drink (eg. Sprite/7up).

I would advise getting something milky to help ease the spicy heat that might have built-up at the end of the meal.


3-Layer Tea

I got adventurous and tried this new drink on the menu. It didn't cross my mind that this is like tea latte sweetened with… palm sugar (gula melaka).

…It really is an acquired taste.


Keropok & condiments

A bit of warning here: The sambal terasi (prawn-paste chilli) is SPICY…! The kind that makes you hiss and your tongue to sizzle kind of spicy. Apparently, they stick to the original recipe and the folks in Indonesia sure like it hot. In fact, almost all the ingredients are imported from the motherland.

The black sauce in the middle is the dark soy sauce (the thick, sticky kind). Something I like to mix with the sambal terasi because it adds flavour and helps reduce the heat.

The black sauce with things floating in it, is a menace. It's just so fun to dip the keropok in it because they go so well together. But the thing is, those things floating on the surface are actually chilli seeds. And the heat builds up over time when you least expect it; given the deceptively sweet taste of the sauce. Soon after… BUUURRRNNNNN…!


Sup Buntut

Oxtail soup. My male colleague's favourite order. Pretty flavourful with fall-off-the-bone tender meat.

The thing about this place is that they serve a small potion of soup with every order of mains so it's not really essential to order a separate bowl of soup (unlike other restaurants).


Sate Ayam

Finally found another place selling Indonesian-style sate! I miss the ones that I used to get from Waroeng Penyet.

Juicy, skewered chicken meat doused with spicy peanut sauce, then drizzled with dark/sweet soy sauce and sprinkled with fried shallots. If only they use mutton (goat), just like in Indonesia. Shiiiok!


Bakso Penyet

A side order to share. This usually comes with plain rice but we request to omit it.


Ayam Penyet

My colleague, the picky eater; he loves their version. And unlike the usually suspects of tahu-tempe-kangkong-kobis for the sides, here there are 2 generously-sized tofu, a slice of cucumber and blanched cabbage.

I read an ARTICLE (in Malay) on Berita Harian and it was said that the chicken is boiled with spices and tumeric for 2 hours before being deep-fried. Guess that explains why the flavours permeate into the meat so well.


Ayam Sambal Hijau

Fried chicken with green chilli. This and another main- Ayam Balado were dishes that hail from Padang region, in Sumatera. The balado chilli has a salty-tangy flavour and is something common in the Minang cuisine.




Ayam Bakar

This grilled chicken dish has its origins in Solo, Central Java. Tender grilled chicken that has soaked up the sweet and savoury flavours of the sauce.

I guess the chicken has been marinated prior to grilling?


Ikan Bakar

The fish tasted like it's been soaked in the same sauce as the chicken above. I don't know how long it's been marinated but the pomfret taste almost like it's been… pickled.


Ikan Penyet

The fried pomfret's meat also has some flavour too. Maybe it's also been boiled or marinated?

I've also tried their beef options; both the Empal Penyet and Empal Bakar. MAybe I'm someone who loves her red meat but these 2 are my favourite dishes here. The sauce goes REALLY well with the beef.

Next stop: The Iga Bakar (grilled beef ribs).

Sample of their menu (for M'sian market, but it's similar)

Dapur Penyet
810 Geylang Road,
#01-43 City Plaza
Singapore 409286

Other locations are at: 
Baghdad Street, Clementi Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Lot1, City Square dan Hospital Universiti Nasional (NUH) New Medical Wing

Garuda Padang Restaurant (Katong)

A quick update on one of our quick company lunches.

It was a colleague's birthday and Le Boss was somehow craving for Nasi Padang so the wife came upon this grand idea of bringing all of us along just so that we can try many dishes at one go.

She's been aiming to try out the food here because she always noticed it whenever she drive by Katong area. We were all wondering if this will be similar to the high-end version (collaboration with Tung Lok group?) at Vivo City.

As soon as we come upon the entrance we looked at one another and realised that, nahh… maybe not. This place is more down-to-earth, like a typical Nasi Padang shop at Arab Street.

All the dishes are presented in large platters behind the glass display. We were all swooning over the various dishes and my lady boss was like, "Okay, let's do it this way. Which are the dishes that you do NOT want?"

Haha, she was so game to try almost everything so we opt out those typical dishes like the Telur Balado (boiled eggs in balado chilli) etc.

And she ORDERED THE REST. Whoa!

I personally am VERY curious because I'm pretty used to eating real Padang fare because my Father-in-law is a Minang (ethnic of folks in Padang) and of course he loves to eat the cuisine of his ethnicity. My Mum-in-Law (MIL) even learnt how to cook their authentic dishes from her own MIL. So things like sambal balado, dengdeng goreng, kalio/gulai and rendang are often in the menu at home.

And from the looks of it, the dishes here seem like the real deal. I am sick and tired of places claiming to be selling Nasi 'Padang' and yet, they sell stuff like 'Sambal Goreng', "Urap' and even 'Asam Pedas'. Those dishes are a mish-mash of Padang, Javanese and even Malay cuisine! They might as well claim to serve Nasi 'Campur' ('mix' rice) instead of Nasi Padang.


The spread

From top-left: Lemak pucuk ubi (tapioca shoots in creamy coconut gravy), telur dadar (omelette), gulai kambing (mutton stew), acar (pickled veggies), sambal udang-petai (prawns & stink beans in chilli), sapi ijo (beef w/ green chilli), ayam balado ijo (fried chicken with green balado chilli), sotong hitam (squid in ink gravy), sambal balado ijo/merah, gulai ayam (chicken in coconut gravy), rendang sapi, terong balado, gulai sayur nangka (lodeh).

You might wonder why we ordered the omelette when it's such a simple dish? Well, NOT the Padang version. Their omelette has things like scallions, dessicated coconut and rice flour that makes it crispy like fritters!


Sapi ijo - one of my fave dish

All their dishes get my thumbs up! And the beef rendang's dark appearance may be a turn-off for some but that actually means that it's been simmering for a long time over low heat so it's really full of flavour (though a bit tough).

Doesn't look like much because we opt-out 3-4 dishes in the display. My boss later add-on orders for the more popular dishes. But these are for only 6 pax, mind you (yes, ours is a small company).

I went to the washroom at the back of the restaurant and realised that their kitchen staff are truly Indonesians. From Padang, no less.

Restoran Garuda (Authentic Indonesia Nasi Padang cuisine)
220 East Coast Road
Singapore 428917

Tel: 6441 0220

Ayam Penyet Ria - Fried-food galore!

It was a rainy afternoon and we were seeking comfort food. Something familiar, homely yet.. different?

Settled on heading to Bedok Mall. Over there, it's either Ottoman Kebab & Grill or Ayam Penyet Ria. Seeing that a couple of peeps in our group aren't too keen on Mediterranean stuff, we settled on the latter.

Seeing a queue forming, I grabbed the menu and get orders from my family while in the line. Pretty frustrating when one heads to the toilet, one chased after my son and another can't hear me above the din.


Fried food galore ~ 

(clockwise from top left) Basket of emping melinjo & kerupuk udang mix, Bawal (pomfret) penyet, rice, boneless ayam (chicken) penyet, sup buntut (oxtail soup), oyster sauce kailan & fried enoki mushroom.


More fried food!

(clockwise from top left) deep-fried chicken skin (how sinful can that be??!), lele (catfish) penyet, Pempek Palembang & Soto ayam

That chicken skin thingy was my brother's choice. He was like, "It's very nice, ok??" At that time, the only fried skin I adore is salmon skin. But, I took a bite and end up sharing that basketful of delightful crisps with him. Nevermind my hubby's glare.

That Pempek Palembang was my order. My 1st experience with 'pempek' was a batch given by my masseuse, who hail from Palembang- a city in Southern Sumatra. It is that region's speciality. It's actually savoury fried fishcakes made with fish and tapioca starch. And eaten with this vinegary, sweet soy sauce.

Later on, I had another go at a cafe in Batam. Another time, hubby's niece brought back a box after a school trip to Palembang. I really should have given her more cash so she can bring back 3 boxes instead.

And now that I know it's served here… well, guess it'll be a permanent order whenever I'm here, then. Even though the portion seems a tad small.

And that hearty bowl of Soto ayam is what I'll order whenever my son is around. Can't go wrong with chicken soup and rice for kids. I like that this have that strong garlicky accent. I wonder if they topped this off with 'koya'. Some savoury powder made from crushed prawn crackers & garlic. It's commonly served with Soto Lamongan back in Jakarta.
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I still can't gripe enough about the slow service, there. Seeing how efficient they were at the former branch in Bedok Point, it irked me to have to bear with at least 1/2hr before the first batch of food made an appearance on our table.

Maybe they have a change of proprietors? Whatever it is, I'm glad that the 'sambal' (chilli paste) here remained the same. And consistently spicy! Shiok!

Bumbu Desa - Lucky Plaza

I asked my mum out after my doctor's appointment, since it's the eve of her birthday. However, she brought my 2 distant relatives; teenage girls from the small island of Blakang Padang along, since they were bunking over at her place for their school holidays. Oh well…

The day actually started off sunny. However after our Zuhur prayers at Al-Falah, the skies darkened and we didn't manage to go past Paragon, before the skies opened up. Being the only one with a small, folded umbrella, I volunteered to walked over the the shops at Lucky Plaza, buy an umbrella and send it to my group.

On the way, I noticed this really cool couple with 1 small folded umbrella each, actually asking around if anyone wants to share umbrellas with them to Lucky Plaza. And they were ferrying people to and from Paragon! Amazing!

Anyway, after that little adventure, we were really famished. Initial plans was to head to our favourite eatery, Ayam Bakar Ojolali but we somehow can't find it (this happens EVERYTIME!). While searching, we stumbled upon this small eatery, Bumbu Desa. I asked my mum if she want to try something new. She agreed.

Turns out, I've tried their food before.

I wasn't exaggerating with the term, 'small' for this premise. So cramped that when I sit, there's no more space for anyone to sit directly behind me so the seats had to be pushed underneath the table.

Menu board

Not exactly a wide array but the varieties are there.


Melinjo chips with sambal terasi

The crackers have already been packed into handy ziplock bags. Pretty useful for bringing back any uneaten remainders.

The sambal terasi that's served on the side is a little on the sweet side. But no less spicy! It also had visible bits of onions, which reminded me a lot like the Balinese sambal 'matah'.


Gado-gado

Pretty forgettable, although I appreciate the taste of 'kencur' (aromatic ginger) in there.

May I suggest that they use smaller crockery next time? Especially when the food portions aren't too big. The large plate seemed to further underwhelm the already 'meh'-looking dish.


Sup sayur asem

Another forgettable dish. I've really forgotten how it taste like!


Satay Madura

One of the girls ordered this. I know that she isn't much of a heavy-eater but the portion had looked so dismal that she readily agreed when we suggest that she add-on a plate of rice.


Nasi Rames

Another girl opt for this (she must have been hungry).

Sigh… another dismal presentation. I think that even food bought from those Economy rice stall looked better when served.

That spot of gravy looked pathetic. With reference to the display picture, I had expected those curly fried noodles instead of that limp clump and there should be 2 pieces of chicken instead of that lone piece.


Bebek Goreng

And then my ordered dish arrived.

After having my expectations lowered by the other dishes, this one almost blew me away when it was served.

That was quite a sizeable piece of duck and it sure looks crispy! Well, it helps that it was served on a plate of the right size…

And it's yummy too! Very nicely marinated. I read somewhere that the marinated duck is usually steamed (ungkep) before being deep-fried for that crispy aftermath. Had a great time tearing off the crispy meat and dipping them in the given 'sambal terasi' and 'kecap manis'.

I savour every single bit of meat (using hands of course), down to nibbling at the bones. I guess they can always excuse it when a pregnant woman is eating with gusto.

I dare say that this version is even nicer that the one I had in Bandung.


Ikan Bakar Jimbaran

Surprisingly, I don't remember having this when at Jimbaran. Even when I was there, twice.

This version reminds me of the 'Ikan Panggang' served at where I used to stint at Sanur Indonesian Restaurant, once upon a time. Fish is simply marinated with salt and maybe tumeric, before being dipped in some soy sauce mixture, then grilled awhile.

It's then finish off in the deep-fryer for the delightful crispy finish.

Unlike Sanur, which used the sumptuous seabass; here it's simply freshwater fish (prolly a tilapia). The soy sauce coating did help to mask any muddy taste, thankfully.

My mum, ever the fish lover- she savoured this down to the bones, too.


Our lunch

Truth to be told, most the foods we had DO have that appetising taste. If you learn to ignore the really dismal presentation.

This is a place that doesn't really believe in the use of any garnishings, I guess.

Here are some pamphlets taken from the shop, for your reference.

…You're most welcome.


Weekend set menu


Set menu


Lunch special

Did you manage to compare the pictures of the food on those pamphlets with the ones served to us?? How can I not have high expectations initially, you tell me?!

Even the names makes the dishes sound sooo good! Ayam Goreng Makassar, Ayam Goreng/Iga Mak Nyus, Rawon Mojokerto… Agh! Sound so delish!

Oh wait. **All Picture Are For Reference Only**

Darn, you didn't say…!

Bandung eats - Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe Pt 2

Continue from the previous post, which highlight pictures of the surroundings at Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe.

Now it's time to talk about the food! Yeay.

Menu


Menu - Western fare

Hmmm… Western fare, anyone…?


Menu - more Western fare

It's weird that a place brimming with Sundanese culture and nature actually offer even pastas and pizzas.

Guess they have to accommodate the guest that also came in from all over the world…

Menu - drinks/beverages

You see the 2 drinks named, 'Bandrek' & 'Bajigur'? These hot and sweet beverages are unique to Sundanese cuisine and mostly found in Bandung area only. They are consumed mostly by folks living in the colder, mountainous regions; to warm themselves up.

'Bandrek' is usually made with ginger plus an array of other spices that can make even curries blush. Things like cinnamon, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, lemongrass, palm sugar and sometimes, even a small amount of chillies are also added.

It's also optional to add milk, be it coconut or sweetened coconut milk. And even stranger- pieces of coconut flesh!

'Bajigur', meanwhile, is a much simpler drink made of coconut milk, pandan leaves and 'gula Aren' (a type of palm sugar). Sometimes, they add ginger, salt and even coffee powder.

Myself meanwhile, ordered a cup of ginger tea. I think I had too much 'accumulated wind' (flatulence), that time. That's why I fell sick.

'Kerak telur' vendor

This is how street-side food vendors sell their food. They put the horizontal bamboo pole on their shoulder, moving from one place to another, hawking their fare.

There are other similar 'food vendors' selling stuff like sweets and cakes, all made on the spot, just like how it is on the streets..

'Kerak telur'

Literally translate to 'egg crust'. Maybe because this omelette turns out crispy when cooked.

This is a traditional Betawi dish, where glutinous rice is cooked with egg and then served with 'serundeng' (fried, spicy dessicated coconut), fried shallots and dried shrimp topping.

This came piping hot. On that rainy day, this tasted very, very nice! We packed some and had it for breakfast the next day. Not that good already.

Soto Madura

A definite comfort food, especially for me. With the cool, wet weather outside our hut/bale, my queasy belly totally appreciate this heart-warming dish of piping hot, Indonesian beef soup, which also had diced tomato and shredded cabbage inside.

We also ordered 'Rawon' (not pictured). Originating from Surabaya in East Java; this is a rich, beef soup that's flavoured and coloured black by 'keluak' (black nuts from the 'Kepayang' tree).

Rice set for the soup

The soup came in a set with this white rice, 'sambal terasi ijo' (green chilli with prawn paste) and prawn cracker that comes nicely sealed (for hygiene and freshness).

Batagor

That's short for 'Bakso Tahu Goreng', a popular Sundanese dish where fried fish dumplings are served with peanut sauce.

Nasi goreng Kampung Daun

For a dish that's their namesake, I had expected more from this dish. It seemed that my hubby, who ordered this, felt the same way too.

This is a plate of slightly spicy fried rice, topped with a fried sunny-side up egg with fresh 'lalab' (salad), 'emping melinjo' and a few sticks of chicken 'sate' on the side.

Ayam bakar

There's the 'ayam bakar' (grilled marinated chicken) set that comes with 'sambal terasi' and white rice.

Ikan Gurame goreng

Ikan Gurame (gouramis) is pretty iconic in Sundanese cuisine. It's usually 'butterflied' before being deep-friend, hence the appearance like it's dancing. And because it can stand on its own, it's sometime referred to as 'ikan berdiri' (standing fish).

The whole fish is so crispy and since the bones has been deep-fried as well, all parts are consumable.

Ikan mas goreng

Okay, 'ikan Mas' may literally translate to be 'goldfish' but it wasn't exactly that. It's actually species of the carp fish that is one of the type of freshwater fish popular in Sundanese cuisine.

Unlike the fancy 'Gurame', this one here is deep-fried simply. The bones are generally bigger so only the meat is consumed.

Tucking in

Oh, omelette was also ordered, to cater for the kids' preference.

And that finally sums up my 'Bandung Eats' series. Hope you enjoyed reading on this culinary journey just as much as I enjoyed writing and sourcing info about them.

Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe
Jl Sersan Bajuri Km 4,
7 No. 88, Cihideung,
Bandung, Indonesia

Bandung eats - Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe Pt 1

On Day 4 of our Bandung trip, we took a trip up to Puncak, the mountain pass located between Jakarta and Bandung city.

To read on our visit to Tangkuban Parahu, click HERE.

To read on our visit to Ciater Hot Springs, click HERE.

After Ciater, we head down for Cihideung, to Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe. It's supposed theme is simply (Sundanese) culture and nature. Another one located at Lembang is Kampung Sapu Lidi, where one can dine amongst the paddy fields (like in Bali).

Kampung Daun is located next to another famous 'themed' village, the relatively new Kampung Gajah. Here, there are many outdoor activity facilities for kids and adults alike. Not sure for much smaller kids, though.

Entrance

We came right after it just rained so the air felt rather cool and 'fresh'. What with all the surrounding greenery. Kampung Daun is located within a small valley, that's why the lush vegetation is all around…


Checking out the cultural display

Walking past the cultural gallery

We came on weekday, a little after lunch hour so this place was quite empty.

You can see in the background on the left, is a large area with a more communal seating.

Very 'festive' feeling

Walking further into the grounds.

Lush greenery

Finally reached where the dining huts/bales are located.

Staff going about doing their jobs

All the staff members were dressed in traditional Sundanese garb. Different levels wore different types of clothes.

Individual hut/bale

Right opposite us was this stand-alone hut/bale which can only accommodate up to maybe 6 pax. Just too bad, cos' this hut is located right beside the stream that runs through one side of the grounds. There's also a slight waterfall behind it.

Imagine dining amongst such lush greenery, with the subtle sounds of running water in the background…

Oh, a unique system here. See that cylindrical bamboo percussion instrument hanging outside on the right? It's called a 'ketuk' You beat it to get the attention of the staff or call for service.

I find it pretty gimmicky. All the 'ketuks' sound the same. Unless there's a staff stationed near the huts, they wouldn't have known where the sound comes from! We tried and it took more than 10 mins before someone came. And that's because we literally ask them to come over!

Entering our hut

Off with the footwear, before entering!

We were motioned to a hut that can accomodate up to 15 pax. But it isn't standalone as it's a semi-detached 'unit'. Luckily, we don't really have any issues with regards to privacy.

The kids getting comfortable inside…

My niece was the first to 'try out' the low table inside our hut.

…Too comfortable

Soon, she was joined by my kiddo, much to her frustration.

Check that out…!

I don't blame them really. Because it started drizzling outside so everyone stayed in. And the hut/bale was really, really cozy. What with all those cushions…

I didn't hesistate to find myself a nice corner and lie down.

Nice blooms!

Saw this plant flowering all over the mountain terrains. It looks really gorgeous, esp. those plants where almost all the flowers bloomed together. I did some research: it's called 'Brugmansia'. Google it!

Was told this place can get really packed on weekends such that all huts/bales and even the 'warung' (more communal eating areas) seating will be occupied. This is because the Jakarta folks love to come up to this area to wind down from city life and rest, relax & dine.

Highly recommended to come here. Totally great place to chillax. Some people really slept in those huts after their meal!

And once again, this post has gotten to be a tad picture-heavy, so I'll continue with the food pics in another entry, ya?

Kampung Daun Culture Gallery & Cafe
Jl Sersan Bajuri Km 4,
7 No. 88, Cihideung,
Bandung, Indonesia