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

Hawaiian Bistro

A girl friend and her husband made so much noise saying that this restaurant called 'Hawaiian Bistro' situated along Ikkousha Ramen in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) was delicious and that I got to make time for it. To be honest, I noticed this place many times as I'm used to hanging out in PIK area, and will definitely notice any new eatery or restaurant there. I saw Hawaiian but wasn't attracted to come by and try their food. I must be honest that their decor was in line with the "Hawaii" theme but wasn't welcoming nor cozy at all. What about the food then? Is it as good? Did my friend's taste buds got screwed up or is the food really is good? Read this review and visit them yourself to get your own verdict.

I've never been to Hawaii, thus I'm not sure what restaurants in there look like. While here, the owners really made an effort and try to give an authentic feel. There are 2 sitting area, smoking and non - smoking. The non - smoking area has a dim dark feel, with big 'Aloha' murals on the wall. I personally prefer the smoking area (even though I'm not a smoker) due to several facts. It's a closed outdoor seating, meaning well air conditioned and thus solve the issue of being 'sticky'.

Menu : Bistro Bento
Price : Rp 72,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Well it's an eight which equates to yummy ! This is the menu to order for all first timer here in 'Hawaiian Bistro'. There's so much things in here that goes so well together; spam, special battered fried chicken, bbq beef, short ribs, battered fried fish with pineapple dressed salad on the side, served on top of white rice. It's a big portion and you don't have to worry of not being full. I love the beef ribs and the battered chicken. It's something in the sauce and the formulation of the batter. Bottomline, this is a go !

Menu : Spam Rice Sushi

Price : Rp 24,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> A very very simple dish. Rice at the bottom, with a piece of long rectangular spam place on top. Smeared with a good brush of 'special bbq' home made sauce (which is the star of the dish) and then wrapped in a sheet of crispy seaweed. Healthy and a good snack before you hit the gym maybe? But being a glutton that I am, I had this after I ate my 'Bistro Bento' above. Hahahahaha, this was yummy. But I recommend you to eat this before any big meals because if it is after, your tummy might not have enough room and that could definitely affect your palate.

Menu : Ahi Poke

Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Likeeee this ! Bite size sashimi tuna marinated in their own special soy sauce. Definitely a neon green light for sushi lovers ! The tuna was at room temperature when it came to the table and I liked the portion for a Rp 32,000 per plate. Besides the pricing, I lovveee their sauce! They call it their 'special soy sauce' which includes a good kick of garlic, onions, chives, sesame, pine nuts, macadamia nuts, hint of lemon juice and of course soy sauce. I'm a big fan of garlic but if you're not then this might annoys you a bit.

I'd eat this anytime of the day and night, not only it's super low in carb and healthy, it's super yummy and rather cheap I supposed. This is a must order dish for all readers intending to come !

Menu : Low Carb

Price : Rp 70,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Well this is for those going on a Atkin's diet. This menu has low carb (just like the title of the dish) and high in protein. It includes BBQ beef, chicken, short ribs and 2 eggs any style. NO RICE for the health nut; a low carb diet ! You can find all the dish here in 'Bistro Bento' but you get more meat in this dish instead. But overall, would still recommend you to try the 'Bistro Bento' first, due to the variety of other component on the plate. Then maybe on the subsequent trips, you may opt for this instead. ** Bistro Bento is yummy but makes you gain weight too fast too easily hahahaha **

Overall, I'd like to come back and having dinner here again, the portion is good and the pricing are reasonable too! Not so much of a 'hang out' place but definitely a good casual weekday dining place to go to!

Hawaiian Bistro
Pantai Indah Kapuk Rukan Garden House A25
(A few ruko to the left of Ikkousha Ramen PIK)
Phone : 021 - 29033185

La Creperie

A new addition in Pantai Indah Kapuk! La Creperie is situated along the stretch of Ikkudo Ichi Ramen and in fact only a difference of only 2 or 3 stores from Ikkudo. Therefore, easy to locate. The concept of this restaurant is somehow fresh and unique amongst the densely populated store opened in the area. La Creperie basically sells crepes in both savory and sweet. 

The price ranges somewhat in the fifty thousand Rupiah and above (Rp 50K >). I personally don't mind forking sixty thousand for a plate of savory crepes but what concerns me is the fact that it's not tummy fulling. I need an additional sweet crepe to satisfy my mouth. I'm not sure whether I'm just a pig but I'm just a girl trying to speak out hahaha. Therefore bottom line; pretty well done concept in PIK area, sells only crepe base food both in savory and sweet, casually sailor theme decor and remind me of a slightly cheaper version of Kitchenette in Plaza Indonesia.

Menu : L' Eckmuhl
Price : Rp 53,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> This is a savoury crepe made with gluten free buckwheat flour. On top of this thin crepe, there's french camembert cheese, bacon, potatoes, onions and served with a small portion of fresh salad at the side. The fillings were moderately generous and well seasoned. What I love best about this dish is the fact that the crepe is not thick, nor taste of raw flour. It's thin and has a plain taste that goes well with any toppings you choose as your dish. Overall, it's didn't 'wow' me, but suitable as a light lunch or brunch.

Menu : La Piano
Price : Rp 48,000 ++
Score : 6.75 / 10

>> This crepe is also made with gluten free buckwheat flour; basically an exact base with L' Eckmuhl. But instead the fillings are; smoked salmon, spinach, cream and top with half cooked egg that oozes when pierced with your fork. Again, it didn't 'wow' me as previous but well done in terms of overall specifications. *Sounds like a engine or a machine, hahahaha*. What gave this an extra 0.25 point above L' Eckmuhl is the smoked salmon itself. Pretty generous and combines harmoniously with the egg, spinach and cream. Keep it up ^_^ v.

Menu : La' Defi
Price : Rp 38,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> My favorite among the 3 crepe that I ordered. On top of the thinly grilled crepe, there's sauteed caramelized banana, homemade salted caramel with chocolate ice cream. The salted caramel is the star of the dish, not only it is yummy, it's balanced with the sugar and the salt level. It ties up the dish together and will definitely have this again the next time I'm here. Yumm!!

La Creperie
Pantai Indah Kapuk 
(Next to Ikkudo Ichi Ramen)

Dessert Company

I didn't realise that Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) was lacking of a good dessert hang out place and when this eatery opened, I thought 'of course it make sense' After all, chocolates, strawberries, pancakes, milk and sugar can bring no harm. I very much welcomed this new addition, situated next to Bobbabits.

I like their concept of the store and I sincerely thought it was a good one. They serve mainly desserts, which covers the basic of what a bakery should sell. For example, cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, pana cotta, etc. They make their own ice cream and everything was claimed to be freshly made in the kitchen. Fresh equates to delicious in my brain. Next, they also pitch themselves into the 'bubble tea' society, but they made it more simple by explaining the variety of flavours and tea on the menu (rather than having a lot of things written on the board, hanging on the walls). They also provide a choice of snacks, nothing too major, but simpler menu like french fries, nachos, nuggets, etc.

Menu : DC Chocolate Lava Cake
Price : Rp 32,000 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> What I'm about to say may sound strange to your ear but hear I go. This lava cake 'has toooo much' lava in the middle. I was actually surprise, due to the fact that there is too much choc oozing out, I couldn't have a taste of the sponge. There was thin layer of sponge and that's it. The overall taste gets too dense and heavy. I couldn't finish it. It was really chocolate overload.

Menu : Sticky Date Pudding

Price : Rp 30,000 ++

Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This is so much better than the choc lava cake above. I like this a mile more. The date inside was not only generous but also the sponge cake was very much moist and gooey. I like this and all it was missing was an extra spoon of butterscotch sauce and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Turn on your favourite reality show, savor and relax !

Dessert Company (DC)

Pantai Indah Kapuk, besides Bobbabits.

Kira Ramen

Everyone wants a piece of the action at Pantai Indah Kapuk and now introducing 'Kira Ramen' as the new addition to the Japanese Ramen eatery at PIK. I often come to sit at PIK, have dinner, drink coffee, hang out, chit chat and play cards with my friends. But yesterday as I gave the stretch of cafes a good observation, I'm bewildered on the amount of 'Bubble Tea' (six place) and 'Japanese Ramen' (five place) joint. Restaurant is a cut throat business, you excel and survive (which means ka-ching!! high margin profit return) or you loose out to your competitor, within a year or so another person is going to take over your place. Therefore, I'm not sure about the fact whether 'competitors within a location' came in those owners' mind. Nevertheless, I'm here to comment on the food and not to judge ... hehehehehehe ...

Menu : Tonkatsu Shoyu Ramen

Price : RP 45,000 ++
Score : 5.0 / 10

>> The photo on the left was after I stirred my chopsticks into the bowl of soup, then I realized I had forgotten to snap a picture of it. So, as presentation wise, it's definitely better. Bottom line, the soup is lacking in taste. Definitely not enough seasoning and there is no depth in taste of the broth. It simply taste like luke warm slightly salty pork soup. After one sip, I said to FW 'this needs help'. I poured in cut red chilies, spoons of garlic, spring onion, sesame seeds, chili powder, chili oil and a good dash of shoyu. After all those aid, it eventually became better. But a good dish is simply having nothing needed to add into. In addition to the downside, I think the ramen is slightly overcooked for me. Maybe two minutes too long. They didn't offer any choice on how the customers would like their noodles to be cooked, nor on the 'heaviness' of the broth (which some of it's competitors do). But on the up side, their chasu has a much thicker cut, thus a better texture to bite into even after a good 10 minutes in the warm soup. And that pork chasu might have just saved the menu from a fail to the edge of 'just pass'.

Menu : Tori Teriyaki

Price : RP 25,000 ++
Score : 4.0 / 10

>> I'm sorry, I didn't fancy this too much either. This dish is a simple dish executed wrongly. The batter is too sweet for my palate. It feels like a fried battered pop corn chicken heavily dipped in sugar honey glaze and then served. The chicken were at a correct bite size and the batter were crispy, but the glaze on top has to be changed. I'm not a chef nor a good cook but my tongue says 'It definitely needs less sugar'.

Kira Ramen

Pantai Indah Kapuk, Crown Golf Ruko Blok D/30

(The same stretch with Ikkudo Ramen)

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