August 6, 2024

Sundanese fare at Betawi

Indonesian food can be quite different from Malay food. Apart from masakan Padang which we’re more familiar with, there’s Sundanese and Javanese style cuisine, as offered by Betawi in TTDI, KL which is quite different.

Exotic drinks such as Wedang Jahe, Bajigur, Bir Pletok Berawi (not alcoholic beer) and even Kopi Butter Cream are an adventure by itself so make your pick and prepare to be surprised.

We had starters Lumpia, with and without meat versions – basically popiah with different types of fillings – was mostly cabbage, bits of carrots and some meat. The delish condiments made up for it as the lumpia wasn’t terribly exciting.

Not forgetting the famous Tahu Goreng. This version had a chewier skin and wasn’t that crisp or tall like the one we remembered from KLCC. But firm and more to the bite, so delish the kuah (gravy). You should also try Maranggi Beef sate – skewered beef with a spicier sauce without peanuts, unlike our Malay satay.

We shared a Grilled ribs Nasi Bakul which had sweetish thick kicap manis sauce coating the pieces of grilled beef in the rice basket. Ribs reminded me of Naughty Nuri, another Indonesian creation. Was enough for five of us to share since we had ordered other dishes.

Found the Ikan Bobor Bayam with milk and spinach quite interesting, mild with a touch of heat as was the Pucuk Pakis Kalio. This version was very different and scrumptious I must say.

All food comes with a variety of sambals. My lunch mates and I hardly found the food or sambals spicy, but the those who aren’t good with spice will find enough heat from these. Generally mild and pleasing flavours, found the food quite delightful.

Dessert was Bubur Sum Sum panacotta, their version of custard. A good Indonesian resto is hard to come by so I’m glad Betawi has entered the scene to shake things up.