Showing posts with label Indonesian Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indonesian Food. Show all posts

Friday, July 22, 2022

Verandah Rael's @ TripleOne Somerset - New Peranakan and Indonesian Cuisine Restaurant With Storybook-inspired Interior

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New at TripleOne Somerset is Verandah @ Rael's, offering Peranakan and Indonesian cuisine in a colonial style, storybook-inspired interior. The restaurant strives to bring the warmth of togetherness and the taste of home in their food.

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Chicken Satay 4/5

We started our dinner at Verandah with the Chicken Satay ($9.80) grilled to a nice tender, paired with traditional peanut sauce.

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Pong Tauhu Soup 4/5

Next is a bowl of hearty and comforting Pong Tauhu Soup ($6.90). I could taste the depth of flavours in the broth, which probably came from the long hours of boiling, drawing from the pork and prawn's essence. Rounding up the delicious soup are juicy meatballs and crunchy bamboo shoots.

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Chicken Buah Keluak 4.2/5

A staple Peranakan dish is the Chicken Buah Keluak ($19.90), whereby the chicken is braised in a tangy tamarind gravy. Minced meat is mixed with spices and stuffed into the nut.

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Nonya Chap Chye 4.2/5

Stewed to a delightfully soft texture is the Nonya Chap Chye ($12.90), which comprises a medley of vegetables such as cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, beancurd strips and tang hoon.

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Babi Pongteh 4.2/5

A favourite Peranakan dish of mine is the Babi Pongteh ($18.90). Verandah does a delicious rendition in which the sweet and savoury stewed pork belly and turnips are slow-cooked in a thick fermented soybean sauce with a peppery hint.

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Signature Indo Chilli Beef 3.5/5

Besides the Peranakan dishes, we also tried a couple of their Indonesian dishes. While I enjoyed the aroma from the spices for the Signature Indo Chilli Beef ($19.90), the texture was a little tough for my liking.

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Honey Pork 3.5/5

Similar to the Signature Indo Chilli Beef, I find the Honey Pork ($16.90) a bit tough in texture too. However, the honey black sauce drizzled over the crispy stir-fried pork is deliciously appetising.

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Grilled Sotong with Kicap Manis 3.8/5

The Grilled Sotong with Kicap Manis ($18.90) was fresh and huge with a delightful bouncy bite. I only hope there was more of the sweet and piquant soy sauce, mixed with spices marinade.

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Panna Cotta with Pulut Hitam 3/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Panna Cotta with Pulut Hitam ($8.90). The panna cotta is served in a tall glass topped with black glutinous rice and rich coconut milk. I am slightly disappointed that the panna cotta is not creamy enough. If I had a choice, I would still prefer the classic rendition of the traditional pulut hitam dessert.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Verandah @ Rael's
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-07
Singapore 238164
Tel: +65 89319826
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Monkey Warung @ Capitol Piazza - Balinese Style Pork Ribs Restaurant Replacing Naughty Nuri's

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Naughty Nuri's has left. If you are a die-hard fan of their ribs, you might be comforted to know that you could still go back to the same spot at Capitol Piazza for your fork tender, fall-off-the-bones pork ribs, and get your fingers smeared with that sweet, smoky brown sauce again. Monkey Warung, an Indonesian grill house, has taken over just weeks ago. The Balinese style pork ribs has been saved from exiting our shore, now joined by popular Indonesian dishes such as Ayam Penyat, Tahu Telor, Pepes squid etc.

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Tahu Telor 3/5

Tahu Telor ($10) is a simple Indonesian snack favoured by Indonesians and locals alike. Simple ingredients but takes skills to master that vertical egg tofu. While mine seemed to look like a collapsed dome, the egg was still quite fluffy in the center with crispy edges. There could be more tofu to beef up the portion, afterall it's $10 a plate. The owner readily admitted that more work has to be done to get all the dishes right, we shall see about that.

If you notice, most dishes come with a saucer of their Sambal Teras, a character that has gained an unexpectedly high demand from the crowd, to the extend that the owner decided to simply serve it along with most of the dishes, even the Tahu Telor. As making the chilli paste is a time consuming and labourous task, any additional request will be at $2 each.

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Cumi Bakar Jimbaran 3.5/5

Plated with a touch of finesse is the Cumi Bakar Jimbaran ($17) from the Jimbaran Grill section. The squid is firm to bite, slightly sweeten by the sauce with a hint of smokiness from the grill. Defintely a great sharing starter or even as a bar-bite.

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Legendary Ribs 4.2/5

The Legendary Ribs (1/2 rack $20) finally made its appearance. The length of the ribs is indeed quite an eye opener. The meat was almost loose hanging, and came away with just a gentle touch. The sweet and smoky sauce is finger licking good - the best way to eat it is with hands! I love the green lime that is served together. A dash of the acidity cuts the richness of the meat and gives the sauce a citrusy lift.

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Nasi Goreng 3/5

If you are by yourself and just want something simple, there are also day-to-day dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Soto Ayam, Indo Mie. The Nasi Goreng comes with Chicken Satay. The satay was too dry, but the glaze of peanut sauce is pretty good.

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Goreng Pisang 3.5/5

Nothing fancy for dessert but I was really contented with the Goreng Pisang. The batter is thin, airy and crispy. I just wish I could have a scoop of coconut ice cream over it, instead of just desiccated coconut.

Isn't it rare to find a place that offers both Indonesian grill and Balinese style pork ribs? There is a promotion going on right now, with beers, wine, Prosecco going at $5, alongside with some bar bites too.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Monkey Warung
Capitol Galleria
15 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63847966
Facebook
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Go to ground level. Walk over to Capitol Galleria. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, July 25, 2016

The Dining Room @ Sheraton Tower Singapore - An Indonesian Gastronomic Experience

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For a limited period from 15 to 21 August 2016, The Dining Room at Sheraton Tower Singapore will be collaborating with Guest Chef John Sawarto, bringing the flavours of Indonesia to the little red dot. Chef John Sawarto will be presenting a menu of contemporary Indonesia dishes harmonized with refined French techniques to commemorate Indonesia's Independence Day.

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Grilled Lobster Gado Gado 4.2/5

Our first dish of the night started with the Grlled Lobster Gado Gado. This is an interesting pairing of grilled lobster with tropical fruit, salsa, kaffir & kencur infused peanut dressing, microgreens and kalamansi vinaigrette. I enjoyed the interaction of the zest and sweetness, working in harmony with the lobster. A good first course to whet up the appetite.

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Seared Foie Gras 4/5

Moving to the next course, we had the Pan Seared Foie Gras. The foie gras is dressed in a rojak sauce and paired with apple & starfruit slaw. The used of an Asian sauce to pair with a French delicacy may seems weird but it works for me, lending a balance to the creaminess.

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Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang is next, served with saffron & lemongrass infused jasmine rice and vanilla poached petit brastagi potatoes. My favourite has to be the melted in the mouth wagyu beef cheek that is cooked for hours and dressed in a coat of aromatic rendang spices.

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Crispy Spiced Duck Confit 3.5/5

The last main on the menu is the Crispy Spiced Duck Confit. The pan seared Balinese spiced duck leg served with natural reduction and puree of sambal terasi. While I enjoyed the fork tender texture of the duck, I thought the skin lacked the crispiness I was expecting.

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Homemade Chendol Panna Cotta 3/5

I like the idea of the modern re-interpretation of the classic chendol. The Chendol Panna Cotta ia a refined execution that brought out the characteristics of the traditional dessert but lacked the sweetness and icy shiokness of it.

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Banana Tempura 4/5

Lastly, the Banana Tempura served with sri kaya sauce and coconut ice cream. The warm banana fritter and cold coconut ice cream make a novel combination of sensory delights.

An Indonesian Gastronomic Experience
A la carte creations from $10++
Set lunch menu from $48++
Set dinner menu from $68++

Citi Cardmembers and SPG members enjoy 15% off the above menus.
To make reservation, please call +65 68395621 or email thediningroom@sherationsingapore.com

Diners can even stand a chance to win a trip to Indonesia and other attract prizes when you dine at The Dining Room from 15 to 21 August 2016.


The Dining Room
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road
Singapore 228230
Tel: +65 67376888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Jtown Cafe @ Midpoint Orchard - Where You Can Get Martabak (Sweet Thick Pancake), A Common Indonesia Street Food

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At the stretch of Orchard Road, you will be surprised to find a cheap eat place at Jtown Cafe, Midpoint Orchard offering authentic Indonesian street food where you can get a meal for under ten dollar. Furthermore the restaurant is Halal certified.

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Bakmie Ayam/Bakmie Ayam Cabe Ijo 2.8/5

I have to say I was a bit naive when I placed my order as I am not familiar with Indonesian cuisine. When I asked the owner whether there is any different between the Bakmie Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Noodle) and Bakmie Ayam Cabe Ijo (Green Chilli Chicken Noodle), she told me that they are actually different. Well it turned out that both bowls of noodle looked the same, except one is more spicy. Thank you for the advice, it was very helpful..zzz...

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Bakmie Ayam/Bakmie Ayam Cabe Ijo 2.8/5

Anyway we did not enjoy both bowls of noodle. We felt the texture of the noodles is too mushy and soggy. If this is what the locals like, then I am not used to the texture. I prefer the texture our own Chinese's noodle dishes. The diced chicken meat was hardly noticeable too. I also suspected that chicken seasoning powder is added to the noodle to give it a chicken flavour.

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My main purposes of visiting Jtown Cafe is to try the Martabak, a common food that can be easily found in the street of Indonesia. It is a type of sweet Indonesian thick pancake, a bit similar to our Chinese's Ban Jian Kueh. It is traditionally consists of condensed milk, chocolate, cheese, fruits and crushed peanuts.

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Martabak Campur 3.5/5

We had the Martabak Campur ($3.90 regular) which is a mix martabak with chocolate, peanut and cheese. It is rather sweet but I like the fluffy and spongy texture of the martabak. It even have a Martabak Duran ($4.50 regular) using D24 durian and Martabak Special OVOpop with premium ovomaltine spread and cheese.

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I have not known of any other places that sells martabak. Until I am aware of another place where I can eat this common Indonesia street food, Jtown Cafe will be the place to go to for me to sink my teeth into these fluffy pancakes.


Jtown Cafe
Midpoint Orchard
220 Orchard Road
#B1-04/05
Singapore 238852
Tel: +65 92305040
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station: Take Exit B. Walk to the ground level. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Friday, March 18, 2016

Naughty Nuri's Singapore @ Capitol Piazza - Renowned Bali RestaurantOpens First Outlet in Singapore

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The renowned Naughty Nuri's in Bali, Indonesia has finally landed in Singapore. Popular for its succulent barbecue pork ribs, Indonesia fare and martinis, the restaurant has opened its first outlet at Capitol Piazza. No longer do we need to fly all the way to Bali to satisfy their barbecue pork ribs cravings.

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Mad Ribs Half Rack 3.8/5

Known for having the best sticky pork ribs in Bali, we just have to try it for ourselves. We had the Mad Ribs Half Rack ($18.80). Marinated in balinese spicies and glazed with their special asian bbq sauce, the pork ribs were indeed juicy and succulent. However, it lacked that charred aroma to encompass that beautiful meat. Even my dining partner who has dine at the Bali outlet, felt disappointed. Saying that, a highlight worth mentioning is the kechap manis chilli sauce on the side. It complemented the pork ribs very well, giving it a wicked kick in flavour.

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Pull Pork Burger $16.50

From the grill, we also tried the Pull Pork Burger ($16.50). Sandwiched between the homemade bun is yogurt mint slaw, cheddar cheese, bbq sauce, lettuce and the pull pork. The burger felt sort of off balance, with the pull pork overshadowed by the intense flavours of the slaw, cheese and bbq sauce.

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Nuri's Signature Martini 3.5/5

Not to forget, the bar at Naughty Nuri's shakes up some interesting Martinis and Cocktails by the in-house Master Mixologist Ricky Paiva. We started with the Nuri's Signature Martini ($19.50) that is infused with the pandan flavour on top of the refreshing coconut.

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Crispy Pig Ears 4.2/5

Ideal to go with the martinis and cocktails are some small plates on the menu such as the Crispy Pig Ears ($6.80) and Burnt Squid ($8.80). The Crispy Pig Ears, with its crunchy soft bone that is perfumed with spicy curry powder is really addictive.

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Burnt Squid 4/5

A light bite that comes with a slightly burnt surface, gives the bouncy Burnt Squid ($8.80) a hint of smokiness. The sweetness of the squid is further accentuated with the red pepper sauce.

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Sambal Prawns Petai 4.2/5

Besides the grill and small plates, I find the Indonesian fare fairs much better than the rest. The Sambal Prawns Petai ($11.80), stir fried in home made sambal and bitter beans, carries a fiery spicy kick to it. I like the fact that it is not fine tuned for the wider public.

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Lemak Chili Party 4.5/5

The Lemak Chili Party ($6.80) has the whole chicken leg cooked in a tumeric coconut gravy. The tender chicken leg with the creamy gravy has me craving for a bowl of rice to go with it.

I have not tried Naughty Nuri's in Bali hence I could not really compare the food experience. I can only judge on my on personal preference. Overall I think the pork ribs is above average, saving grace is the kechap manis chilli sauce. However, I will return for their Indonesian dishes. I fund them better than the grill items and small plates.


[CLOSED]
Naughty Nuri's Singapore
Capitol Galleria
15 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63847966
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Go to ground level. Walk over to Capitol Galleria. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Friday, July 24, 2015

Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant @ Tagore Lane (Upper Thomson Road)

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Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant is an household name servicing authentic Indonesian cuisine since 1989. Established by Ms Liyana Kwan in 1989 as an Nasi Padang concept eating house, it has expanded over the years into an la carte restaurant using a fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with authentic Indonesian flavours. Fans of Pagi Sore will rejoice to know that they have recently opened a third outlet at Tagore Lane, inside an industrial estate, located in the roof top of Entrepreneur Centre, an industrial building.

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The first unique thing I noticed at Pagi Sore is the rice. Most Indonesian restaurant will go around servicing rice in a basket but at Pagi Sore it is served wrapped in banana leaf.. Not only containing the warm of the rice but also give it a nice aroma.

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Stir Fried Long Beans with Belacan Chilli 4/5

To go with the rice, we order a couple of dishes from the a la carte menu starting with the Stir Fried Long Beans with Belacan Chilli ($8.80/$9.90). Cooked to a nice crunchy bite plus the heat from the belacan, this is a spicy kick start to the dinner in a good way.

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Tahu Telor 3.5/5

A towering Tahu Telor ($10.20) topped with shredded carrots greeted us next. The crispy and fluffy fried beancurd and eggs when eaten with the nutty sweet sauce, whetted up the appetite.

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Ayam Bali 4/5

Smokey, sweet and tender is the Ayam Bali ($5.80/$14.80). Grilled to a nice charred edge with sweetness from the kecap manis, this is quite addictive to just stop at one.

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Wok Fried Butter Prawn with Spices 4/5

The aroma from the butter and spices filled the air when the Wok Fried Butter Prawn with Spices ($23.50) was brought to the table. It was so good that you can eat the whole thing together with the shells.

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Ikan Otah Kukus 4.2/5

One of the must try dish at Pagi Sore has to be the Ikan Otah Kukus. This is so special and unique. A whole leather jacket fish is steamed in sweet potato leaf with a new blend of spicy paste and coconut milk. What is even more interesting is that the fish is boneless!

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To be frank, never would I expect to find a restaurant in the roof top of an industrial building. It is sort of a hidden gem. The place is spacious and windy, especially at night. There is also ample parking lots. Although the address is Tagore Lane, I would recommend going via Tagore Road which is nearer.


[CLOSED]
Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant
Entrepreneur Centre
50 Tagore Lane
#05-07
Singapore 787494
Tel: +65 65112942
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagisore
Website: http://www.pagi-sore.com/index.html
Nearest MRT: Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Marymount (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Marymount MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Upper Thomson Road towards SPC Petrol Kiosk direction. Take bus number 167 or 980 across the road (Stop ID B53021). Alight 10 stops later. Cross the road to Tagore Road. Walk along the road to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus interchange (Stop ID B54009). Take bus number 138 or 169. Alight 10 stops later.Cross the road to Tagore Road. Walk along the road to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Monday, January 12, 2015

Warung Kampung @ The Central (Clarke Quay)

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Warung Kampong is a Nasi Padang eatery located at the basement of Central Clarke Quay. To my surprise, it is actually opened by an Indonesian Chinese couple, in which the husband picked up the art of Indonesian nasi padang in Medan. Humble and simple furnishing, which will set you up in the mood for an authentic Indonesian cuisine any time of the day.

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Sambal Prawn 3.5/5

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Sambal Sotong 4/5

I started off with the Sambal Prawns and the Sambal Sotong (They ran out of fish, sad to say). I think both the sambal used are the same. I like the fact that both are not too chilli-hot, which might otherwise overpower the taste of the spices and sweetness of the seafood. Between these two, I would prefer the Sambal Sotong more. It stands out in terms of its crunchiness, which was quite satisfying when I chewed at it.

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Honestly speaking, I haven't had my rice with Sambal Belachan for quite some time. I find most of them slightly too spicy and I hate it when I couldn't taste anything but the chilli. Hence, for theirs, I started off with just a tiny bit, to go with my food. And wow... I couldn't help but took a much bigger portion of it. Its level of spiciness is just right for me and I feel its robustness comes from the right mix of proportion of its base ingredients. It simply brings the taste of my food to another level.

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Sambal Egg Plant 3/5

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Sambal Long Beans 4.2/5

For the vegetables, the Sambal Egg Plant was slightly too greasy for me. The Sambal Long Beans was much better. It was crunchy, unlike the usual Chinese style. The Sambal on top of both vegetables was very flavourful, which reminds me of a good Dried Shrimps Chilli.

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Egg Balado 4.5/5

What I really can't forget is their Egg Balado. Basically, it is just fried hard boiled egg, simmered in balado. Somehow, the combination of the sauce and the springy egg works for me. The sauce was sweet and tangy, bursting with flavours as it touched my tongue.

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BBQ Chicken Ayam Panggang 4.8/5

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Crispy Chicken 4.2/5

I then moved on to the meat - BBQ Chicken Ayam Panggang (grilled chicken), Beef & Chicken Rendang. I must say the BBQ chicken was quite impressive. The chicken was well grilled till thinned skin, and the meat remained as tender. The sweet sauce which glazed over the chicken, made it so appetising that I almost devoured the entire skin on it's on.

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Chicken Rendang 3/5

As for the rendang dishes, both the beef and chicken were tender, but I wish the taste can be more robust. Fortunately, the Sambal Baclachan made up for it!

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Beef Rendang 3/5

You may also like their Begedil (fried mashed potato). To many, I believe it is like a childhood comfort food. The Chef has mixed some Chinese Parsley to flavour the potatoes, which I think has helped a lot in lifting the taste. Reminds me of how my mum will add water chestnut, carrot, or the same herbs to her Yong Tau Fu. A little thought that goes into cooking your food does make a whole lot of difference.

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Begedil 4.5/5

We came in the later part of the day hence we didn't manage to try some of the dishes. Nonetheless, we were in time for the popular dishes - bbq chicken ayam panggang (grilled chicken), beef & chicken rendang, sambal prawns & sotong etc. You have the choice of ordering their sets, which is $6.40 to $7.40 with a choice of meat/seafood and 2 vegetables. A la Carte is also available if you are greedy for more!

Sambal Belachan is free flow but Chilli Lovers, please refrain from taking more than you need, as it is painstakingly made from their hands. (My mum makes her own chilli, hence I do know how much hardwork and sweat are involved.). After all the sambal and rendang, you might want to clear your palate with their homemade honey lemon. Just top up 80 cents of your set meal to enjoy it.

Warung Kampong is definitely another great dining option for the shoppers at The Central Clarke Quay amongst the different eateries which have sprouted over time. Do try their Sambal Balachan!

Written By Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. 


Warung Kampung
The Central
6 En Tong Sen Street
#B1-56
Singapore 059817
Tel: +65 86666699
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarungKampungCentral
Nearest MRT: Clark Quay

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 730am - 830pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 830pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit F. Journey time about 2 minute. [Map]