Sari Ratu, Jakarta…simply too many dishes to choose from!

Immediately after I enter the place, sit down, a lot of dishes were served on my table a minute later.

Classic Padang style, meant putting a bunch of plates or bowls bearing different types of dishes on the table, allowing you to choose what you want. You can choose from beef, lamb, chicken, or sambal-swathed hard-boiled eggs to top your rice; Indonesia’s greatest hits: beef rendang, a spicy (an easy-to-abuse adjective around an Indonesian table), ayam gulag (special chicken in Indonesia curry) and Udang super (lobster) were my favorites. Portions are smallish (not that you can complain about much at this price) because the meat or vegetables are there as an accent, to flavor the rice. If you need something to quench the fire, order one of the Indonesian milk drinks, made with unlikely combinations like milk, grenadine-like syrup and avocado. Or grab a box of Teh Botol, a sweetened dark tea drink.

You don’t have to eat everything they put on the table. You won’t be charged for what you don’t eat. Untouched platters are taken away and served to other guests. Not everybody will think this is a sanitary way to serve food. Your dish may have visited a number of other tables before it lands on yours.

Cholesterol levels be damned. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…

 

Rumah Makan Minang, Singapore…my go-to place for reliable and always delicious Indonesian nasi padang

The cooking at Rumah Makan Minang represents the best of original halal Indonesian (sumatran) nasi padang food (rice with a variety of dishes). There’s so many nice things to say about this place, but I’ll will keep it simple.

Sitting outdoors you get to look at the Sultan Mosque. Alternatively, sit upstairs in the air-conditioned dining room. Must taste dishes are sayor lodeh and bergedil (fried potato cutlet). The star dish is the beef rendang -the meat was really tender and the gravy is thick, sweet and spicy. It’s awesome. I just can’t get enough of it. This is my absolute favourite. Last but not least, tahu telor (tofu omelette) was another of my favourite dish, so soft and nice you will just sit there flabbergasted.

Service was quick… no complaints. The prices are also reasonable, although a bit on the high side, although it is worth it to eat such good food.

This is my go-to place for reliable and always delicious Indonesian nasi padang. I’m a fan. I’m definitely a fan. This is the true truth as I say it as it is…