Lontong Cap Go Meh : Cikini's Legend

Origins

Lontong = Rice Cake.

It is Google's literal translation of what it's made of, but I don't think it describe the features of this traditional Javanese dish fully. Lontong comes cylindrical in shape, usually wrapped with banana leaves, and steamed until the rices are mushy and somewhat cohesively sticky. It is the alternative for rice in many local dishes.

Lontong Cap Go Meh is one of the variety. It is a crossbreed of traditional Chinese and Javanese culture. It begins as must have dish after Chinese New Year celebration, now it has grown to be a popular menu in Indonesian restaurants. 

Serendipity

That particular afternoon I was bored with waroengs. There's a limit to the amount of scrambled eggs and tempe orek that you can force feed yourself. I called a break to the routine and decided to consult my Makan Sutra guide, the very first Indonesian version, written and curated by our own Arie Parikesit. I was lucky to be in Cikini area that afternoon. The stars were aligned right, it is as if the universe was conspiring to bring me to this place. Funny, I just happened to have a sudden craving for lontong cap go meh. Off I go to find Cikini IV. 

The Original Street Name (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

The old skinny grandma greeted us in her weak little voice. Took the effort to get up from her station, brought the menu and asked what we would like to eat. I have a sense she's been around on that chair for years, if not from the very beginning when they put the original store sign. Yes, this joint has celebrated its 50th anniversary years ago. You can imagine the amount of nostalgic story Jakartans can relate to here. 

As for me, it was my first encounter, and I must admit it was a pleasant one. 

Halfway in preparation. (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

A plateful of Legendary Lontong Cap Go Meh - IDR35K (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

The lontong was everything I ever expected of. Rich sayur lodeh, flavorful tempe orek, juicy chicken breast, spicy telor pindang, and beef empal. Generous toppings for IDR 35k. 

The only setback for me was the broth which I personally think could be a bit more thicker and creamier. I guess I can blame the rise of gas price for their attempt to cut cost and therefore bet on the somewhat more inferior broth. The rest of the plate was delightful. Still funny to have acar hidden underneath the pile of food. And the irony is no matter how hard I tried to run, I eventually came across eggs and tempe orek again here. You two just love me that much, eh? That's okay. I have enough love for everybody. 

Lessons Learned

A well attempted variety killer I must conclude. I guess it is necessary to go out of the monotonous day-to-day activities once in a while. I personally think routine is counterproductive to creativity. We need a bolt of newness, a dash of salt if you always have sweet, a little rain in a long summer stream. Something to get us off our comfort zone. For me it can be as simple as new food. It allows us to feel again and eventually trigger new things in our synapses, resulting in fresh ideas and many good ripple effects. 

Ah, I'm blabbering. I. Must. Stop. 

Until next food safari,

Fellexandro Ruby 

Food Photographer & Storyteller

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Opor Ayam. Tempe Orek. Lodeh. Empal. Generous (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

Lontong Cap Go Meh 

Jl. Cikini IV No. 1

Koultoura Coffee : Power Brunch on a Lazy Saturday.

It's Saturday.

The sun is playing hide-and-seek amongst the clouds. The clouds looks awfully bored in pale grey and broke white. No little drops of water from above, but the residual cold atmosphere is enough to keep you glued to bed. If you could you would put Bruno Mars' Lazy Song as the morning's soundtrack, but then again, you're just too lazy to do that.

You go back to lala-land for another hour or two until your belly growls for food.
Too late for breakfast, too early for lunch. It is the perfect time for yet another power brunch.

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Koultoura is my new destination for brunch after Antipodean.

A new joint in Taman Ratu, Jakarta Barat sets itself apart from its surroundings. It creates a world of its own, really. From the facade that brings fresh color to the neighborhood, to the sort of food it offers. From its sophisticated hang-on-the-wall water purifier to the geeky-level coffee. It's almost as if it packed in a whole new culture to shine, just like the name suggest. This place bleeds hipster, coffee, and passion.

I had The Hangover Cure (IDR 45k) and Croque Madam (IDR 45k) as recommended by the cheerful lady behind the counter, Kinsky.

Hang Over Cure (IDR 45K) - Taken w/ Samsung NX300

Croque Madam (IDR 45k) - Taken w/ Samsung NX300

Both dish were surprisingly enjoyable and we didn't need any flavor enhancement of any sort. No salt, no chili sauce, no pepper. It was all in good balance for our palate. My hash-corned beef-egg was a treat, the only complain was the rather small size. On the other side of the table, my belle looked like taking quite a delight on the rack of burnt toast, melted cheese, ham and poached eggs. Plus point: the home made looking bunch of wedges / fries. Minus point: it gets mushy real quick.

Life's a Journey Indeed. - Taken w/ Samsung NX300

Don't you just love the cups? (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

On the drinks, I would recommend its Ice Chocolate (IDR 25k) if you're a sweet tongue. The Chai Latte that we had was worth trying too, although le belle did mentioned it wasn't as strong a 'chai latte' as she preferred. She likes it bold. A little longer on brewing the chai would easily solve it out though.

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The big question: Would I come back to Koultoura?
Answer: Hell yeas, in fact I'm going back there today. ;)

Sunlight & Shades. Love this corner right here. (Taken w/ Samsung NX300)

I personally enjoy the energy of this place. I can imagine sitting in one corner, catching up on my readings, or working on one of my blog post. It sorts of feed you with enough creative trigger as well. The artworks spread all over the walls, the magazine selection, and most importantly the choice of songs. Rest assured, no Sabrina here.

More than a brunch place, this could easily be my work spot. Try it, and let me know what you think on Twitter @wanderbites.

Cheers,

Ruby 
Food & Travel Storyteller / Photographer

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Koultoura Coffee
Jl. Taman Ratu Raya Blok AA2 No. 33
(If you can find Saung Greenville, you can find this near the Pizza Hut)
Ph: 021-29520310
T: @Koultoura

Sala Lauak & Pragede Jaguang : Snacking in Padang

We all have our own little 'guilty pleasure' kind of dish. Ignasius Chan (owner of Iggy's Singapore) secret late night indulgent is Ma-Ling canned processed meat. I myself when in doubt, I usually go for Fiesta's Fried Karaage. They are just so good that it keeps you wanting more, and it somehow possess this ability to make you crave after departing from them for a while.

I guess it is what Perkedel Jagung for Dina of Dua Ransel. I could see her eyes glow upon seeing this on the street side of Pasar Atas, Padang. We were around the area of Jam Gadang, and decided to take our own stroll inside the famous market when we met this gerobak parked among the lines delman. 

I was curious with the name, googled it and turns out it is one of the local's specialty. Sala Lauak is said to be part of Pariaman culinary. Another coastal city 50km north of Padang. Sala means fried, while Lauak means fish. When tasted it does has the aroma of salted fish, but not of the flavor, a bit soft but still harder than a perkedel. I reckon it has been modified from the original recipe in Pariaman. 

If I had to choose though, I'd have more of Pragede Jaguang. It was sweet with a strong dominance of corn all over. Crunchy without forgoing the texture of the corn. I imagine dipping it in a homemade sauce or chili, it would be just perfect. 

What's funny around this area is that it is so populated with people and tourist but they seem to be less interested with the history. Upin and Ipin made appearance here along with Sonic The Hedgehog and Mario Bros. Just as with many tourist spot, it has become more of a money-making venture than an attempt to preserve the story. What do they have to do with Jam Gadang? I haven't got a clue. Well, I'm happy at least we could still trace some of the story from the food. 

More Padang & Bukittinggi stories coming. But before that, I'll be leaving for another two weeks trip. I won't be able to write much without my gears. But I make sure I'll come back with heaps of stories and pictures. =)

Keep in touch with my live tweets @Wanderbites as I travel & scour on good food. I won't spill where I'm heading. Stay tuned! 

Tsurukamedou Ramen : Late Bloomer, Yet A Strong Contender

Ramen, they come in waves.

First, it was the little known pioneers. Then came the game-changer. Then came the followers to piggyback on the success. Then came the late bloomer, the very few at the long tail that intend to add value and ideals to the almost saturated market. A market where the customers are tastewashed (as in brainwashed) that a 'delicious' broth is the one that is insanely porkish, super thick and oily.

Tsurukamedou is one of the idealist. Sticking to what is true. Authentic original Hakata as they differentiate themselves. You'll find this spirit embodied in many ways.

First and foremost is the ramen itself. The broth is cooked in long hours to bring out the flavor, similar to many others. But if you pay attention, it is less oily. Also if you let it breath for a while, the broth does not separate or break, it stays cohesive. A feature that marks quality. I presume the soup is made from scratch here, while many others have the soup imported partially done, tweaked with few flavor enhancer and cooking resume afterwards.

I singlehandedly savored the pork soup until it was too thin to scoop it with the spoon. You know what that means. Size wise it is very fulfilling, especially with the generous amount of chasiu. Three thick slices, all are well prepared. Nicely barbequed outer skin and have you seen the neat combination of juicy meat and tender fat? Oh my ...

Super Strong Tonkotsu Ramen (IDR 45K)

Look at that thick slice of juicy meat and tender fat. Oh my!

Second, is the noodle. I love the fact that it is thin with a nice texture. The taste is almost neutral, letting the broth and the neighboring ingredients: bamboo shots, nori, and tamago to stand out.

Third, you'll find no extra garlic or extra chopped chili (rawit) here on the table. They will provide if you asked for it. But they strive for the patrons to have it as it is before being experimental with their tastebuds.

Last but not least is the menu. It is downright simple. Either pork or chicken based soup. Three variation of each and that's it. The additionals such as chahan, karaage, and gyoza are more complimentary than a substitute to the ramen. It is purposely orchestrated to let the ramen be the hero of the ramen-ya. At least that's what the culture they want to impart from Japan to here in Jakarta.

Pork Gyoza

Ebi Chahan (IDR 30K)

The chahan though, is worth an extra paragraph because of its goodness. Well cooked rice, fragrant, with a wholesome portion of chicken, pork, and ebi. It's far superior to the one I had at Yellowfin some time ago.

All that being said, will I return? Definitely. And I must say, it is a strong contender to those in the earlier waves, the pioneers, the followers, and even the gamechangers.

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Tsurukamedou Ramen
Jl. Ratu Kemuning Raya
(Just go straight from Greenville, its near Papa Mama Bakery)
T: @tsurukamedoujak

Bika Talago Bukittinggi : Heartwarming Delicacy

Remember that cooking video with the Supercook Bara Pattiradjawane?

Did you catch my tweets when I was in Padang last month? 

Now can you connect the dots? 

Well, let me spell it out for ya then. Yes, we won the writing contest by Indomie on their #AsliCabeIjo event. By we, I mean me and the always cheerful Dina from Dua Ransel. The prize was a three days trip to Padang and Bukittinggi. I've never been to both city, so you can imagine the kind of excitement that I had. There's so much to share, but I guess I'm gonna start with the one that speak to me the most. 

There's a saying that goes: "Often, its the littlest thing that left the biggest mark in your heart." It's exactly the case with Bika Talago. The gem is hidden in a small house off the road, halfway from Padang Panjang to Bukittinggi. Colored in orange, it is as if it's trying to scream out of the ordinary line of local houses and attract passersby to take a visit. They did it I suppose, now that we're here. 

We were lucky that they just started to bake the Bika when we arrived. Dina quickly whip out her camera out of the bag and by peer-pressure I took out mine and start click-clacking the shutter. 

The way Bika cooked is a story of its own. Take a look at the clay pot here. Raw bika is put in the lower clay and then closed with another clay pot on top of it. Big chunk of wood charcoal and hot fire inside. In about 10 minutes or so, the raw Bika would start to warm up and ready to be served. 

While munching them, I knew the universe were conspiring to make us happy by sending us the rain. It just made them twice as tasty. Warm food in a cold weather, it just doesn't get any better than that. I personally love the brown sugar more than the white sugar flavor. It has a strong banana aroma and a very coconutty flavor on the tongue. The fact that it was heated in a closed clay might be the reason why it absorb and in itself disburse such an appetizing smell. Sweet and savory tender loving.

The only regret that day was buying only one four pieces of them. Two of each was definitely not enough for me and Dina. Just as it led us to Bika, I guess the universe also purposefully let us took only a quick teaser, so that we'll crave for more and come back in the future. Well, I hope it happens soon!

Stay tuned for more Padang bites!

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Bika Talago 
Jl. Padang Panjang - Bukittinggi Km. 10
Sumatra Barat

Surga Di Telapak Kaki Lima

“Nenek nenek senam pagi olahraga 

Biar body tambah seksi

Goyang kanan goyang ke kiri

Gak mau kalah dengan gadis-gadis yang di sini

Ini zaman zaman edan

Kakek nenek pacaran di pinggir jalan

Katanya jaman pembangunan

Tapi mengapa kok banyak pengangguran

Ini salah siapa?

Ini dosa siapa?

Coba anda tanyakan pada Tehbotol, tehnik ... bodoh dan tolol.”

Same World Different Universe

Sepenggal lirik lagu Tehbotol yang selalu saya request kalau bertemu dengan bapak pengamen di kawasan Muara Karang. Lagu yang santai tapi mempunyai pesan serius. Lagu yang menyindir sekaligus menghibur. Rasanya campur aduk. Mungkin seperti ini lah gambaran street food atau kaki lima di Indonesia. Lebih kerennya mungkin disebut Amigos, alias agak minggir got sedikit. Kaki lima adalah melting pot dari berbagai hal yang sekilas mata mudah kita lewatkan. We might see the same world, but there are actually different universes. 

Here In The South

Paragraf ini ditulis dari lantai tiga sebuah gedung perkantoran di area Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Memandang dari kaca jendela ke bawah terlihat barisan makanan kaki lima yang bersembunyi di bawah teduhnya pohon-pohon rindang. Menariknya, gerobak-gerobak makanan yang ada di siang hari akan berganti dengan sesuatu yang baru setiap malam dan begitu seterusnya. Gado-gado, ketoprak, baso, nasi gulai, batagor, kue cubit, berganti menjadi sate ayam, pecel lele, martabak, ayam goreng, dan lainnya. Same spot, different food. Same place, different people. Same world, different universe. 

Ada satu hal lagi yg menarik sekaligus mengusik saya. Sebagai warga Indonesia dengan darah Cina yang cukup kental, saya tidak habis pikir mengapa berjualan setengah hari saja? Mengapa tidak sekalian sehari full untuk profit yg maksimal? Mengapa sengaja membawa bahan makanan secukupnya saja? Mengapa tidak menyiapkan lebih? 

Pertanyaan-pertanyaan ini sekalian mengumpat kekesalan karena setiap kali terlambat setengah jam, gado-gado kesukaan saya selalu saja sudah habis. Ternyata saya tidak siap untuk mendengar jawabannya. Dengan ringkasnya sang penjual gado-gado berkata: “Saya jualan yang penting cukup untuk hidup hari ini, Mas.”  Simple tapi menyimpan makna yang dalam. Jarang melihat keyakinan seperti itu di zaman ini. Bahwa dunia akan senantiasa menyediakan apa yang kita butuhkan selama kita berusaha, bahwa kesusahan untuk sehari cukuplah untuk sehari. Jadi teringat petikan ucapan teman saya yang jarang memusingkan soal uang: “Tenang, bank gue Bank Tuhan.”  Same world, different universe. Gado-gado yang sama tapi ternyata ada garis perbedaan yang besar antara sang penjual dan saya, sang pembeli. 

From South To North

Lain halnya di Selatan, lain kisahnya di Utara. Sebuah kaki lima ala tenda dengan merek dagang Pecel Lele Stellamaris adalah salah satu spot favorit dikala galau lapar tengah malam atau disaat terjangkit virus kanker (kantong kering) stadium lima. Saya yakin semua yang membaca pasti punya street food favorit, setidak-tidaknya lapak nasi / mie goreng langganan.

Nah di sini, langganan saya adalah ayam goreng, sambel pecel, tempe dan tahu goreng, tanpa nasi putih. Sang penjual yang lebih akrabnya saya panggil Bang Jowo sudah tahu preferensi saya ini. Terkadang bila lama tidak berkunjung, pada kedatangan berikutnya dia pasti bertanya “Kemana aja bos, udah lama ga keliatan.” Sama halnya juga dengan bapaknya yang seringnya dituakan dengan panggilan Pak Haji. Kalau beliau tidak ada di tempat, saya pun balik bertanya “Si Bapak kemana? Tumben gak kelihatan.” Basa-basi bagi sebagian orang, tapi buat saya itu keakraban singkat yang kadang ngangenin. 

Nah, Pak Haji punya kisah yang inspirasional. Dari tenda kecilnya yang berkapasitas maksimal dua puluh orang dia menghidupi anak-anaknya sekaligus sudah dua kali berangkat ke Tanah Suci Mekah untuk menjalankan ibadah. Dari potongan ayam dan lele yang sama, saya mengenyangkan perut sementara beliau beribadah. Same world, different universe. 

And Further North

Bergerak tidak jauh dari lokasi Pak Haji, mengarah lebih ke Utara adalah sebuah lajur jalan yang cukup terkenal bagi Jakarta’s foodie. Kalau menurut Om Google, nama officialnya Pluit Karang Timur, namun bagi warga sekitar, mereka menyebutnya ‘deretan eaton’. Sepanjang jalan ini tersebar nama-nama kaki lima yang tersohor. Martabak Sinar Bulan dengan sang penjual yang berambut klimis. Salah satu martabak termahal yang dibanderol dengan harga IDR 70.000++ per loyang. Atau Soto Bang Mamat, Ayam Goreng Kiko Sari, Seafood Bola, dan banyak lagi.

Disini bisa ditemukan fenomena yang berbeda. Fenomena yang bisa mencerahkan banyak hal. Disini tidak jarang akan anda temukan Mercedes Benz C Class, Alphard, BMW parkir di sisi jalan bersanding dengan mobil sejuta umat Avanza, Xenia, atau bahkan dengan pengendara motor. Disini tidak ada kasta. Disini tidak ada kaya miskin. Disini kalangan atas dan bawah duduk dalam meja yang sama tinggi, menikmati makanan yang sama terjangkaunya. Disini makanan menyatukan semua. Disini different universes collide in one world. 

And Even Further 

Kalau boleh saya ajak melihat lebih jauh lagi, alias berimajinasi, coba dipikirkan berapa banyak tangan yang terbantukan dengan adanya kaki lima? Selain mereka yang makan dan mereka yang menjual yang menikmati hasilnya langsung, ada jaring besar manusia-manusia yang terhubung. Sang pengamen dengan lagu Tehbotol di atas, anak-anak jalanan yang hidup dari belas kasihan pengunjung kaki lima, penjual bahan makanan di pasar, petani yang menanamnya, tukang parkir, mas-mas penjual dvd bajakan, sampai berekor-ekor kucing yg mencari makan di sana. By the way, kaki lima termasuk dalam sektor informal yang sampai 2012 kemarin masih menyumbang 30% total GDP Indonesia dan kalau dinilai besarnya sama dengan IDR 2.400 Triliun. 

Saya mungkin over-simplifying, tapi kaki lima mungkin bukan sekedar kaki lima. Mungkin kaki lima punya makna yang lebih dari sekedar agak minggir got sedikit. Mungkin a glimpse of heaven is there among street foods. Mungkin sebentuk kecil surga ada di telapak kaki lima. 

Surga bagi saya dan anda penikmat kuliner tentunya. Surga bagi mereka yang menggantungkan hidupnya disana, mereka yang bermata-pencaharian di sana. Surga bagi mereka yang terbantukan hidupnya, yang ikut merasakan impact kehadiran kaki lima. Surga karena ia adalah satu dari sekian sedikit tempat yang bisa menyatukan dunia yang berbeda. Street food might just be the place that unites different people, different universe in one world, the world of food. 

Now Brewing : Djournal Coffee at Grand Indonesia

Because another coffee shop is just what we need, right?

No, that's not sarc, my favorite kind of -asm. It is what it is, a rhetoric. 

There has been quite a rapid shrooming of coffee houses lately. And not just that, the whole industry is getting exciting, from farmers to roaster to traders. It is only natural that a powerhouse like Ismaya crave for a share of the pie. Or maybe they just want to have it in their line of successful portfolio. Whether the earlier or the latter, when they're in the game, they never been less than serious in developing a brand. 

I visited Djournal in Grand Indonesia some time ago for a food photography production meeting. Remember the winner of our free photoshoot session? Yes, we are that serious even though for a pro-bono work. 

My eyes were astounded with the amount of details they put in the design to create an ambience that resembles none of the competitors. A bar that centers the whole area kinda tone down the barriers between patrons and baristas. Stools and chairs that look and feel as vintage as it needs to be. And the striking yet soft in the eye teal color woods. 

In one corner are the cold drip set, in another are the pour over station. It appears that Djournal is not just playing around. They really know what they're doing with the beans. Splat out a few hundred million espresso machine and prepare to be intimidated. At least that's what I thought, being a non-coffee-aficionado myself. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed their coffee too, just in my own amateur way. If I had to choose, I'd rather resort to their selections of dessert or cakes. And I did just that with their Nutella Cake, which was pretty close to scrumptious. It has a creamier outer shell with a layer of choco nutty goodness right in the middle. 

Should this write up do justice? Of course not. Especially for the coffee. I will need help on that part from you. But from what I experienced, as an alternate working space, this is splendid. ;) Right in the middle of the city, comfortable and opens before the mall does. A few cakes and desserts while meeting wouldn't hurt too.

Cheers,

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Photographer & Storyteller

La Creperie PIK : Crepes, Galettes & Beer

If at the moment there's such an award as most promising eatery in Pantai Indah Kapuk, my vote will go for this one. La Crêperie has what it takes to prevail. A spacious and well designed area, an ambience that soothes at any time of the day, a good service, and most importantly a line of specialty dishes that makes you keep coming back for more.

The crêpes here are by far the closest I've met to original, so much that it sends me back to that little place in Montparnasse, a couple blocks from the Metro. Yes, you will not find one of those super crispy faux crepes. What you'll have instead is a thin layer of smooth and soft pancake.

Not stopping at that, La Crêperie also make a clear division of sweet (sucre crepes) made from wheat flour and savory (galettes) made from buckwheat flour. The latter is the typical Brittany meal that eventually spread throughout France. If you notice La Crêperie lighthouse logo, then you'll get the breton spirit embodied in it.

Crêpes with home-made salted caramel and peach (IDR 53k)

On my plate was the sweet crepes with homemade salted butter caramel and peach. My friend had the similar one with chocolate and salted buter caramel. Although I had a moment of questioning whether the fruit was fresh or canned, it was scrumptious. Any sweet tooth like me could easily fell for these two. A smooth textured crepes with generous toppings. Enough said.

Gotta admit I was so tempted to chill on my favorite Alben's cider, but common sense won. I would've gone sugar-high if I opted for that. I decided a bottle of Heineken is equally pleasing for that warm sunny afternoon. Too bad it came out not as ice cold as I expected to. Far from the minus two rule of thumb.

Gotta love the chairs! I wanna take 'em home!

Crepes with salted caramel & chocolate. (IDR 49k)

Sailor theme all over the place.

Having crepes and galettes as their main course is a daring venture, considering typical Indonesian belly that needs far more carbs to satisfy their hunger. I myself still see it in the go-to dessert place category. I have this believe though, that a food place need to have a signature item that pulls people to come back.  Lucky for them, I think La Crêperie has it. Just gotta watch for the price tag. We have a rather price sensitive crowd here in PIK and I keep finding from time to time that the most sustainable food place here are the ones who could manage that well.

Bonne chance, au revoir

Fellexandro Ruby
Food Photographer & Storyteller

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La Crêperie
Ruko Crown Golf
Pantai Indah Kapuk
(next to Ikkudo Ichi ramen)

Ph: 0896-934-5555-4

Pho Hoa - Wisma Metropolitan : Vietnamese Noodle Fling

Who believes in love at first sight?

I don't really, but I do believe in love at the first taste. The latter is much less complicated compared to the earlier. Ehm. Let's not get drifted away. 

Pho, this Viets-pride noodle has been on the top of my mind lately. "Rubs, what would you want for dinner?" ask a colleague and instantly my nervous system will react "I'm feeling for something soupy." Didn't know how the thought manage to park herself in the subsconcious real estate of mine, but she's slick. In the past two weeks I've savored as much as four bowls of pho goodness. 

Pho Hoa here was an adventurous attempt. Hearing its reopening from a friend of a friend of a friend who knows the ... You know where this is going, scratch that. Plus when I tweeted it, a few friends confirmed that it was once a hit in Jakarta. Google maps still put its previous location in Barito, Wijaya, and BEJ. They are now reopening Pho Hoa in Wisma Metropolitan I, Sudirman. 

I like how the menu is presented. Straight up, no hassle. Your eyes will be directed into the selections of pho, from the simplest (IDR 45k) with just meat, to the ones with the most variety of toppings (IDR 55k) with meat, tendons, and whatnot. You can pretty obviously guess which one I put my choice into. 

Yes, the top of the line. Pho with steak, brisket, tendons, tripes etc. 

Pho with Beef Brisket, Beef Steak, Tendon, Tripes (IDR 55k)

As I sipped the broth, there's this slightly bitter taste that gets annoying after a while. Adding a few aromatic basils helps to distract it, but not for long. The only way to get away was to munch in the extra sweetness from the beef together with pho and soup. 

Jamie Aditya Graham was dining a few table for us! =D

The Fling. Sexy isn't it? But sexy is just barely what we want right?

Physically I enjoyed the meal. But mentally, I couldn't help to compare it with Will Meyrick's pho at Mama San. It was as if it has a few layers that waited to be uncovered, and with every addition of ingredients, it gets better and better. I know it's probably a different playing field here, but I need to point out that once you've tasted the superior the other becomes mediocre. It is human, and I'm sure you've had that moment too at least once for one particular food. 

Should I admit my love to pho? Absolutely. For this particular one though, I'd say a mild liking is probably at best. Or for the lack of a better word, ehm ... a fling? ;)

Cheers, 

Fellexandro Ruby 

Food Photographer / Storyteller

Snack on my tweets @Wanderbites for #Livebites and more food / travel stories ;)

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Pho Hoa

Wisma Metropolitan I

Office Tower 

Jalan Sudirman Kav. 24

(Left side of the road, heading Blok M) 

Ph: 021-5228970

Opens weekdays only.