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

Asli Soto Medan 1930

        

This 'Soto Medan' is a well known eatery amongst the Medan community in Jakarta, especially in Muara Karang, Pluit & Pantai Indah Kapuk area. The original branch was opened way back in 1930 in Medan (obviously hehe) and the address was painted on the front facade. Well, stereotyped as ''thrifty'', the painted writing instead of a pretty neon box further emphasize on that hahaha ...oopps! Nevertheless, they stood tall for 83 years and counting on. They stand through the world war and the proclamation of our Independence day and all that history milestones, which equates to ' legendary delicious food'. How good? Read the following post below...

Menu : Soto Medan Daging Ayam

Price : Rp 20,000 ( If you order 'Soto Special, it'll cost Rp 25,000 )

Score : 7.5 / 10 

>> Well, a good solid tasty broth. You can see from the dark color and pretty much figure out the mixture of herbs, spices and the hours spent laboring in making the broth to get beautiful color. Look, the broth wasn't too salty and for those fanatic about salty food, you'll definitely feel bland on your taste buds but then again, they prepared this without MSG and with additional splash of 'kecap manis', a good pour of their home made green chili, a handful of extra 'daun bawang, bawang goreng' and many squeezes of 'jeruk nipis'; given on the table side, you will be slurping the broth away with a smile. But there is still an issue. I said bravo to the broth but the chicken meat was tough as hell, taste like rubber tire. It was too tough to chew on. Well the meat given was generous but was a let down to the broth.

Will I come back? Hmm...I might but will try the beef instead...

Soto Medan 1930

Jl. Muara Karang Raya No 17 (Exactly across Superindo supermarket)

Phone : 021 - 6679963

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

May Star - Revisit

My last post on May Star was in 2010 and so here a revisit post !! A few weeks back, before Lebaran Holidays; FW and I were cruising Emporium Mall on a Wednesday and he was urging for some Chinese cuisine. The decision came down to either 'May Star' or 'Dian Xiao Er' and because we had Dian Xiao Er a couple of weeks back we end up going for May Star. I wasn't feeling hungry and my flu is still going on thus wasn't very much in the mood of eating for dinner.

Menu : Sup Asam Pedas Szechuan

Price : RP 34,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> They provide all the basic taste of what a Szechuan Soup should taste. The sour level is exactly where I would like it to be. I don't need additional black vinegar for this bowl. The heat is lacking a little bit (but hey it's me a chili fanatic talking hehehe) but the seasoning is correct at all department. The only additional thing they should do is to at least imitate Duck King's Szechuan Soup. They have a piece of prawn wonton inside.

Menu : Sosis Taiwan Special

Price : RP 54,000 ++ (for 4 sticks)
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> If you notice exactly next to the current May Star at Emporium Mall Pluit, there is a new 'to - go' May Star counter. They sell this exact sausage for RP 12,000 / piece (including tax). Price wise it's cheaper there. It taste slightly like 'lap chiong', those chinese pork sausages. A good snack but don't count on it to fill your tummy and as for taste wise, it was alright; rather mediocre. If you are curious, buy it at the 'to - go' counter instead.

Menu : Babi Cincang Tim

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

>> I'm disappointed at this dish here. It lacks of salt! Tim babi is suppose to be salty and has that strong punch of Chinese soy sauce flavor. The color looks right but eventually not so much on the flavor. The positive part is that the portion is reasonable for 2 - 3 people. 'SKY' restaurant at Muara Karang serves a better same dish than this one here. Skip this dish the next time you're here. I wouldn't say it taste bad, but rather disappointing.

May Star
Emporium Pluit Mall, 4th Fl Unit 26 - 29
Jl. Pluit Selatan Raya Bl S 6, Jakarta 
Phone: 021 - 66676280

Restaurant Mandala - Revisited

Do cross read my post on 15th July 2012 for my first experience with Restaurant Mandala. Thus, making this post my second trip and on this trip FW and I ordered a different course of menu. The two of us had 3 dish as follows :

Menu : Sup Kepiting Asparagus

Price : RP 75,000 ++

Score : 8.0 / 10

>> On this trip, FW and I realized that there's a 'half portion' bowl available. The previous trip we came (go to post 15 July 2012) we had the full portion of Sup Mun Tahu and we were over bloated by the end of the meal. This 1/2 portion order was definitely a smart move made. I'm not sure which one is better, Sup Mun Tahu or this, both are good but this one is definitely more pricey; twice the price. But I guess it's value for money, because I can notice the chunks of crab meat and asparagus floating and swimming all around.

Coming back to the taste, good seasoning, viscosity is just right, quite generous on the fillings inside.  Overall, it is a good big bowl of soup. Half portion is enough for 2 to 3 people to share.

Menu : Bistik Sapi

Price : RP 77,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> The same menu we ordered with 'Bistik Ayam' on post dated 15th July 2012. But instead of chicken, we had beef this time. I would say this taste better. The meat is tender and neither chewy or overcooked. It also comes on a sizzling hot plate, served with potato wedges at the side.

After all the sizzling effect is gone, there will be a layer of sticky sauce lying at the bottom of the hot plate, that is all the goodness!! Combine it with the potato wedges or simply scoop it and have it with steam rice !

Menu : Nasi Goreng Seafood
Price : Rp 46,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> The portion was actually slightly smaller that I had anticipated. I expect it to be a 'porsi kuli' dish but instead a decent portion. For a quite pricey fried rice, I expect a lot of meat fillings and they lived up to it. Chunks of crab prawns, fish bits, squids are thrown into quite generously.

As for the taste, it was good but rather ordinary, my taste buds surely did not scream "TO DIE FOR". I might order the 'Nasi Goreng Ikan Asin' the next time I'm here but as for the time being, I have no complains whatsoever. A happy customer :)

Restaurant Mandala

Jl. Woltermonginsidi No 80 Blok Q Jakarta Selatan

Phone : 021 - 9389 9597

Bakerz'in

While waiting to catch a movie at EX Plaza Indonesia, we decided to have an afternoon snack. We wanted to just shop around but couldn't resist to have food coming down the throat (bearing in mind that we're gonna have a dinner buffet at Shangrila Hotel "SATOO".) However, admitting that I have zero tolerance towards hunger, we sat down and ate lightly at Bakerz'in. It has been quite a while since my last visit here and was pleased to find they have 'Christmas Meal'!!

Menu : Mushroom Soup
Price : Rp 30,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» A creamy blend of shitake, button and abalone mushrooms! I usually have mushroom soup that were so watery, more like 'juice' like. Bakerz'in offers sometime different, there are chunks of small diced and minced mushrooms. I can smell the garlic buttery taste too, however I think if the chef would have put more garlic and butter into this; it'll definitely scored more points !

Menu : Frutilicious
Price : Rp 55,000++
Score : 5.5 / 10

» I chose this 'Christmas Desert' they offered in the menu; raspberry, mango passion and lychee sorbet on top of peach mojinto jelly garnished with seasonal fresh fruits and assorted mini macaroons! The raspberry sorbet is very good, not so much credit for mango and the lychee though. The mojinto jelly was pretty okay but didn't won me over. I love the macaroons though, I rarely eat macaroons and actually surprised me that it tasted quite good! But the presentation of this christmas desert VERY much aced it ! Sooo beautiful isn't it?

I was so tempted of their main dishes, if I wasn't going to have a buffet dinner later at night, I'll definitely order some food! In addition, I wanted to bring home their menu, very colorful, a lot of pictures, nicely printed and love the fact they have explanations to every dish (thus, you don't need to ask the waiter what is in the food). Even though, their pricing was slightly expensive, I like this place because they have ever changing desert (so you won't get bored), they have limited time festive food, rarely full house (no queue hooray!!) and also comfy sofa seats.

BAKERZ'IN

Address : Plaza Indonesia, Basement Floor

Phone : 021 - 314 1979

Ta Wan

I had dinner on a Sunday at the Emporium Mall with (DH). We choose this place because of the reasonable price and the generous portion. I spent too much money on the weekend shopping so I thought less money on Sunday's dinner would make sense. Ta Wan has a chain of restaurants all over Jakarta, located in big malls, therefore definitely very easy to locate and dine. 

In Mandarin, "Ta" means "Big" and "Wan" means "Bowl". Put together, the restaurant name means "Big Bowl". And they stay true to that name, by serving their soup and their specialty porridge in BIG bowls.

Menu : Hot & Sour Soup
Price : Rp 26,500++
Score : 7.0 / 10

» Aline with the restaurant's name, this come in a BIG bowl (Sorry the angle of the photo didn't show that) and very value for money indeed! The soup has the spicy and the sourness I love! In addition to that, you'll be amaze of the portion, you can have 4 servings and all that for mere Rp 26,000. Hell yeah good deal !!!

Menu : Broccoli Tiga Jamur
Price : Rp 27,500++
Score : 5.0 / 10

» It was okay so-so I'd say. The broccoli were crunchy and the restaurant was generous with the mushrooms' portion. But apart from that, the whole dish was more to plain actually :p. I think the next time I come here, I'll order some other vegetables dish.

Menu : Lumpia Keju
Price : Rp 43,000++
Score : 5.5 / 10

» Prawns, egg, carrots and block of cheese stuffed in rice paper skin and fried to standard. Not particularly wonderful, but the cheese gave a different taste and texture to the ordinary vegetable or meat spring rolls that I usually eats.

Menu : Black Pepper Beef
Price : Rp 39,000++
Score : 6.5 / 10

» This was rather nice! Generous portion, tender beef, crispy onions and zucchinis, definitely tasty black pepper sauce! For Rp 39,000, I thought this was quite value for money too!

TA WAN RESTAURANT

Address : Emporium Pluit Mall, 2nd Floor (Besides Sate Khas Senayan)