Tokyo Belly

Another subsidiary restaurant branch by Ismaya Group. Just to let you know, Ismaya is a holding company of a handful successful restaurants & lounges such as ; Social House, Kitchenette, Ismaya Catering, D'Journal, Pizza e'birra, Fook Yew, Skye, Sushi Groove, Pasta de Waraku, Blowfish, and a couple more of others. So anyways, this fusion Japanese eatery is an exchange of the previous place called 'Mr. Curry'. I'm not sure what happen to Mr. Curry but I guess business wasn't doing well and thus they refurbished and changed the concept to this 'Tokyo Belly'. Will it be doing well, or follow the declined footsteps of Mr. Curry? Hmm....let the food do the talking. After all, the taste buds never lies.

Menu : Blossom Belly

Price : RP 55,000 ++

Score : 3.0 / 10

>> I don't like the food. The waitress recommended on this but not my taste! The salmon in the middle was a mush, and the cheese in the middle only became an additional mush. The crunchy bit on the outer layer was okay but hey come on, for Rp 55,000?? The sauce drizzled over wasn't great either. To add on it's overpriced but the only positive note is the fact; it didn't contain any rice. So maybe those who are doing Atkin's diet can have this hahaha. And lastly just for your info, there was 6 slices to this dish and not just 3 (only in the picture).

Menu : Beef Kimchi Ramen

Price : RP 58,000 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> This was better than the appetizer and thank God for that. The soup was slightly too thick but it became less viscous as the temperature cools off. The ramen was still al dente and the seasoning was well balanced. I got the kimchi kick and the chili punch (I ordered extra spicy), thus a much welcome change after the above ' Blossom Belly '. But to talk about the toppings inside?! It's pretty much empty! There's two half sliced egg, a single piece of seaweed, a few strands of kimchi cabbage and maybe two very very thinly sliced beef. Bottom line for sixty thousand, you're getting plain noodle in a fairly good broth. 

Menu : Beef Steak Rice

Price : RP 68,000 ++
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> Issues with a couple of thing. Number one the salad. Very much over dressed in a mango flavored mayonnaise. How hard is it to proper dress a salad? Light dressing equally spread is not that difficult I suppose? Number two, when you read 'Beef Steak', I was hoping for a decent piece of meat, yet what came out was a very very very over cooked chunks of beef. It was like chewing a rubber tire. Utter disappointment. What give this a mere pass is only the curry sauce. I like the taste, slightly sweet but could still settle well on the taste buds. 

Over all, faced with the ultimate question of 'Will I come back'? Hmm...sadly the answer is a 'No'. Don't get wrong, Ismaya cooks great food at Kitchenette and Social House, I go there regularly but this branch over here was a surprise for me, definitely needs additional help in the cooking department. Nevertheless, do visit and tell me your thoughts. I might be seriously wrong. Cheers !!

Tokyo Belly

Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall

West Mall, Level 3 A.

Sumiya - Revisit

This review is actually a revisit to this place. I did a post on Sumiya on the 16th October 2012 and thus if you have the extra curiosity on this restaurant, scroll your arrow to the left margin and find it under 'Previous Burps'.

This hidden gem is situated at Senayan Trade Centre (exactly beside Plaza Senayan) contained pretty much the same crowd as my previous visit. Filled with Japanese ex-pats having bottles of sake and of course a minority of Indonesian families. I came at around 9.30 pm and the place was still hassling and bustling with chatters and laughter.  Both the essential factor of telling that they must be enjoying their food !!!

Menu : Momomi
Price : Rp 15,000 ++ / Per Stick
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> This is your usual chicken yakitori or better as known 'chicken skewers'. It has the right amount of char, yet still maintaining the juiciness of the meat. As for the sauce, they kept it fairly simple, light soy sauce and light drizzle of oil which made the real taste of the chicken meat to pop in your mouth. Easy to gobble down 10 sticks with a bottle of beer. Good stuff !

Menu : Kara Kara Nabe
Price : Rp 85,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> I made a review on this same dish on my previous post. This soup is something that I wouldn't want to miss. Definitely in tune with my palate. This picture on the left is already been scoop and poured onto individual bowls. The real thing comes in hotpot, piping hot, and serves for 3 adults. I shared this only between 2 people, so yeaahh go figure my big tummy in addition to the other Ala-cartes. This is the closest super good tasting soup to the one I had over at 'Gyu Kaku'. Very good balance of spices and herbs, packed full of ingredients too. Multiple meatballs, tofu with a generous amount of vegetables, sums up to a fulfilling bowl of soup.

Menu : Shake Kaibashira Ishiyaki Meishi
Price : Rp 73,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> This is a salmon and scallop rice placed in a hotpot. A very very yummy dish, the fact it sits on the sizzling hotpot gave the rice a slight burnt base which translate to YUMMY !!! That crunchy salty bit gave a different texture and adds a new dimension upon chewing the rice. It's difficult to explain and I guess you need to order one and see if we connects hahaha. As for the seasoning ... spot on !!!

Menu : Chicken Teriyaki
Price : Rp 48,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Not a disappointment at all but maybe slightly under perform in comparison to the other dishes. Nevertheless, a good balance of sauce; the saltiness and the sweetness kicks and love the viscosity of the teriyaki sauce. It's turning more like a sticky paste and that actually covers and hold on to every meat and vegetables instead of the plate.

Menu : Crab Cream Korokke
Price : To be advise
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> I'm sorry, I didn't took notice on the pricing, I slipped up. As for the taste, slightly disappointing for me. The rest of the dish was 'WOW' on top of 'OMG' and thus I expect too much on every dish that arrive on the table. This was fairly okay, the taste was alright but what bothers me was the cream inside, it was tooooo 'milky and eggy' as a filling.





Sumiya Japanese Restaurant
STC , Senayan IT Mall Ground Floor 128
Jl. Asia Afrika Pintu IX, Senayan
Phone : 021 - 5793 1826

Sumiya

'Sumiya' literally means 'Charcoal House' and that is in line with what they are; a barbeque grill Japanese restaurant. The concept of the place is being an old fashioned Japanese restaurant and was in fact designed by the famous Japanese architect from Kyoto, Mr. Hedeaki Takashima. Upon reaching the place, you'll sense an 'izakaya' vibe, dark colored ambiance with the combination of solid wood and red velvet cushions and sittings. I was here pretty late at night around 10 pm on a Friday night and there were still a good buzz of people, mainly Japanese ex-pats office workers. To be honest, I've never lay much attention to the building next to Plaza Senayan, the "STC" or "Senayan Trade Center" and was actually surprised to find such hidden gem in that 'not so popular mall'. But then again, it might be me that didn't know too much of good places to eat. * blushing with shame *

Menu : Gyu Tan
Price : RP 49,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> Very good !!! I have never been serve 'Gyu Tan' in such chunky manner and I love it !! I definitely think all restaurant serving this menu should do it this way. Not only that I can taste the true flavour of the meat but the onion condiments at the side truly compliments the meat. In addition to that, I like the zesty lime squirt all around, helps to balance the heavy meat taste! A winner !!

Menu : Gyu Momo Roast
Price : RP 78,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

 Another meat dish that I ordered. This is a simple dish, roasted sliced beef with some sort of 'teriyaki sauce' drizzled to finish. Very mouth watering dish, full of flavour just coming from the sauce factor. A great menu to have and share between 2 people, with a simple bowl of steam white rice. Do order this when you're here.

Menu : Kara Kara Nabe
Price : RP 78,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> This is the closest super good tasting soup to the one I had over at 'Gyu Kaku'. This is definitely not 'Korean nor Kimchi Soup' but I can do taste the resemblance. Very good balance of spices and herbs, packed full of ingredients too. Multiple meatballs, tofu with a generous amount of vegetables, sums up to a fulfilling bowl of soup. A dish that be shared among 2 to 3 people. Again, you need to order this when you're here. Won't regret it !!


Sumiya Japanese Restaurant
STC , Senayan IT Mall Ground Floor 128
Jl. Asia Afrika Pintu IX, Senayan
Phone : 021 - 5793 1826

Ikkudo Ichi - Revisit

I ate the food reviewed below back in late August but hasn't find the mood to write about the revisit post, maybe too close to my first Ikkudo Ichi post (3 August '12). Anyways, after my first trip there and after a handful of comments recommending me to try their meat slices which I really appreciate, I came back and tried those recommendations. Bottom line, I'm not disappointed :)

Menu : Fried Chicken Katsu Curry

Price : RP 46,500 ++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Good plate of curry, definitely suited to the Indonesian tongue and taste. However, I might be having too much expectation for the fried chicken (Tori Karage) and fall slightly short of 'damn bloody tasty'. The chicken batter is good, crunchy and all that, maybe it's just me, my expectation and my head :p hehehehe. As for the curry, it is exactly the same with the 'Pork Chasu Curry' which I already commented on the first Ikkudo Ichi review post on 03/08/12. A decent curry rice and  remember to sprinkle those cut chilis to 'spark' those taste buds of yours.

Menu : Buta Chasu Aburi

Price : RP 48,000 ++

Score : 7.25 / 10

>> This pork slices are the exact cut of meat found in the buta signature ramen, but upon eating this. I learn that it is due to the hot ramen soup that makes the chasu flimsy and lack of bite. However, these pork chasu here are grilled and thus has a better texture in the mouth. It is firmer and gives a better bite too. 

As for the thickness of the chasu, I think it should be improved. Still too thin for my liking. I didn't pay too much attention on the condiments they spread on top but certainly a matching combination. I know a lot of you guys love the fatty part of pork meat, but I'm not that into it so much. I like it but prefer mine to be less fatty and more meat instead. 

Menu : Premium Pork Cheek

Price : RP 58,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> I was slightly reluctant to give this a try initially, the imagination of 'pork cheek' scares me. However, I'm glad I gave this a go and the verdict; very yummy! The price is slightly pricey, remembering the venue. But who cares if it is justified by the taste. I like this way better than the Chasu. Surprisingly, the meat is more firm than the Chasu, not sure why...as I imagine the cheek to be all fatty and oily. Certainly not the case here!! Do order this the next time you guys are here!

In addition to the three dishes mentioned above, I had a dish called 'Gyu Chasu Aburi' (RP 48,000++). It is similar to the 'Buta Chasu Aburi' but beef instead of pork. I was too busy focusing on the speed my chopsticks and mouth hahahaha that I forget to snap a picture of it. I like the beef better than the pork, it has a better bite, more firm and less fatty part. If I must give it a score, it's a 8.75 / 10. The next time I'm at Ikkudo Ichi, I will have a plate of 'Gyu Chasu Aburi', a plate of 'Premium Pork Cheek' and a bowl of steam rice with lots of chilies. That is all ^_^ v !!!

Ramen Ikkudo Ichi
Rukan Crown Golf Blok D No 2 - 3 Pantai Indah Kapuk
Phone : 021 - 966 28677

Ikkudo Ichi

Finally! I had my share of the new ramen in PIK; Ikkudo Ichi. Some of you guys might already have tried this before I did. I hear quite a good buzz about this new eatery and before I start to blab, I'd just like to mention one point that I like about Ikkudo that we are allowed to cuztomized our ramen to our tongue and liking. Three choice for each categories; noodle firmness, flavour strength, richness (the amount of oil filtered from the soup). My favourite combination is three B's (normal for all three categories). I think it has the best balance for all taste.

Buta Signature (RP 39,800++) Score : 8.5 / 10

Ikkudo's Buta Kara (RP 39,800++) Score 8.5 / 10

Seasoned with cut chili, chili paste & garlic (Score : 9.0 / 10)

Buta Signature Soup - Before Seasoned

If you noticed the two picture at the top, there is a price difference of Rp 4,800 and that lies in the what they claim to be their ' special red sauce '. After tasting both bowl, I have to be honest that I cannot differentiate anything and that both taste equally GOOD ! Note : Order Buta Signature (it's cheaper hahaha).

I have agree with the crowd, that they serve good ramen. Better than Sengoku, even better than Santouka, rather similar to Ikkousha's but I have to revisit Ikkousha to confirm who won the battle at the end of the day. I  like their full set of condiments on the table. The unlimited cloves of garlic, fresh cut red chilis, and also grounded chili paste that when I mixed and poured in abundant into my bowl of ramen (bottom right), I knew I will be coming back to revisit this place!!

The only factor that Ikkudo need to work on is their 'slice pork' or better known as 'Chasu'. Their cut is overly thin and has no bite into it. I had a difficult time finding the meager slice of pork somewhere in my soup. Give the customers a decent cut of good pork and that will certainly win the heart of pork lovers. In addition to the ramen, I noticed their specially designed plastic spoon, love it! It has a certain angle cut at the neck of the spoon thus helping it to be attached to the rim of the bowl.

Menu : Mini Chasu Don

Price : RP 10,800 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> You cannot order this on its own. You can if you have already ordered a bowl of ramen and add this as an additional combo. Good pricing for the rather medium sized bowl. If you're not feeling too hungry, have this instead. Well seasoned minced pork chasu on top of steam white rice. Have it with spring onions, cut chilis and chili paste together and your mood will definitely be lightened up :)

 

Menu : Pork Chasu Curry

Price : RP 49,500 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> I don't like their Chasu, tasteless, soggy and too thinly cut. They serve 5 slices on top the steam rice but quantity cannot compensate for quality. Their curry sauce was rather fine but brings back the memory that I had with regards to that famous instant curry paste that can be bought from up scale supermarket. The taste was exactly like this! So bottom line, this didn't taste bad in any way but just simply too ordinary. I like the mini chasu don (top) better than this and it cost only one third of the price. So...go figure!

Menu : Yaki Buta Gyoza Ebi Iri

Price : RP 35,000 ++ (Same for grill and fried)

Score : 9.0 / 10

>> My favourite Gyoza in town and I mean it. I prayed that Ikkudo will never change the kitchen staff that are behind this dish. I love every bit of this and here are why :

1. The skin is thin, not chewy at all. 

2. Filling is generous

3. Love the crunchy bit inside (not sure what, but I don't care)

4. Pork is good, pork and prawn combination is even better

5. Love the spicy condiments that goes well together with all noodle, rice and gyoza!!

6. A big possibility that their gyoza are better than their ramen...hmmmm

Overall, a must try for those ramen lovers! Stay the same and just fix those chasu meat (a constructive advice to the owners) Cheers!

Ramen Ikkudo Ichi
Rukan Crown Golf Blok D No 2 - 3 Pantai Indah Kapuk
Phone : 021 - 966 28677

EN Japanese Dining Bar

My first post on En Dining can be found on December 2010 and did this double entry because the food I had this time round is completely different and too good to be missed. As always why I had dinner at En Dining was because there were 20 of us and wanted to watch soccer (Manchester United Vs Manchester City). However after this trip, I think I might be coming back soon not because of the fact they have a big TV with ESPN on it but for the first time I enjoyed the food. Thanks to my friend "Marwin", he knew the good dishes on the menu and changed my perspective on this restaurant.

Menu : Aburi Chasu

Price : Rp 42,000 ++
Score : 6.8 / 10

>> GOOD STUFF ! I know this grilled stewed pork is very fatty and very high in cholesterol but my tongue knew better that this is very yummy ! The soy sauce mixture at the bottom of the meat cuts into the fatty taste and the generous onion gave a crunchy texture.

Menu : Amiyaki Beef

Price : Rp 98,000++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This grilled sirloin beef with spicy ponzu sauce dish was a true surprising delight. I didn't expected this to taste good. I merely choose this from the menu base on the picture. I felt the ponzu sauce tasted more like salsa but nevertheless what ever the sauce was, this was really GOOD !

Menu : Beef Carpaccio
Price : Rp 68,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» The first time I had carpaccio was tuna fish meat. Instead this one was thin sliced raw beef with special sauce. I'm really a big fan of sour!! The surprising fact was that even though it is pure raw beef, it's not disgusting. The meat was fresh!! 

Menu : Crab Chahan

Price : Rp 85,000++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> If you are bored of having normal fried rice then you should definitely try this ! This japanese fried rice has crab soup that 'pools' around it and on top there was glorious soft shell crab. I love the crab soup the most, really really good together with the fried rice !

Menu : Negi Chasu

Price : Rp 45,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> Sliced stewed pork with leek and spring onion. Look very similar with Aburi Chasu but taste BETTER ! The sauce was slightly different, I can't explain what was different but bottom line this is the one you should choose over than Aburi. However, you'll need to order both and find out whether my taste buds are correct.

Menu : Rafte

Price : Rp 72,000 ++
Score : ---

>> I can't score this because I didn't taste this. This is a dish of stewed pork belly and the belly was so thick and fatty that I couldn't make myself taste the food. I know many people love this but seeing the 'look' of the thickness of the belly just made me choose the sliced one instead (Negi & Aburi Chasu).

Menu : Spicy Soft Shell Crab

Price : Rp 68,000 ++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> This was okay, nothing great in comparison to other better tasting dishes I had tonight. The sauce wasn't spicy enough but the overall, I enjoyed this even though I may not re-order this dish again.

Menu : Dobinmushi

Price : Rp 42,000++
Score : 6.8 / 10

>> Steamed clear soup in Japanese tea pot. The presentation was very unique and the taste was very refreshing and in a way subtle and calming. It wasn't strong infused soup like Tom Yum or Laksa, this was leaning more towards home made soup. Very nice and recommendable !

Menu : Suchika

Price : Rp 58,000 ++
Score : 6.75 / 10

>> Broiled pork marinated with sea salt. This dish is really salty but a great appetizer. It really opens up your taste buds and instantly made you hooked into it. Very crispy, very addictive and very much like this ! Fyi, I ordered a second plate of this as everyone was snatching it way too fast haha !!

Kihana

Last Saturday, I went out to Plaza Indonesia (again haha :p) and had Japanese for dinner.  I'll never thought of 'Kihana' if weren't for my friends who brought up the suggestion. We nearly didn't have our food there because they were 10 of us and the only big table to fit all us has a minimum charge of Rp 2 million (dua juta). I thought to myself the restaurant's rule was quite stupid; the place wasn't packed at all and yet put a minimal charge for that 'special table'. Anyways in the end we stayed and split into 2 tables. Luckily, the food was not shitty (not crazily good either) and the service was alright. Thus, I forgave 'that rule'.

Menu  : Tom and Jerry
Price : Rp 73,000++
Score : 7.5 / 10

» Tom and Jerry is definitely the recommended sushi dish by the restaurant and didn't let me down! Even though the fillings were pretty much standard; Unagi eel, cucumber, seaweed, salmon roe, I felt the spicy mayonnaise generously sauced on top really brought the dish alive!

Menu  : D.I.G Roll
Price : Rp 73,000++
Score : 6.0 / 10

» The fillings were standard, the sauce was standard mayonnaise, the garnishes were standard! Basically just a standard tasting sushi roll. This didn't taste awful but even though the presentation was very similar to 'Tom & Jerry', the taste surely lost when compared.

Menu : Gindara Teriyaki
Price : Rp 100,000++
Score : 5.8 / 10

» The fish was slightly too mushy for me. I'm not sure whether it's because of the fish itself or it wasn't well cooked. The teriyaki sauce was okay, wasn't digusting but didn't blew me either. Nevertheless, for the quite pricey price tag, I felt the portion was slightly too small and didn't even include in the steam rice.

Menu : Gindara Teriyaki
Price : Rp 100,000++
Score : 5.8 / 10

» The fish was slightly too mushy for me. I'm not sure whether it's because of the fish itself or it wasn't well cooked. The teriyaki sauce was okay, wasn't disgusting but didn't blew me either. Nevertheless, for the quite pricey price tag, I felt the portion was slightly too small and didn't even include in the steam rice.

Below are some dishes that my friend ordered but I didn't get a chance to taste it. The price was not noted by me either. I'm sorry for the lack of info. Nevertheless, you still get to 'feed your eyes'. Enjoy !!

Beef Teriyaki

Yellow Tail Sashimi

Tori Katsu Curry Don

KIHANA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
PLAZA INDONESIA GROUND FLOOR MAIN LOBBY (ACROSS STARBUCKS)

Marutama Ramen

This is my second time to Marutama Ramen and to the same branch in EX Mall. I had a lot of pork dishes today and together with DH we 'piggied' ourselves to the max! I had Ramen the last time I was here and today I tried the Rice dishes too. The side dishes was of coursed wasn't missed by me and by the time we finished, I was all guilty with regards to my cholesterol level. I hope my body understands that, and forgives me :p

Menu : Pork Curry Gohan
Price : Rp 52,000++
Score : 6.0 / 10

» The portion is quite big, the pork meat is tender and juicy. But the curry sauce was too bland. It didn't have enough curry flavor, the seasoning needs to be more definitely!

 

Menu : Pork Chasu Gohan
Price : Rp 38,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» Suitable portion for my tummy, not too big that you need to force yourself to finish the dish. To simply say it, it has the right size. I liked the pickled radish they put on top of the chasu. The price wasn't too pricey for the medium sized portion too!

Menu : Karashi Ramen
Price : Rp 52,000++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> This is the second time I had this Ramen and surprisingly it tastes better this time! I'm sure it is because that soy sauce, pepper and cut chili were poured into this bowl, thus making the broth crazily good!

Menu : Steamed Dumpling
Price : Rp 30,000++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> I loveeee steamed dumpling in spicy vinegar soy sauce. The spiciness, saltiness and the tartness was incredibly wonderful.

Menu : Kakuni Pork Belly
Price : Rp 30,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» This pork belly is soft and succulent even though it has a little bit too much fats, i still like this dish. The sauce is salty and has an unique taste, I recommend eaters to eat this white plain white rice.

Menu : Yaki Chasu
Price : Rp 30,000++
Score : 7.0 / 10

» This is an entree dish and definitely my favorite dish in the entire menu. With a good amount of squeezed lemon all over, sprinkle chives and ask for the house cut chili to complete the whole experience. The fatty part wasn't too overpowering for my taste, just simply yummy!

Menu : Tori Dango
Price : Rp 22,000++
Score : 5.75 / 10

>> These six pieces of chicken meat balls are very small in size, bite size; more like a canape. The flavor is pretty okay but the texture of the meat is too mushy, I rather like it to be more firm and a hint of chili or slightly more pepper.