Shock culture and durian chee cheong fan

I've just remembered - that i haven't updated this blog for nearly 6 months ! 


Anyways - am in a good mood - so i might as well upload bits of my travel notes. This is happening early Feb - just when i decided to move out of the company and look for new adventure. A trip which i had been longing for... finally ! So.. here's the first part. Enjoy !

Feb 6, 2010 – Shock culture and durian chee cheong fan

Arriving in S’pore. First time traveling out of the country – alone. Shame on me 25 years but have not yet traveled crossing the border. Anyway, that’s another story coming along.

I took Jetstar / Valueair to catch up with some colleagues who had left earlier for Bangkok. Was supposed to go along with them, but then I decided to resign, so the company cancelled my ticket and I had to go with budget airlines. And lucky me, Jetstar offered US$ 176 for round trip ticket to Bangkok via S’pore with one night transit in S’pore. Hmmm… striking two birds with a stone J

So, there was I. Arriving in S’pore around 3pm, and my next flight is still in another 16 hours. A friend of mine (who resides in S’pore) has left me with pre-paid MRT card a week before. He already left me an SMS message when I landed – to meet in City Hall station.

I decided to leave my luggage in Changi to avoid hussle carrying a yellow big backpack (which is bigger than my 160cm size). Trying to find left luggage counter which in the Indobackpacker mailing list said that it’ll be just behind Sincere watch. Ok, the watch’s store name had changed. And it is really located behind the store – so not visible from the main aisle.

T1 Transit Area:
- Level 2, Transit Mall East
- Near Sincere Watch shop
T1 Public Area:
- Basement West

[P.S.

- check from which terminal you are going to leave. If not from terminal 1, then it’s best to left your luggage in the basement.

- left luggage counter should be available in other terminal as well, but they had renovation on-going, so when I checked with the counter keeper, they said that the left luggage is only available in T1]

Left my bag there with only 3.15 SGD /night. Still with the kampong mind (yeah, I’m an urban city girl – with a kampong mind :P), I couldn’t find the sky train. So I asked the left luggage counter man. With speedy Singlish, he tried (at least he try !) to explain to me that I need to go to the 2^nd terminal using skytrain, then find the MRT station in the basement.

Heading to the sky train – I was wondering. Singapore is really a melting pot. Back in Jakarta, Indians and Bules ruled my previous company (even in my present company). But there, they’re working as porters, securities, shopkeeper… geez. I’m used to be nice to any foreigner back in Indonesia, so every time I had to ask them, I ask them nicely – as if I’m talking to my bosses.. Kampong banget !

Again, in the sky train and MRT, I was really amazed on how punctual they are. Even when waiting for the trains, no one stand in front of the yellow line !

[put pictures of the yellow line]

One Indonesian family – who was holiday-ing and heading to Orchard road was mistaken me as S’porean. They were asking how to get to Orchard – while the MRT map was actually in front of their eyes. Then I took a look around, yes… all look similar to me , so I guess my University of Indonesia Starbuck’s version shirt was not working L

No problems and no hassle when I reached the City Hall station. I headed right to the malls… wait, which mall ? once I got out the trains, everywhere is mall. Hhh… well, let’s just find a 7/11. So there was I. hungry (well, I haven’t gotten any “afternoon snack yet”), thirsty and …errr… kinda lost. So 7/11 is really a savior.

I got myself a Meiji coffee flavored milk for 1 dollar. Gosh ! this is the best coffee flavored milk ever ! Not too sweet (and no bitter after taste), silky, not too bitter, just the right aroma and taste. (throughout the journey, I kept on searching for this one, even in Bangkok)

Then, I meet up with my friend. Noticing my growling stomach, he immediately took me to a Chinese stall (well, it’s not really a standing stall… but also not a restaurant yet). We took the MRT and got down in Killiney road. On the right, I noticed that there’s a kopitiam, but we’re not heading there. We’re actually going to the other one next door. [put the name]. Nothing fancy about the place, but my friend mention the durian chee cheong fan. Okay, sounds tempting... hmmm…

We ordered pork porridge (10 SGD each) which came in huge portion … Barley tea for me, I forgot what he ordered. Then jelly fish salad .. which looked and tasted beyond my expectation. And finally the durian chee cheong fan !!!!

Time for verdict :

Pork porridge, well I can say that it’s okay, but nothing special about it.

Jelly fish salad, this is nothing like the chuka kurage in Sushi tei or Jelly fish Salad in the Imperial La Mien something… they put sliced onions, leeks, and mixed it with the crunhy jelly fish. Seasoned with vinegar and sesame oil. Refreshing ! But ended up with me taking all the jelly fish and my friend have to finished the rest.

Barley tea, hehehe… this is nice. It’s like sweet ice tea – thick sweetness (legi) , but with out tea. A bit beanie somehow.

 

Durian chee cheong fan : durian wrapped in thin rice paper sheet, topped with sweet condensed milk and crushed peanut. But really, it is the durian. Sweet, succulent, chewy durian. Just the right ripeness, low alcoholic content, no bitterness at all.  Hope they can make the chee cheong fan with the same quality, all year round !

[no name – It’s written in Chinese….sowwiiieee..]

75 Killiney Rd

S’pore 239529

Tel : 6736 – 1355

After that, we went to a small bun store next door – which I totally forgot the name Tang Kee or Teck kee… really. It’s a nice bun, but too small and not value for money. Hence, I will just skip it here.

Spent the rest of the night scouring every malls (well, not literally every malls), only to those which my friend referred to. We went to a big – Japanese kind of Acer store – which has all kinds of household / furniture products made in Japan. Don’t ask about the price – having only 100 SGD in hand (and already spent the 26 SGD on Charles and Keith shoes :P ).

In short, Singapore is a city of malls. If you’re thinking that you could just go sight seeing and not prepared for “accidental” window shopping.. and wishing to be back home happily, then don’t go to S’pore.

In every mall, you will find cute – nice – interesting – TEMPTING things to buy, if not, foods. Went to a mall, where they have all kind of Japanese foods and snacks. From Papa beard’s mochi cream filled, wasabi coated peanut, “cute looking” fro-yo and etc. Hence, be prepared.

Not much to tell after that, we went to the China town, but it was over crowded (nearing the CNY), hence we left and headed for Clarke Quay. Lively, a larger scale of CiTos. Wish we could hang out there, have some booze and enjoy the river view (or get partying). Unfortunately, both of us were too afraid of getting drunk (with a 7am flight to catch in the morning). So we decided to close the day with Haagen Dazs ice cream. 

Behind the desk escapes

Well, being behind the desk is definitely - not as enjoyable as being out of the office....
However, due to A LOT of limitations, i can only escapes through google.

Googling around for Ginger bread cookies, i stumbled upon this web : Home Sweet Home.

They have a very - fancy - cute - display of sugar cubes and cookies.... Envy.

next escapades ?

yea.. i know i have to write another review for next time.. but i don't think i could make it this week. Usual thing - surviving among deadlines

I have one resto in mind to write about. Will write it soon :)

Another casablanca expedition - Sate Domba Africa

5pm - still have tons of works and looks like escaping home won't work. Rain has just stopped dripping - people were rushing to go home.

Looks like we have no choice but to look for food around the office area.
Reni and I then decided to try "Sate Domba Africa" - African Lamb Satay.
Well the name itself is hillarious - it is definitely not from Africa; it's not even satay with dark sweet soy sauce or peanut sauce. And i don't think it is really ... lamb.

But come to think of it.... I really can not tell the difference between goat and lamb.....*sigh*

Anyway, we went there. Around 6pm, and no one was there. We were the only guest. The place is quite decent. Fairly clean.
We were directly served, and handed out the menu. Looking for something light, we actually ordered Sate Pisang (Fried Banana Satay). But the waiter, who turned out to be the owner :P, suggested that we should try the Domba Africa; and mentioned that the banana was just complimentary to the sate domba.
Okay, points taken. So we ordered a plate of sate domba - with no rice, and ice tea. He then asked, whether the banana fried or fritters... we preferred fried.. pan-fried.

It was quick... Less than  10 mins, our orders arrived, a plate of domba (with onions) - complete with the bones, and pan-fried banana. Interestingly, they served the banana with mayo :).
Reni also noticed that they have mustard on the table for condiment.. and she was excited.

Sorry for the photo quality - was taken only with my camera phone.

Anyway, while we were about to try it, the waiter suggested the "proper" way to eat it. First we have to eat the banana - dipped in the chili paste (which kinda resemble bangkok thai sauce - sour / sweetish), and mayo, then eat it along with the lamb. So we did try - it was unique. I like the the flavor of banana and mayo.
It was good if the banana is ripe enough - and should be Pisang raja or tanduk, not the common cavendish one sold in hypermarket / supermarket. It was sweet-ish and creamy. With the domba - it tasted a bit smokey-ish... the goat-ish aroma was covered by the creamy mayo. Interesting. 

Overall, the taste was good... but we agreed on one thing... the lamb was a bit hard - should be juicier. It should've been younger goat oops... lamb. Also, there was too much fat.

You are expected to use hands when eating this. Don't worry for the after smell... Besides the liquid soap, they also provide you some handyclean (alcohol based hand cleaner). Well thought !

Anyway, total damage cost :
Sate Domba Africa (just the satay - no rice)     -     IDR 35,000
Pisang goreng                                                      -     IDR 10,000
Sweet Ice Tea                                                 -     IDR 2,000


Sate Domba Africa - (this has the yellow sign box)
Jl. Prof Dr. Satrio No. 184 - 021-5276387

Other places :
Jl. Gajah Mada Raya - Across Holland Bakery
Jl. P. Jayakarta gg. Kawi 1B1
Jl. Tebet Barat Dalam Raya No.41 (Besides Dewi Sartika School)
Jl. Raya Puncak Pass
Jl. Kejayen - Jogja
Jl. Cihampelas No. 68 - Bandung

Delivery via SMS :
0813 117 8838 (i think you should call first :P)

Next destination ? anyone ?

Nearing weekend...

any suggestion for the next destination ?

Pondok Djaja

Was feeling a bit adventurous for the weekend. I was thinking of taking the bear to Museum Bank Indonesia - the new interactive cool museum (have went there previously)
then getting some ounces of dried kiwis near Gg. Gloria.


Gg. Gloria was a bit tempting at first - but remembering that the bear doesn't eat any pork, then the idea just puffed off ritaway...


Hence, i took him to one of my parent's favorite restaurant in Hayam Wuruk - Pondok Djaja.


It was a very small - shabby restaurant, but i remember the food tastes so good. Even when I stayed in Grand Hyatt, I remember my dad came in with two packs of nasi bungkus :) *just because the hotel voucher didn't cover dinner and supper :( *
Anyway, it was good food , Great place - bad synchronization :P


Back to present days, I remember the resto was on the left side of the road. It somewhere near Dunkin Donut. Don't be fooled by the appearance of the store itself. In front - there's always luxurious cars parking. It's always full. 
Yes, this restaurant is famous among chinese (particularly those who are not so chinese anymore :P)... usually those who used to live near the Hayam wuruk area (like my mom who lived in Batu Ceper).


It was very easy to find (i guess, they have just shone up the sign.. so it's shining - make it easier to be found).

Inside, as expected , the space was almost full. We had to sit near the door. I forgot how to order Padang food as i usually hate it. Just as the old man (the owner - who has been taking care the resto for years !) spotted us, food was ordered directly to be brought - laid on our table in minutes. We didn't wait long.


Just like in any Padang restaurant - you will be served with a plate of rice - and plates of sayur (meat dishes, vegetable dishes.. name it !). One thing about the dish here - it is "lighter" than the normal Padang dishes. Not too much coconut milk - hence i am trouble free (because i hate coconut milk...) ; and not too spicy as well (moderate level). 
I think, it is more suitable as Chinese-Padangnese food. Anyway, I always like the taste.


I right away picked up 3 of my favorite dishes : shrimp with coconut milk and petai (stink bean), rendang, and tofu with green chilis. 


The shrimp was succulent. It was fresh, and sweet. Not too spicy - so the bear can eat it well :)
Tofu, well, nothing fancy about this, but it has been my favorite..
A bit dissapointed at the rendang. I was expecting a tasty - savory - rich -strong tasted rendang - but it was a bit bland.  :(
Maybe i should've taken the ayam goreng (fried chicken). It is one of my favorite menu - simple, but savory fried chicken with red chili paste (sambal merah).

Overall, it was a bit turning down. Will only come back if my parents desire it.


Some other reviews on this restaurant :from someone's multiply (cuittea) ; another multiply (heradiani) ; Jakarta Post 
*good review in overall - maybe it was just me, not being so lucky that day :( *


Oh by the way, do not expect any bills.. they counted all in the old fashioned way :P
Hence, I'm not sure how much I spent there.. maybe around 30K.


Pondok Djaja
Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 11
Jakarta Pusat
Open Monday to Saturday 11.00–20.00, Sundays and holidays 11.00–16.00 (usually by 3pm, everything is sold out already)

Casablanca expedition : Bakmi Cimon Casablanca

Today, it was a storm i guess, heavy rain - endless terror of traffic jam... and also tons of works.
The plan was : to get out of the office ASAP, to have something light to munch, to enjoy the rest of the day chatting, and satisfying our curiosity with something called Mi Cimon.

Reni was in the mood for food exploration - so we head out to Mi Cimon. We've been so eager to try this one; and decided to give it a try (as the other options : Rumah duren, Kwetiaw Mangga Dua, Setiabudi building... are out of questions !).

It was right on the right side of the road (if you're coming from Sudirman). Small shop - but quite recognizable from the yellow neon box. First impression ? Quite decent place. Homey and clean.

A friend of mine had already given his reviews on the iga penyet :juicy - and soft.
So, as Reni tried out the noodle (Mie ayam pangsit), i decided to try the ribs (iga penyet).

Didn't take too long (maybe because we're the only customers at 6pm...but by 7pm, people started coming in...).

First bite, am bit disappointed. It was quite soft, and juicy - but also fatty. And i had to add soy sauce first because the taste was not that strong - as if the cook was bit hesitant in marinating it. I still prefer SApi Bali's ribs... But, as for the amount... yea... it was just the right size.

As for the noodle, the taste was ... not that disappointing. It was okay, though it was lack of characteristic. No signature flavor. But I like the texture. Not soggy - but still chewy.

What is interesting, was actually the sweet ice tea. I don't know whether it was just an accident or intentional, but I tasted caramel sweetness in the sugar. Just like a burnt sugar caramel for caramel pudding. Interesting ! Hopefully, it was intentional.

Total damage for the night :
Mie Ayam - IDR 17,000
Iga Penyet (rice and soup included) - IDR 25,000
Sweet Ice Tea - IDR 2,000

Bakmi Cimon
Jl. Prof.Dr.Satrio No.8 (Sebelum resto Ayam Taliwang)
Casablanca, Jakarta
Telp: 021-95139518 (delivery available)


Dining only.

For better pictures, please follow this link posted in detikFood.