Taco Truck Indonesia

Almost all overseas students studying in the Western civilization must be really familiar with the concept of a 'food truck' and personally I had lost counts on the multiple times I spent my time running across campus and the city itself, sparing some 15 minutes on the way having some Kebab or Tacos for lunch. And I must be really honest, some of the best Kebabs I had eaten during the entire of my Uni student life is from a Greek man selling from a food truck at the Lincoln Street gas station. Well..those are the good 'younger' days and what about here in Jakarta? We're more practical in a way that our street food is much less mobile (Warteg, Kaki Lima, etc). Not that it is bad in any way but this concept of Food Truck just made me excited, a concept that is so familiar in other countries can yet be still 'fresh' in Jakarta and made you go 'oooh wow...they have it here...'.

The first time I saw this particular exact same taco truck was in Kelapa Gading and I wanted to badly try it. But I was in a rush and I couldn't make time for that stop. Then the second time was last Sunday in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Upon seeing it, I brake the car and got down to have a munch. This taco truck made it quite interesting. There is only 1 truck available and they will go round Jakarta with all of their crew selling Mexican. There are ways to track them, by following their status on the Facebook and Twitter which they will update in advance. I like their fun concept, of having to track them down and thus made it more difficult to purchase and hence 'exclusive' in a sense.

Besides having to track them all the time, you're allowed to cater them. Imagine if you have a casual outdoor party at your backyard in your home. And you hate to cook and does not have the time even to take away food. No worries! Cater them and they'll park nicely and you can have your guest having Mexican food all day long.

They don't have an extensive list of food choice in their menu but those are definitely the essential ones in any Mexican joints. So as for the menu, I pretty pleased with it. I only got to try the tacos ( FYI, I just had lunch 30 minutes prior to this --__--" ). I saw others getting their nachos and burritos which made me rather jealous. I always think it's a little bit bias if you only taste one dish in the entire menu, but hey wrong tummy capacity at the wrong time.

While waiting for the truck's kitchen hand to prepare my take away, I thought Jakarta is very slowly starting to welcome Mexican food. For yearsss, I'm only familiar with Hacienda (Arcadia, Plaza Senayan) then only quite recently I had a bite at Taco Local and was invited for a blogger event in Sombrero (Grand Indonesia). Having this taco truck moving around Jakarta is quite educational actually, introducing a larger population to the rather new 'Mexican Flavors'. 

So if I may recommend the owner (if you happen to read this review), maybe for the next project you might think towards 'Greek Food'. It has a similar vibe to a Mexican; Tacos and Kebabs? The entire idea of a Kebab Truck with other dish such as fried calamari and shrimps can fit nicely too.

Menu : Bulgogi Beef Soft Tacos
Price : Rp 35,000
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> I had this 2 portion of beef tacos for only Rp 35,000 which is a reasonable price tag. The fillings were extensive, they put a good chunk of guacamole sauce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, etc, all those good bits that contribute the sour and the spicy part of a Mexican Taco. I like the taste of the fillings but not so much on the skin. I felt they should have toast it much more. It still has a little of the 'doughy' after taste. Overall, I would still recommend you all to give it a try. Mind you that the cooking period can be quite lengthy with you standing while waiting for it made it felt even longer hahahaha...

So, the ultimate question : "Do I like it?". Yesss I certainly do, seven pointer for my tongue is very generous. But sadly I tried Taco Local (See Post 13 September 2013) and I would say Taco Local has better food. Nevertheless, I would definitely have a go on it again the next time I passes by, although I wouldn't so much as to track them down.

Taco Truck Indonesia

Track Them in Facebook, Twitter & Instagram : Taco Truck Indonesia

To Cater : +62 877 808 67888

Taco Local

I've been to Panglima Polim area many times but didn't manage to notice Taco Local. Well the name says it all, it's Mexican food. Before I begin, I'd like to thank 'Andy' who recommended me to this eatery, I was complaining about a bad Mexican joint, he commented on my post and advised me to have a go for Taco Local.

It was a Sunday noon and I just finish practicing for the Marathon run coming up in October. A bunch of friends and I practiced ran 8 km and after a quick shower and a changed outfit we were growling with hunger. 

Initially we nearly drove pass the place. The facade is very simple. Nothing posh or sleek looking. A plain white 2 storey shop house. It has this messy porch in front and the additional bougainvilleas makes it look a little bit like a house to me. Just for your information, Taco Local is sandwiched between a bike shop and 'Manja'. 

I wasn't expecting anything. The facade was messy and 'homey'. Thus I was actually eager to come in. It feels like a commune place where you can dress super casually and have a chat over good food. The decor didn't scream Mexico at all, no sombrero or jalapenos hang anywhere. Just simple cement flooring, white plain walls and tiles on the other side, wooden stools and bench tables arranged like back in boarding school days. You got order at the counter and pay up, very much self service kind of thing. I must say this is nothing fancy but certainly loved it. A good change from your lounge, bar and cafes scene that is popping out all over Jakarta.

Menu : Saparella

Price : Rp 20,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> The person at the counter introduced us this and called it their house soda. Gotta like the shape of the bottle, very sexy I thought it resembles like a lady's oversize hip hahaha. Anyways 'Saparella' taste like the normal 'Sarsi' soda drink. 

It has been quite sometime since the last time I came across Sarsi or even longer, had a gulp at it. This brings back good memories actually. Well as for the taste, what can go wrong with sugar and soda? It's not something that Taco Local brewed at their own kitchen but hey it is sugary soda and it always taste good. So hence the score of a seven.

Menu : Al Pastor Tacos

Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> Yummmm! This beautiful tacos consist of grilled pork shoulder, pickle cabbage, salsa fresca, salsa verde and grilled pineapple. Love it!!! The pork was succulent, tender and super generous with the amount of meat. The salsa, pickled cabbage and pineapple gave the sauce a slight bbq taste but with just an extra pinch of sour. I went on to quirt the small wedge of lime and the level of sour was just right on the dot for me. The base of the tortilla could have been toasted and hence increase the crisp but they didn't do that. It was soft and still manage to hold all the fillings on top just well.

Menu : Lengua

Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 9.0 / 10

>> Lengua has grilled tongue, salsa fresca, guacamole and crispy pork rind as the fillings. How does it taste? It was better than Al Pastor! I took a bite and geezzz...the grilled tongue was exactly how I liked it; thick, cut into cubes, tender and succulent. The sauce was less sour than Al Pastor but instead a more of a salty taste while Al Pastor is more sweet and bbq. I couldn't figure out the guacamole maybe to the small amount smeared inside but regardless what sauce this has inside, it was good !! The tortilla wasn't toasted and hence pretty much the same as described above; soft but nevertheless good.

Menu : Carne Burritos
Price : Rp 50,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>>  I got pulled beef, dirty rice, frijoles, salsa fresca, guacamole and cheese inside my Carne Burritos. It came steaming piping hot and I love the amount of fillings stuffed inside. It was sliced into 2 piece thus upon looking you'll try to figure the components inside. It's a filling dish, mainly because of the rice I think. I must not only mention the generousness of the fillings but also the taste. I don't eat many burritos in my life thus not too sure how the real ones in Mexico taste like but I was hoping a little bit more heat inside. They just ran out of their hot sauce and I really think the extra spicy heat will made all the differences. I was really disappointed not being able to taste their hot sauce, but certainly looking forward on my next trip.

Menu : Jamon Y Huevos Tortas
Price : Rp 40,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> What is Tortas? Tortas is simply a Mexican sandwich in a Bolilo Bread. Just like the French has Croissant sandwich, the Mexicans has the Tortas. And for this particular sandwich, I had smoked pork ham, fried egg, frijoles, cheese, salsa fresca and mayonnaise. By the way for this smoked ham sandwich, it is only available on the weekends. It came sliced into 2 pieces which made is easier to bite on and apart from that, easier to detect the fillings. I had a few bites into it and it felt like a breakfast menu to me. Smoke ham, eggs and bread with a little bit of nachos crunch on the side, which really tasted like a breakfast sandwich. I liked the toasted bolilo bead too, wasn't over crispy but just the right texture. A dish I second best enjoy after their super good tacos.

Menu : Sticky Date Pudding With Vanilla Ice Cream and Toffee Sauce.
Price : Rp 30,000 ++
Score : 6.25 / 10

>> I was at 7/8 stomach capacity and I pushed myself towards 9/8 capacity. I had dessert of course. A few variety to choose on and landed my eye on the sticky date pudding. It was not mind blowing good. It was pretty alright, the vanilla ice cream was supermarket bought and the toffee syrup was okay too. The sticky date pudding itself was mediocre. Wasn't too fluffy nor was it gooey enough. It tasted more like a sponge cake rather than a pudding. But still, I managed to gorge it all down myself. Exactly 5 seconds after finishing this, I realized the amount of calorie intake must be horrifying hahahaha. I shuddered but soon moved on !

Was it a good experience? Yes it was! I'll definitely become a regular here, will try the rest of the variety listed on the menu. I haven't tried their hot sauce for goodness sake and that will be on top of my list on the next trip there. Which is going to be soon.


Taco Local
Jl. Panglima Polim 5 No 38, Jakarta Selatan
Phone : +62 21 94949538

Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku - Ubud, Bali (Lebaran 2012)

Upon landing in Bali, this is the first restaurant I went. It was just slightly past lunch time and FW was getting cranky by the minute. He was certain that he wanted Nasi Ayam Kedewatan for lunch and the fact it's situated in Ubud, close by our hotel, I had no issue about it. 

To be honest, I didn't quite understand what is the big deal about this place until I had my first plate....and I'm hooked for life! One of the most spiciest plate of Nasi Ayam I had ever tasted, and you don't get to hear me say 'kepedesan' very often (very rarely actually). I have a high threshold for chili but this made me have tears in my eyes! Bloody good chili! And I even bought a kilo of the chili and took it back to the hotel and home to Jakarta. It's awesome !! A definite must try for chili lovers out there :)

" THE AWESOME CHILI !!!! "

Menu : Nasi Ayam Kedewatan
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 9.5 / 10

>> After nearly one month passed since I actually sat down and ate this plate of rice, I am now still able to drool just by looking at the picture and imagining the taste dancing on my taste buds. This is probably the best food I had ever eaten in Bali. Yes, bali is famous for the pork and their duck but damn! This is the Kings and Queens of all rice dishes I had ever tasted. I may sound 'hyperbolic' but these are my honest words.

I really think the secret weapon lies in their chili. My goodness! Eat a spoonful of it and I guarantee you'll blow your brains out. I loooooove chili and I couldn't remember when was the last time I was running for icy cold water wanting to ease off the heat from my mouth. This plate of chili really brought me there. It was extremely HOT !!!! And it actually made me have tears and made my lips rather swollen. The rice itself is cheap (Rp 15,000 or around only USD 1.80) and also generous with their meat, veges and other fillings. If I ended up broke while in Bali, I'll probably spend my money here and still manage to get a decent meal !!! This is not only worth your money but also worth your time for traveling all the way to Ubud.

Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku

Jl. Raya Kedewatan 2 No. 18, Ubud Bali

Phone : +62 (0361) - 974795

Nasi Jinggo - Ubud, Bali (Lebaran'12)

The first time I tried 'Nasi Jinggo' was about a year ago. A Balinese butler introduced me to this dish. Nasi Jinggo is perceived as a 'peasant' food, due to the relatively cheap nature I assume. A packet of this particular Nasi Jinggo in Ubud Street costs only RP 3,000, USD 0.30 when converted to the US Dollars. With that mere amount of money, you can actually get a decent amount of rice, with a scoop of fried noodles, a little bit of stir fried egg, half handful of ground peanuts and most importantly a dollop of home made chili ! All that for only RP 3,000 !! Try to beat that price! Well, that is the basic Nasi Jinggo, but there is always room to make a simple vegetarian rice dish to be slightly more interesting.

At this street food stall (Warung Kaki Lima), there are options for additionals; chicken, pork and tuna. Those side meat are packed in banana leaves and charged at RP 1,500 per packet. I had all three meat together with a packet of Jinggo Rice and I like the Tuna best. Unfortunately, I forget to get pictures of those meat dish thus unable to share it here. Tuna is best, second is the chicken and last was the pork meat due to the powerful stench 'pork smell' (difficult to describe that smell, but I'm sure you readers could understand).

Honestly, I wasn't impressed by this particular 'Nasi Jinggo' but was rather surprised to be able to still find a decent rice with meat meal that cost RP 7,500, barely a dollar!

Nasi Jinggo, Ubud Bali

Warung Kampung Gili - Gili Air (Lebaran'12)

 

I wanted to taste what the real 'kampung food' or in a better way of saying 'local food' really taste like. I asked the friendly people at Omah Gili and he recommended us a 'Warung' (A Food Stall) not far from the inn; around 5 minutes walk from the inn. By the way Gili Air is not a big island, pretty tiny actually. You can circle the entire island 360 degree less than 2 hours and that is by normal adult walking pace. Go figure the size, pretty small right ?

The 'Warung' actually exceed my expectation, I thought it was going to be dirty and sloppy, but nothing like that. A handful of local and international tourist were there, blending in with the community trying to communicate with broken bahasa indonesia, english and hand sign language. The Warung was in fact pretty clean, good home cooked food were served here. Nothing fancy or 5 star, but definitely a good portion meal, relatively cheap and using super fresh ingredients.

Menu : Nasi Campur
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> Size portion is decent here, enough to cover 3/4 of my tummy capacity. I like the peanut satay sauce with steam vegetables on the side; tasty! I'd give this another half point if only the chicken wasn't that dry. I had quite a tough time chewing it. I wouldn't recommend you guys to try this.

Menu : Ayam Pelecing Pedes
Price : RP 20,000
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> The star dish of the day is this beautiful red colored dish over here! I love the generous amount of chili poured across the chicken. Unlike the overcooked chicken above, this one wasn't at all. Crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy still on the inside. By the way, look at the size of the chicken, huge isn't it? Good stuff !!

Menu : Tumpi Tumpi
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> I was curious when I read it on the menu and asked the owner about it. He explained it was like 'perkedel' but instead of potatoes, they uses finely shredded coconut instead. Combined with spices, herbs and chili then portioned and deep fried before serving. I thought the taste was pretty interesting, it was like eating well seasoned shredded coconut basically :)

Menu : Pelecing Kangkung
Price : RP 10,000
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> I thought I was going to love this dish when I saw it on the menu. All I can think was the amount of chili that this dish will blow my tongue off. In fact, it wasn't the case at all. It was definitely a different 'pelecing' sauce with the 'ayam pelecing' dish above. This sauce was leaning more to tomato base instead of chili and for your information, I'm not a big fan of sweet tomato base chili sauce.

However, I must say the 'kangkung' itself was well cooked.

Menu : Nasi Campur
Price : RP 15,000
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Nasi Campur here is basically you go to the kitchen and there were a few plates of cooked dishes displayed. Choose anything you want and they'll pick it and serve it for you! What I love most is the 'Tempe Orek' or another similar to 'Tempe Balado'. It was spicy and mind blowing! Yummmehh!!


Warung Gili

Gilir Air, Lombok Indonesia