Cheap, Quick, Yummy Indonesian

After work on a Saturday afternoon, I felt like shopping. The Chinese New Year was just 2 days away and I had nothing to wear. I am not big on traditions or superstitions, but this is one tradition I get to give myself an excuse to shop. I embrace it. =)

Before starting our afternoon of shopping at Far East, S and I headed to this Indonesian eatery previously recommended by a friend – Resto Surabaya. We had been here once previously and we loved it so here we were again.

We ordered a Grilled Chicken each. This was extremely tasty!!! Usually a chicken thigh is served, grilled/bbq-ed till slightly burnt and coated with some sweet sauce. The meat is usually very tender and easy to go down. I love this!!!

The Prawns are also delicious! Somewhat like the oatmeal prawns we have at chinese seafood restaurants, the prawns are smaller and alot tastier. Instead of oatmeal, they are served with some kind of crispy bits like those you get at long john silver except WAY BETTER. I can’t quite decide what it is yet but just know, it’s incredibly YUMMY!

We also ordered their signature fish. The preparation is similar to that of the chicken, the only difference is the type of meat. Being a fan of the preparation, it tasted equally good to me.

A regular eatery with a great following. Expect a crowd and to queue during the standard meal times. The place is small and very typically a family-run Indonesian restaurant. Unpretentious and very much what you see is what you get. I recommend for a pre-shopping lunch at Far East! =)

E’s 27th at Cumi Bali

Moustache and Helium balloons. That was the tall order given by the birthday boy. All of us had to come in some form of moustache and bring a helium balloon each. Dutifully, we did; all 20 odd of us.

I must say we made quite a sight, picture perfect if I might add. My boy and I went dressed seemingly coordinated. He was dressed in a checkered-shirt and a bow tie, glasses and moustache on, channelling Bob from the latest season of Survivor; whilst I had my office shirt, vest thrown on, tucked out over a pair of checkered shorts, moustache also on. The best part? We didn’t even plan our attire! We were playing mahjong when we suddenly realised how late we were. S went into the bathroom whilst I changed in the room. Everything was off the top of our heads and totally spontaneous. When we were both done, we marvelled at how we had both decided to dress up to go with our moustaches and how our outfits seemed matching. I think we made a handsome couple. :p

I would say Cumi Bali was your regular Indonesian food with the warmth of a family-run restaurant. Located amongst a row of shophouses along Tanjong Pagar Road, the restaurant is unpretentious and very simple. A stand-alone stall in the middle of the first floor, coupled with some chairs and tables. It looked like a single-stall makan place with air-conditioning. The party however, was upstairs, where it was again unassuming. A big room with a long table for all. Deep purple walls with a large ornament piece which really is the main and only hint of a decor.

The food…

We had the usual saya-lodeh (curry vegetables), otah fish with a twist ( the otah had a normal full fish, bones and all, in between!) , sotong, chicken, satay meat, and egg omelette. The best dishes to me were the sotong, chicken and egg omelette. They were very tasty and were prepared in authentic indonesian style. The egg however would top the list for it was rather unique in its preparation however common an omelette.

I’ll admit, I couldn’t really enjoy the food very much as I was nursing a horrendously huge ulcer in my mouth but I’d say on the whole the food was good and it was a satisfying meal. Sadly aside from the omelette there was nothing notably outstanding for me. Will I return? Why not. But would I crave and make an effort trip down just for the food? I’m afraid not.