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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Monkey Warung
Capitol Galleria
15 Stamford Road
#01-84
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63847966
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]
