Seorae

It's been sometime since I chat about Pantai Indah Kapuk? Yes or No? Ummm... hahaha anyways there was a big buzz about a new Korean restaurant opening up in PIK. They were in business around early August and has taken the Pluit, Muara Karang, PIK community by storm! My friends living in Jakarta Barat, Selatan and even Pusat asked me multiple times "Yul, have you tried Seorae ??!". Well I finally did last Friday and I must mention about the queue. Queuing up for food is something that I hate soooooooo sooooooo much, but for the sake of this. I did wait for around 1 hour and 45 minutes !!! I almost gave up after one hour but to think that I had already spent 60 minutes, pushed me to wait till I finally get to try this damn thing. 

The usher in front was actually nice enough, he tried chatting with the people who were waiting anxiously. He assured everyone that they do have enough meat to go around and thus waiting will not be in vain. He tried to explain the specialty that 'Seorae' has to offer is 'Galmaegisal'. Each fully grown pig can only produce 250 grams of this sirloin extension ; Galmaegisal so called 'Skirt Meat' is thus considered as a rare part.

Menu : Sundubu Jigae

Price : Rp 54,800 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> I always go for soup in a Korean restaurant. I think it's important that a good Korean place can make a solid soup. Well it's a 6.5 from me. I had much better ones but I think Seorae's was pretty decent. The tofu, veggies and clams were quite generous, except for the pork. There wasn't much pork noticeable inside the hot stone pot. Overall, it is the kind of dish that when you have it, you'll not be disappointed but nor you will be impressed.

King Spicy Galmaegisal   :   Rp 134,800 ++   ( Score : 9.0 / 10 )

>> I was not hungry when I arrive but was famished after 1 hour and 45 minutes of queuing. Two person ordered 3 dishes. The sundubu jigae soup (above), king spicy galmaegisal and the pork neck (below). If you happen to pay attention to the menu during your trip, you'll notice there is a 'king' and 'non - king' galmaegisal. It simply means the portioning. I would urge you to get the king one! It is goooood and you'll able to finish it no matter how. Then there is a spicy and non spicy, I obviously had the spicy one and to be honest, no heat or spicy kick to my palate. Thus just follow my choice 'King Spicy Galmaegisal' and you won't regret it. I don't know about animal pig's anatomy body part, not sure whether skirt meat is really rare or not. But one thing for sure, my taste buds don't lie. Galmaegisal is a 9 pointer !! And I don't give points that high very often.

By the way, I forgot to mention that Seorae is in fact a franchised brand from Seoul. The owner said in the near future the waiter would most likely to teach the eater to be independent, hence grilling their own meat (exactly like those in Korea). But at the moment, helpers were there to assist us in grilling to perfection.

Hangjeongsal   :   Rp 79,800 ++   ( Score : 8.0 / 10 )

>> Initially I was quite skeptic about 'pork neck', but both of us decided on this anyway. And after grilling it to crisp with slightly char burnt edges, it was surprisingly goooood !! I expect it to be chewy, a similar texture to tendons I supposed. But it wasn't at all. Tender and quite juicy in fact! I dip it with the home made mustard sauce Seorae provide and I was blown away by it. A definite recommendation from trythismenu ^_^.

Coming back here? Yes, yes, yes ! The owner said they're preparing to set up the second floor and getting additional helpers and waiters to accommodate the crowd. Thus by then, the lead time for waiting wouldn't be so painful. A tip that I notice, come in late at around 9.30 pm, but before their last order at 10 pm. Around then, there is no crowd or line waiting on the list. You get served to the table right away! I might do that in the very near future. Galmaegisal saranghaeyo !

Seorae

Rukan Garden House, B - 19. Pantai Indah Kapuk. Jakarta Utara.

Phone : +62 21 29033389

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

Manimga

Manimga is situated in one of the most densely populated area where Korean influence are felt; Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara. Countless Korean restaurants can be found in Jakarta but I've never ever eaten 'duck' in a Korean eatery. Instead, I always have the common type of meat; beef and pork (sometimes chicken) cooked in all sorts of way - BBQ, grilled, stir fried, boiled in soup, etc, with all sorts of sauces and traditional condiments - gochujang, bean paste, etc. Not only I was actually surprise that I found a Korean duck dish, but even more that it was the house specialty !!! Goooood stuff :')

Before I go into the details with the menu that I ordered, I have to inform you all that this is by far the MOST value for money Korean food I have ever eaten in Jakarta. Yes, I must say the place wasn't the most prestigious Ruko in Kelapa Gading area (but easy to locate). Yes, the place was rather small and rather run down and gloomy looking. Yes, the restaurant wasn't the best decor compared to other Korean eatery, but let me repeat it once again "Manimga is the most value for money Korean food I have ever eaten in Jakarta".

Buffet centre side dishes is a common thing in all Korean restaurants, but the distance of generosity that Manimga goes is by far the furthest I've known. Below are the pictures of items that two of us got for free. (Bear in mind that the 2 of us only ordered two meat dishes and one bowl of steam rice). Left : Sundubu (others usually charged for around Rp 50,000. Middle : Papingsu & Ice Coffee (ps : free flow rice green tea too). Right : Unlimited centre side dish (the only let down was the super sour kimchi).

Menu : Hunje Ori

Price : Rp 125,000 ++

Score : 9.0 / 10

>> This duck doesn't taste like duck at all. It taste like cured pork sausage and ham. I loooove this stuff. To begin, the portion is BIG. For two person, we ordered the smallest size plate and I was smiling for ear to ear when I saw the portion. Korean dish is famous for tiny weeny meat portion (I guess that is how they earn more money). The duck meat has the right amount of fat, nothing like the one I ate in Chinese restaurant (thick fat layer). This dish has the right amount of fat layer and when wrapped with fresh green leaves, cut chilies, kimchi and dipped into mustard and Korean soy sauce...my taste buds dances! Definitely two thumbs and two toes up! MUST TRY !!!

Menu : Gochujang Jumulruk

Price : Rp 90,000 ++

Score : 6.0 / 10

>> This dish comes after Hunje Ori and with the complimentary Sundubu and endless side dishes my tummy was 3/4 filled. I was again amazed by the portion of meat. My gosh! By far the largest BBQ pork dish served in Korean restaurant I have ever eaten in Jakarta for the price of Rp 90,000. I couldn't help but to think how much profit the other Korean restaurants made when they charged Rp 200,000 and sometimes even smaller portion that this.

However sadly, the taste didn't live up to my expectation and definitely outshined by 'Hunje Ori'. I didn't like the taste, it's too acidic and I couldn't smell the slight burnt taste that BBQ grilling usually gave. The cook might marinated the pork for too long or the helper might grilled it for too short. If only the taste can live up, then my lunch on that particular day was truly heaven. Nevertheless, a good size to share for those people who are not picky about their food. If you are then choose the duck dish instead!

Overall I must say that this restaurant left a big impression on me. Not only the service was very generous, the food portion were certainly satisfying but also not many of Indonesian actually notice this place and therefore NO queue. Bliss isn't it ??

Total Cost for the meal of two : Rp 240,000 (inclusive tax)

Manimga - Korean Barbeque Restaurant

7 Boulevard Barat Kelapa Gading
Phone : 021 - 4526 136

Arang 22

My close friend (SM) had her twin baby boys today. She had a C - section and within 10 minutes her babies were out of her tummy. Brayden and Bradley were the two names! After visiting her in the hospital, I had Korean dinner with DH. I chose Arang 22 as the place. I heard a lot of buzz about this restaurant but only get to try it now. The parking space was a bitch but the food experience was apologetic for all the parking excuse.

 

Menu : Sut Bul Kalbi

Price : Rp 180,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» Great tasting meat! I like the saltiness of the marinate sauce they use. Very succulent and juicy. With green lettuce leaf, cucumber, chili and red Korean paste, the whole party on the tongue is just irresistible!

Menu : Kimchi Chigae

Price : Rp 65,000++
Score : 7.0 / 10

» I would have to say this is 2nd best to Gyukaku's kimchi soup. Definitely better tasting than the one Han Gang is serving. It has great seasoning and the balance of sour, salty and the spicy really had me go for 2nd serving.

Menu : Bossam Jongsik

Price : Rp 80,000++
Score : NIL

» I'm sorry to say that I didn't taste this and therefore not able to cast a score. I had the Kimchi served at the side but not the pork. Reason was that it is 100% FATS -_-. Slices of thick and slightly grilled fats was surely not ordered by me. I reckon if I had this, my cholesterol level would have just shoot out of the roof!

Menu : Jap Chae

Price : Rp 95,000++
Score : 7.5 / 10

» Arang's Jap Chae is amazingly delicious! Of all the dish I ordered from the menu, this is really the best tasting one. The potato noodle is more stickier than other Korean restaurant has. I love the noodle, the sauce, the texture and of course; the taste!!!

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Arang 22 : Sut Bul Kalbi Price : Rp 180,000++ Score : 6.5 / 10 » Great tasting meat! I like the saltiness of the marinate sauce they use. Very succulent and juicy. With green lettuce leaf, cucumber, chili and red korean paste, the whole party on the tongue is just irresistible !

Gyu Kaku

Gyu Kaku is a restaurant that previously never caught my eye. I'm not sure why but maybe it didn't have enough buzz about it. My cousin came back from Singapore and he wanted to try Gyu Kaku's  "Ox tongue", thus ending up having a dinner there. The Tofu Kimchi Chigae Soup completely took me by surprise and since then, I came back there quite often. Personally, I reckon' they have the best kimchi soup in J-Town. I might be exaggerating, but I simply LOVE it. Truly heavenly! Gyu Kaku is located at Plaza Indonesia, ground floor just across to Cork and Screw.

Menu : Tofu Kimchi Chigae Soup

Price : Rp 68,000++

Score : 8.5 / 10

» My goodnes this is SO GOOD! I loveeee the soup ohhh my lord yummy. Even though the stuffing was pretty much the same with normal kimchi soup, the soup is fragrant and thicker than normally. I can even taste the egg and chili plus the spices was heavenly good!!! A MUST have :) 

Menu : Wagyu Rum Cap
Price : Rp 229,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» It is a bit pricey for 11 pieces of beef. Even though it's premium beef but I can't seem to appreciate beef too much. However I remembered someone said premium beef has marbled fats within the meat and if that statement is true then these meat slices are definitely premium!


Menu : Wagyu Nakaoshi
Price : Rp 176,000++ (Large = 140 grams)
Score : 7.0 / 10

» This premium beef was juicy and if you like meat with thick fats, then you'll like this for sure. I'm not a big fan of fatty meat but people who like those really enjoy this dish!


Menu : Beef Tounge (Gyu Tan)
Price : Rp 112,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10
» The gyu tan are actually fresh and nice. But somehow I always compare gyu tan I ate in Indo with the ones in Melbourne (Melbourne Central, Oishi : Gyu Tan Don). If only any restaurant can steal the recipe for the sauce Oishi uses ..nyuum! Someone please franchise that restaurant!

Menu : Assorted Grilled Sausage
Price : Rp 56,000++ (Small)
Score : 6.0 / 10

» This was not anything fancy or special. But I guess it was okay. A variety of sausages, some beef, some chicken. There's even one type with cheese in it.




GYU KAKU
Address: Plaza Indonesia 1st Floor #173, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30 Jakarta 10350,
Phone : (62-21)310 7196
Monday till Sunday : 11am - 10pm