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

Seribu Rasa

 

I gathered some of my friends on Saturday and had a birthday dinner at 'Seribu Rasa', which means literally "Thousand Flavor". It is an establishment in Menteng area (right behind Deutsch Bank) that serves posh Indonesian food. The ambiance of the place was alright, just ordinarily pleasant; dim lighting, parquet flooring, high ceiling, spacious dining area, separate smoking and non-smoking area available. The only 2 big thing that turned me off were; a lot of mosquitoes and only one female toilet !!!!!! It took a long time just to take a piss ---__--- geezz !

Anyways, back to the focus attention; FOOD. It wasn't my first time there, but on this occasion I made sure I ordered the dishes that I haven't tried before (except for the dendeng balado). I liked the dishes on a general scale, it came out on a pretty decent lead time, the service was pleasant and quick too. Bottom line, I'm not too fussy about anything (which is a positive note).

Menu : Kerabu Mangga Melayu
Price : RP 35,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> This mango salad dish is slightly different from the normal ones. This has an extra kick of spiciness which I very very much welcome. Sweetness from the sugar, sourness from the green mango and the spicy punch from the chili..hmmm...yummmm !!! Reminds me of Thai food actually.

Menu : Chicken Satay

Price : Rp 35,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Like the chicken, like the complete condiments, like the temperature when the food came out. Like it, all except the portion :( Tooooo little, toooo small, simply not enough :'( A mere five sticks for a portion and the meat are just too skinny and small !

Menu : Dendeng Balado

Price : Rp 85,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This is a spicy beef dish, sliced into medallions. Well it's not spicy for me at all but hey...my threshold for chili is above ordinary and so this was child's play for me hahaha :p There's two types of chili, green and red chili paste. I like the green one better due to the fact it has this slight more fragrance to it. The meat was tender and not chewy with a little bit of veins to it. For those who can't handle chili, just simply scrape it off to the side and pass it to you 'hot' friend.

Menu : Pineapple Fried Rice

Price : Rp 56,000 ++
Score : 5.5 / 10

>> The presentation was good, it has this half sliced mini pineapple on the plate, but the taste was ordinary. Nothing too special about it, taste the way it was supposed to taste. One of the turn off point was the squid were very much overcooked, chewy like hell !

Menu : Nanking Beef

Price : Rp 85.000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Portion is an issue here again -__- gosh, why are restaurants trying to earn sooo much profit?? I like the flavor though, slightly too sweet but when eaten with steam rice it is compatible ! The beef was cooked well, tender and juicy.

Menu : Fried Chicken with Mango Sauce

Price : RP 63,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> Wasn't a disappointment. Even though the chicken was fried, it maintained it's juiciness, tenderness and flavorings was on the spot! I can taste the sweet and sour taste of what the name of the dish had promised to me.

Menu : Ko Samui Red Beef Curry

Price : RP 85,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> My favorite dish of the night. It has this coconut pungent curry base paste and yet didn't overpower the meat. The beef was cooked well, the temperature was right. It wasn't chewy or tough in anyway. The bread containing all the goodness was heavenly too. It was slightly thick but has this crispy crunch to it. Hmmm...good stuff :) Don't miss out on this when you're ordering your dish here.

Menu : Kangkung Balachan

Price : RP 45,000 ++

Score : 6.0 / 10

>> This was alright, no mistakes whatsoever. Didn't leave me a memorable taste though. This just came out and taste like what other proper Indonesian restaurants can provide, except with a higher price tag!

Menu : Ketan Durian Malaka

Price : RP 33,000 ++
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> I looooove this one! The 'ketan' is sticky enough but not too sticky or tough that you cannot chew. The durian is definitely noticeable, it tastes super ripe and sweet. And lastly the brown sugar sauce was on the spot !! Love the balance of the texture and the sweetness. Yummmyy !!!

Seribu Rasa

Jl. H. Agus Salim 128 Menteng Jakarta

Phone : 021 - 392 8892

Kitchenette

Before I start this post, I'll have to inform you guys that my brain was scattered around and thus a lot of the basic details that I usually provide are missing. Forgive me for that :p

I was busy chatting, replying my work emails, eating, tasting and drinking (not forgetting I left the table early for a friend's birthday dinner). Therefore, do pardon me :p Other than that, please read and feed your eyes :)

Menu : Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Price : To be advised

Score : 3.0 / 10

>> The reason  why I gave this a score of 3 wasn't the fact that it taste bad but the fact this doesn't taste like Aglio Olio AT ALL. We, J-towners eats a lot of fusion food but this dish is 'fusionized' soooo much that it actually taste like a good 'mie goreng' instead of aglio olio. I kid you not ! 

Look at the picture and you'll realized that Aglio Olio doesn't have tomatoes in them. In here, there are some chunky ones. This taste sweet as if a good dollop of sweet soy (kecap manis) is added into. So, dear Kitchenette; please fix on this menu. I really think you serve relatively some good food for a shopping mall standard but if I wanted a bowl of Aglio Olio I'll never ever order it from you again. * Unless you write me an email informing me that you have switch recipe :) hahahaha

Menu : Beef Burger Steak with eggs on rice
Price : To be advise
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Yummmehh !!!! Reminds me of college food I had in Chinatown back in the old days when I was still in Melbourne. A piece of meat, additional fried egg resting on a mountain of steam rice with some funky gravy all around. This taste 'homey' but better in many level. To begin with, the rice portion is BIG and thus if a female is having it, either you literally have a big stomach (just like me hahaha) or you just get out of the female prison, if not then you better share with another friend rather than wasting it. This definitely taste fusion but correct in all the taste department :)

Menu : Marie - Lou

Price : RP 55,000 ++

Score : 7.0 / 10

>> This is basically a sweet crepe. Whole baked banana, a good dollop of nuttela, a little bit of whipped cream on the side, grated cheese & a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Lastly, drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce to finish off. This screams "CALORIIIIIEESSSS" in so many level, especially after having half Aglio Olio and half portion of the Beef steak on rice. But my mouth is just too itchy, it can't stop until I have dessert to wash my main course off. Nevertheless, satisfying and a happy tummy is a happy me !!!!

Kitchenette

Plaza Indonesia Extension 1st Floor

(Across Baron Bistro or Louis Vuitton)

Phone : 021 - 2992 3580

First Love Patisserie - Original Flavor

Thursday, 19th July 2012 was my birthday and to those who didn't know it, shame on you !!! hahaha, oh well anyways, I received a cake from my dear friend S.M. Sound weird enough, I was thinking about this particular cake during lunch time and when I got back from work, thaaa da!!! S.M sent it to me :'), very very lucky girl indeed. 

First love patisserie concentrates on making only one type of cake; 'Hokkaido Thousand Layer Cake'. They claimed to sent their chef to Japan and uses imported natural ingredients (they use natural vanilla beans which cost 20 times more than vanilla essence). Each thousand layer cakes are made fresh without preservatives and can be stored up to 3 days only. If you freeze it, it'll last up to 7 days and put it at room temperature for 15 minutes before eating it.

Menu : Original Thousand Layer Cake

Price : Rp 280,000 for 20cm or Rp 320,000 for 24cm

Score : 9.0 / 10

>> My favourite thousand layer cake. First Love Patisserie only sells whole cake, if you want to have it per slice, you'll have to visit Kitchenette (Plaza Indonesia) or Social House (Grand Indonesia). Besides original flavor, they have : Oreo, Green Tea and Coffee (Rp 295,000 for 20 cm & Rp 360,000 for 24 cm). Remember to order 2 days in advance to ensure availability. Emergency orders will subject to cake availability.

First Love Patisserie

Plaza Indonesia Level 3 #E 01 - i

Phone : 021 - 3623 2828 (call / sms)

Mobile : 0818 08843 888

Blackberry Pin : 22687290

Starbucks

Menu : Bolognaise Chicken Sandwich

Price : Rp 29,000
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> Who likes cafeteria sandwiches? Well, I don't! But I usually have my 'Rustica Chicken Sandwich' on my way to 'Tangerang'. I'll usually stop by the gas station and have a quick breakfast. And I stick to that menu until yesterday I had my first 'Bolognaise Chicken Sandwich' and I was truly taken by surprise! 

A super duper tasty Bolognaise gravy, good amount of minced meat, compatible tasting cheddar cheese. The only downside was the white bun was too thick. The gravy is really good and with that, actually made me wanna have it with a good bowl of spaghetti.

So...to you all Starbucks' drinkers, the next time you queuing up for your lattes, cappuccinos and frappucinos, do remember to peek at their display counter. If you see this, hopefully it'll remind you of my post. Grab and try it for yourself. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did !

Vietopia

My experiences with Vietnamese cuisine are rather shallow and my best ones were certainly a few years back when I made a trip around Vietnam. I'd say the food taste like Thai. Strong in lime, lemon, vinegar and can be spicy sometimes. Definitely my kind of food!!

F.W brought me to this Vietnamese restaurant in Cikini Raya. If you are unfamiliar with the area (just like me) then I assure you that 'Vietopia' will easily passes you by going unnoticed. The restaurant looked gloomy, unkempt and not inviting from the outside. I arrived there around 9 pm and there were only 3 tables occupied on a Sunday night. Maybe it was due to the fact that it is after dinner service peak hour.

Menu : Cha Gio

Price : Rp 26,000++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> The number one rule : you can never skip spring rolls as your starter in all Vietnamese restaurants and I delightfully obeyed. This is basically a fried spring roll with minced chicken inside. The fillings inside were alright but what made this a delicious dish was the fried skin. It has this gooey slight chewy on the inner side and yet still crispy on the outside of the skin. Yumm - ooh !!!

Menu : Pho Bo

Price : Rp 45,000 ++

Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Pho is a Vietnamese renowned beef noodle soup is served with hand cut rice noodle, generous amount of sliced beef, beef brisket, Vietnamese basil, scallions, coriander, beansprout, lime and chilies to taste. I definitely seasoned my soup very well to adjust my palate. 5 wedge of lime and a few spoonful of cut green chilies. The warmth of the broth definitely warmed my heart.

Menu : Ca Mu Chien Voi Gung

Price : Rp 48,000 ++
Score : 6.5 / 10

>> Resembles 'Gurame Asam Manis' but brought up to a few notch higher. This is a one portion dish of fried grouper served with mushrooms and poured with "Noucmam" sauce. Best eaten with steam white rice. Love the sweet and sour taste!

Menu : Ca Phe Sua Da

Price : Rp 22,000 ++
Score : 6.0 / 10

>> Served in the Vietnamese traditional way of drinking coffee. The coffee potion will slowly drip from the miniature pot on top of the glass filled with sweet condensed milk at the bottom. This might take 10 minutes for all the coffee to be filtered all the way through. You can have this in both hot and iced! Order their 'Ice lemon grass tea' (Rp 15,000) instead if you are extremely thirsty and couldn't wait for 10 minutes.

Total Cost for the meal of two : Rp 180,000 (inclusive tax)

Vietopia

Jl. Cikini Raya No 33, Jakarta Selatan

Phone : 021 - 3915893

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

Restaurant Mandala

This restaurant is apparently a famous one in the Selatan area, but being a clueless me about the food in that area, I'm a truly a late bloomer. This run down restaurant has been established for quite sometime and had earn a lot of recognition by words of mouth across not only the Chinese, but also the Muslims community in Jakarta. They definitely serve good food, but be surprised on the interior. I think the owner is an extreme clutter but hey! Those weird looking ornaments made this place even more unique!

In addition, be sure to come slightly early from the 'peak dinner time' to avoid waiting for seats while smelling and staring at the rest of others eating and munching in front of you. It's a torture!!!

Menu : Sup Mun Tahu
Price : Rp 66,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> Don't look down on this rather 'unappealing' looking kind of 'egg drop soup'. One of the best Mun Tahu soup I had for a long long time. The soup consist of the typical ingredients, tofu, minced beef, eggs, tiny prawns with scallions on top. But the secrets is definitely in the broth! Suddenly, this soup makes expensive ingredients seems trivial and not important at all. Cheap ingredients can certainly makes a print on your tongue. Perfect consistency and seasoning is what makes this soup shines!

Be careful when drinking it, don't get your tongue burn of you'll have a hard time enjoying the rest of the meal. A great portion to share for 3 to 4 person.

Menu : Bistik Ayam

Price : Rp 67,000 ++

Score ; 7.0 / 10

>> Be careful of staining your white clothing from the sizzling hot sauce and by that means you need to be slightly patience to let it cool down for a few minutes or else, you'll definitely burnt your tongue.

As of the above, this dish is a good size to share for 3 to 4 person. It comes with potato wedges on the side that compliments the dish even more if you drench it with the sauce. This dish might be a little bit too salty when you eat it on it's own, but steam rice will balance it extremely well. Chili sauce will be a good condiment to go along with this dish.

Total Cost for the meal of two : Rp 170,000 (inclusive tax)

Restoran Mandala

Address : Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 80 Blok Q Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan

Phone : 021 -9389 9597