Permata Singapore – Flavours of The Archipelago Indonesia [MEDIA INVITE]

In the month of October 2024, Permata Singapore is bringing you 1-FOR-1 Halal buffet with the rich Flavours of the Archipelago – a culinary journey through Indonesia.

Highlights of this feast are:

Nasi Liwet Sunda is an Indonesian rice dish, cooked in coconut milk, chicken broth, lemongrass and spices. At Permata, the Nasi Liwet is to be enjoyed with Teri Kacang Balado, Ayam Goreng Rempah, Sambal Bawang Iris Petai, Perkedel Kentang, Tahu, Tempe, Lalapan, Sambal Geprek and Cabe Ijo.

Nasi Liwet Sunda

To our surprise, the rice is one of the most aromatic and delicious rice we ever tried. It is an elevated version of regular coconut rice and we can taste the OMPH and Shiokness in this fluffy rice.

The Ayam Goreng Rempah has a super tasty exterior, followed by succulent flesh. The rempah seasoning absorbs into the chicken flesh and bones. Together with different types of sambals and petai, it just adds to the SHIOKness of this dish. Superb!!!

Mie Bakso. One of the most popular Indonesian street foods. Usually, the bakso (meatball) is made from beef but the version in Permata uses chicken instead. Although it is different from the street version, the chicken meatball is bouncy and tasty. Accompanied by the robust and savoury broth, plus quail eggs, it is worth trying.

Mie Bakso

Bubur Ayam Jakarta. A dish that is close to my heart. I enjoy this dish from a push cart during my secondary school days in Jakarta. The bubur (porridge) is blended with the chicken consommé, delivering a flavourful combo. For the toppings, I added crispy fried shallots, fried peanuts and spring onions. Thumbs up from LD (who was not a fan of Bubur Ayam), and she went for second helping.

Bubur Ayam Jakarta

Fish & Shrimp Geprek Casserole and Cabe Ijo Chimichurri Chicken Enchilada. An inspired fusion dish, presented in Western and Texmex style. The fish and shrimp casserole is creamy and spicy, while the cabe ijo chimichurri chicken enchilada is tasty, packed full of heat, and it is good to be eaten with the keropok.

Fish & Shrimp Geprek Casserole & 
Cabe Ijo Chimmichurri Chicken Enchilada. 

Mie Goreng Jawa. Classic version of fried noodle. Aromatic, loaded with egg and the thick yellow noodle is covered evenly with kecap manis. On top of that, it is also filled with a touch of “Wok Hei”.

Mie Goreng Jawa with Ayam Goreng Rempah

From the grill outdoor live station, we have Ayam Bakar Jakarta and Udang Bakar Jimbaran. One of the ingredients in Ayam Bakar Jakarta marinate is kecap manis. Due to the sugar content, the exterior of the chicken caramelises with a lovely sweet and charred flavour. On top of that, it sealed the juices in the flesh together with the marinate. Yummy!!

Udang Bakar Jimbaran & Ayam Bakar Jakarta

The Udang Bakar Jimbaran have similar marinate as the chicken, with the addition of chilli. Yes, the prawns are spicier, however, unlike the chicken, it did not seal the juice very well.

Timor Leste Barramundi Sabuko & Budu Air Asam. Hail from Timor Leste, where it used to be part of Indonesia. Permata uses the big size of barramundi, marinated in a zesty blend of tamarind, turmeric, and lime served with fermented budu and spicy tamarind sauce. The result is a refreshing coastal flavour dish. It is bold, tangy and brings up the texture of the fish nicely. LD and I scoop a big portion of this because it is just so so good. Yum Yum!!

Timor Leste Barramundi Sabuko

Balinese Lakak. Balinese traditional pandan pancake, grated coconut, sweet palm sugar. Think of it as a mini pandan pancake. It is aromatic, chewy and tasty. The topping of grated coconut and sweet palm sugar is just addictive.

Balinese Lakak

Balinese Lakak with Vegetable Fritters and Pisang Goreng

Overall, the culinary expedition through Indonesia brought back nice memories of the street food that I liked to consume when I was young, especially the Mie Bakso and Bubur Ayam Jakarta. The Nasi Liwet Sunda combination is just a “FLAVOUR BOMB”, not forgetting the flavour from the sea coming from Timor Leste Barramundi Sabuko. Cheers!!

Flavors of Nusantara Archipelago – INDONESIA (1-FOR-1 HALAL BUFFET)

When: 1st Oct to 31 Oct 2024

Time: Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30

Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30

Price: Lunch, Daily, $88++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10 yrs

Dinner, $98++ Adult - $15++ Children 6 yrs - 10yrs

(1-FOR-1 Buffet Promotion)

For Reservation:

Call 9082 9941 or Email: reservation@gedungkining.sg / event@gedungkuning.sg

https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/permata/chef-mel-dean

Thank you very much to Chef Mel Dean and Permata team for hosting us.

Food & Drink: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $51 - $80

Permata Singapore

73 Sultan Gate

Singapore 198497

T: +65 9082 9941

W: https://www.gedungkuning.sg/permata

F: https://www.facebook.com/permata.restaurant

IG: @Permata.singapore

OH:

Lunch, Daily, 12.00 – 14.30

Dinner, Mon – Fri, 18.00 – 21.30

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 1st Seating 17.00 – 19.00

Dinner, Sat – Sun, 2nd Seating 19.30 – 21.30

Dapur Penyet – Authentic Indonesian Comfort Food

Bebek Penyet @ Daput Penyet

We found Dapur Penyet when we were looking for a place to sit while waiting for my turn to collect my items from a collection point in Centrepoint. The set-up of the shop is almost like any fast-food chain, however, instead of the usual Western fare, you get Indonesian food.

Our first time there, we tried Siomay ($7.50) and Batagor ($7.50). Siomay is steam Indonesian fish dumplings served with steamed cabbage, beancurd, hard-boiled egg and peanut sauce dipping. It is one of LD’s favourite Indonesian dishes and the version here got her approval. The fish dumplings are bouncy, tasty, while the peanut sauce is aromatic and packs with flavour.

Siomay

Meanwhile, the Batagor is the fried version of the fish dumplings. The ingredients are the same with siomay, except the fish dumplings are deep-fried.

Bebek Penyet ($10.50). Smashed Fried Duck. The fried duck has a crispy exterior, followed by fork-tender and succulent flesh. The flesh also infused with spices derive from long hours boiling in spices filled broth, while the deep frying just intensifies the flavour. The crispy crumbs on top also add different texture to the dish. The bebek penyet is usually served with sambal terasi (Indonesian shrimp paste sambal), but I ask for no chilli. I feel that I like the duck version better than the ayam penyet, as it has more flesh and is more succulent.

Bebek Penyet

Ayam Ijo ($7.50). Smashed Fried Chicken with Padang Green Chilli Sauce. LD got the breast part of the chicken instead of the thigh part. Although the exterior is crispy, the breast meat is dry. The Padang Green Chilli is very spicy and LD describes it as SHIOK!!. (Next time I need to remember to write down Chicken Thigh).

Ayam Ijo

Ikan Joget ($12.50). Fried Sundanese Dancing Fish. A uniquely Indonesian dish. The flesh of the tilapia fish is sliced in such a way, making the fish stand up after it is deep-fried. It has a crisp exterior with juicy flesh. While it is delicious, this dish can be better if it is crispier, so you can enjoy the crispy fins and tail like keropok.

Ikan Joget

Ikan Joget

The fried chicken and fish are served with fried crispy tofu and boiled cabbage. The staple does not come with your protein order. So, remember to order it separately. Nasi Putih ($1) - White rice.

Nasi Putih

The décor of the place is a typical fast-food setup. It is simple and functional. The service staff is friendly; however, you need to place your order at the counter, collect your drink and wait for the beeper to page you to collect your food. Everything is self-service, except for cleaning your table afterwards.

Water, Lime Juice & Lime Juice with Sour Plum

Overall, Dapur Penyet serves Indonesian style of comfort food. It is delicious and it will satisfy your Indonesian food cravings. Cheers!

Menu 1

Menu 2

Food & Drinks: 7.25/10

Value: 7.75/10

Service: N/A (Fast food concept)

Ambiance: 6.5/10

Budget per Person: $0 - $10; $11 - $25

Dapur Penyet

176 Orchard Road

#01-59/62, The Centrepoint

Singapore 238843

T: +65 6734 2840

W: https://www.dapurpenyet.com.sg/

F: https://www.facebook.com/dapurpenyetsingapore

IG: @Dapurpenyetsingapore

OH: Daily 10.00 – 21.00 (LO 20.30)

Other Location

810 Geylang Road

#01-43, City Plaza

Singapore 409286

T: +65 6842 5034

Rendezvous Nasi Padang – A Taste of History

Korma Chicken Thigh 

Rendezvous Hock Lock Kee Nasi Padang (“RendezvousNP”) is one of the oldest Nasi Padang restaurants in Singapore. It is established in 1930 and gained popularity in the 1950s. With such longevity, this restaurant deserves the recognition as Nasi Padang institution in Singapore and likely become the taste that you grow up with. 

Rendezvous Hock Lock Kee Nasi Padang

I decided to visit RendezvousNP with my Nasi Padang makan kaki, K. We manage to reach the restaurant before 12 and beat the lunch crowd. Like kids in a candy store, we went overboard in ordering. 

Our Order

Korma Chicken Thigh ($9.30). A must-order here. The version of Korma Chicken here is similar to the curry known as Gulai Ayam in Indonesia. It is not a spicy curry, instead, it is sweet, rich in spices and fragrant due to the lemongrass, galangal and turmeric. 

Korma Chicken Thigh 

At RendezvousNP, you get is the whole leg of the chicken (drumstick and thigh). The flesh is juicy, succulent and infused with the curry. The skin is soft and full of flavour. The yellow gravy curry is robust and you can slurp it like a stew. 

Liver & Gizzard Curry ($5.10 – Small). Combination of liver and gizzard, bask in thick red curry. The liver is creamy, while the gizzard is crunchy. The curry is spicy, rich and filled with “lemak” from the coconut milk. 

Liver & Gizzard Curry

Cuttlefish Sambal – Medium ($10.30). Springy and bouncy cuttlefish cooked in sambal gravy. It is spicy, yet Shiok!! 

Cuttlefish Sambal & Egg Sambal

Beef Rendang ($10.60 – 2 pcs). A little bit different compare to the beef rendang you find in other Nasi Padang restaurant. The gravy is thick, but not lumpy like it is being simmered for a few hours. The beef is lean yet tender, however, the gravy did not absorb into the flesh. 

Beef Rendang

Sayur Lodeh ($3.90 – Small). Delicious combination of cabbage, long beans and ladyfingers. Cooked with coconut milk and turmeric for richness and yellow colour. The special ingredients here is the prawn, that adds umami and natural sweetness to this dish. 

Sayur Lodeh

Egg Sambal ($1.70). I did not try, ordered by K. Rice ($1.70 per plate). 

Service is friendly and efficient. You place your order at the food counter, get seated and the food will be delivered to you. The interesting part of their food counter is only half of it filled with food. The other half is filled with buckets and buckets of different type of curries. Once you are seated, RendezvousNP goes into full service, including if you want to order drinks, extra rice, gravy or extra dishes. 

CBK verdict. I find the flavour of Nasi Padang here is very comforting and very much agreeable with my palate. Each dish is delicious and consistent, though not much variety. They are very generous with their curries, which is the key to all their dishes. Definitely one of a must try Nasi Padang in Singapore. Cheers!! 

Food & Drinks: 7.5/10 

Value: 6.5/10 

Service: 7/10 

Ambiance: 6.5/10 

Budget per Person: $11 - $25, $26 - $50. 

Rendezvous Hock Lock Kee 

Restaurant Nasi Padang 

6 Eu Tong Sen Street 

#02-72/75/77/92 

The Clarke Quay Central 

Singapore 059817 

T: +65 6339 7508 

W: http://www.rendezvous-hlk.com.sg/

OH: Daily 11.00 – 21.00 

IndoChili – Taste of Indonesia

Rendang Sapi / Beef Rendang

IndoChili is an Indonesian restaurant in Singapore offering culinary delight found throughout Indonesia. The spread ranges from across the archipelago, showcasing its authentic flavours.

IndoChili

Rendang Sapi ($12.80) a.k.a Beef Rendang. This is LD’s favourite dish and she always order this when feasting on nasi padang. The version here is tasty and tender, absorbs the spices nicely. The gravy is thick and aromatic, definitely a “rice thief” dish. Sometimes, they serve meats that are a bit lean, they will get a perfect score if they uses more marbling cuts.

Rendang Sapi / Beef Rendang

Sop Buntut ($16.80) – Oxtail soup. One of the most popular soup in Indonesia, know for its robust flavour and fall off the bone meat. Definitely, a must order dish here, the soup is robust and the fatty meat just falls off the tailbone. Squish the lime into the soup, for the contrasting twang and best eaten with emping.

Sop Buntut / Oxtail Soup

Lontong Sayur Medan ($6.80) – Rice Cake with Vegetables Soup. It is normally served as a one-dish item, however, we just order this dish because we like the jackfruit in the soup. The rice cake is thick, sticky and bouncy, generously bask in rich vegetable soup.

Lontong Sayur Medan

Kangkung Balado ($9.80). Ok, this dish is definitely not for me. Looking at the amount of chilli they put inside it, I definitely did not touch the dish. However, LD & QC enjoy every bite of this dish.

Kangkung Balado

Ayam Kari Padang ($9.80). Tender and succulent curry chicken, accompanied with a smooth and rich gravy. It is not too spicy and the gravy goes well with rice.

Ayam Kari Padang

Sate Ayam Madura ($10.80). Madura is known as the Sate City in Indonesia. The meat is thick, nicely grilled and coated with kecap manis. I would prefer if they are more generous with the peanut gravy.

Sate Ayam Madura

To go with all the rich dishes above is Achar ($3.80). This homemade pickle vegetables are good to provide the balance to all the dishes above.

Achar

I normally like to have the dishes above with white rice (Nasi Putih $1.50) or you can also try their Yellow Rice (Nasi Kuning $2.50).

Yellow Rice

One of the drinks that I like here is Jus Alpukat ($7.20). This Indonesian version of Avocado Juice has always been my favourite since young. It uses chocolate condensed milk to perk up the drink.

Jus Alpukat / Avocado Juice

Service is friendly and the restaurant is decorated in traditional Javanese house.

Part of the indoor dining area

Outdoor Dining Area

Overall, the dishes in IndoChili seems to hit the right spot for us when we are craving for Indonesian food. The dishes taste and flavour are very close to those you can find in Indonesia. Definitely, a place to visit for Indonesian food. Cheers!!

Food: 7.25/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: 6/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Budget per Person: $11 - $25, $26 - $50

IndoChili

54 Zion Road

Singapore 247779

T: +65 6445 1766

W: http://www.indochili.com/

F: https://www.facebook.com/IndoChiliZion/

OH:

Mon – Thu: 11.30 – 15.00; 17.30 – 22.00

Fri – Sun: 11.30 – 22.00

Menu Available Online

[CLOSED] AquaMarine – Ramadhan Iftar Dinner [MEDIA INVITE]

Ramadhan Iftar Dinner
(Image Credit: Marina Mandarin Singapore)

It is the time of the year again where our Muslim friends welcome their holy month, known as the Ramadhan.

In collaboration with Garuda Indonesia, AquaMarine will be presenting a special Ramadhan Iftar Dinner Buffet from 16 May to 14 June 2018. Part of the menu is curated by Guest Chef Vindex Tengker, a renowned celebrity chef and also Vice President of in-flight services for Garuda Indonesia.

Guest Chef Vindex Tengker

I was fortunate enough to taste the spread on 17 May 2018 and the following are the dishes that will wowed you.

Middle Eastern Roasted Whole Baby Lamb with Mint Yoghurt, Spicy Tomato Salsa and Chilli Dip. (Available on Friday and Saturday night only). The meat from the lamb is tender and succulent, almost absent of the gamy flavour. With more than 20 ingredients marinated the lamb, the meat is tasty and aromatic as well. I personally think that no dipping sauce is needed for this dish.

Middle Eastern Roasted Whole Baby Lamb with Mint Yoghurt, Spicy Tomato Salsa and Chilli Dip. 

Roasted Baby Lamb (Left) - Gulai Kakap Medan (Right)

Ayam (Chicken) Bertutu. Originated from Bali, this dish is very popular when it uses Bebek (duck) as the protein. The original recipe takes a long time to cook, so this is their express version. The spices consist of aromatic ginger, turmeric, galangal and lemongrass infused well into the chicken. The flesh of the chicken was so succulent, you will be coming back for second servings. I actually have to come back three times as before I can get my share as this dish was very popular on the night.

Ayam Bertutu

Rendang Padang, the notoriously famous beef curry. The beef is tender, succulent, accompanied with thick curry sauce. Definitely, a “Rice Thief” dish and will make you go Moo Moo.

Rendang Padang

Gulai Kakap Medan. The tangy and spicy flavour of the dish will perk up your appetite. The flesh of the red snapper is thick and the meat is firm and flaky. As this dish uses the whole fish, you can choose which part of the red snapper you like. Hint, fish head curry lovers, this dish is a must try.

Gulai Kakap Medan

Sate Lilit, Balinese style minced Spanish mackerel. The meat of the fish is firm, infused with the paste made from shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, turmeric and other ingredients. There is a touch of richness in the meat, as coconut milk and grated fresh coconut are added to the mix.

Ayam Bertutu Roulade & Satay Lilit
Plated by Guest Chef Vindex Tengker during the cooking demo

Kolak Pisang, the traditional Indonesian dessert with coconut milk as base and also known to be a favourite Ramadan dessert to break the fast. Main ingredients here include banana, sweet potato, attap seed (palm nut) and coconut milk. Brown sugar and pandan leaves are used as well to create the aromatic version of this dish. I like the version here as they have toned down on the sweetness compare to those we normally find in Indonesia.

Kolak Pisang

Es Campur, Indonesian ice dessert, similar to ice kachang in Singapore. Ingredients include avocado, jelly, palm nut, chopped jackfruit on top of shaved ice bind with red banana syrup and sweet condensed milk. This dessert brings back my childhood memory of es campur in Jakarta. I realised the crunchy jackfruit and the creaminess of avocado are the missing ingredients from the ice kachang here, which is the factor that make Es Campur yummy.

Es Campur Station

Es Campur - Chubby Botak Koala's Creation

Other Indonesian dishes not mentioned above are Gado Gado, Nasi Goreng Kampung, Kampung-style Slow Braised Leg of Lamb, Ayam Penyet, Mie Soto and Sop Buntut. These dishes will be rotated daily and accompany the exquisite spread in AquaMarine.

Nasi Goreng Kampung

Foie Gras, Sous Vide Egg with Mushroom Espuma
Part of Creative Line up at AquaMarine (Must try HINT HINT)

Overall, I was astonished by the quality of the Indonesian dishes here. The Middle Eastern Roasted Whole Baby Lamb and Ayam Bertutu definitely got my pick here. To our Muslim friends, Have a Blessed Ramadhan! To our non-Muslim friends, come and enjoy the authentic Indonesia food here. Cheers!!

Part of Desserts Table
Dates available during Ramadhan Period

Ramadhan Iftar Dinner Buffet

When: 16 May to 14 June 2018.

Where: AquaMarine at Marina Mandarin Singapore

Time: Dinner, 18.30 – 22.00

Price:

Sun – Thu Dinner: $72++ per Adult, $36++ per Child

Fri, Sat and Eve of PH Dinner: $82++ per Adult, $41++ per Child

Other:  Diners can also look forward to exquisite cultural performances on selected days

For enquiries and reservations, visit www.meritushotels.com/marina, call (65) 6845 1111 or email: aquamarine.marina@meritushotels.com.

RAMADHAN LUCKY DRAW CONTEST

To top it off, every paying adult for this promotion will stand a chance to win:

• First prize: 1 pair of return air tickets to Bali (excluding taxes and surcharges) on Garuda Indonesia + 2-night stay at Alila Seminyak with breakfast

• Second prize: 1 pair of return air tickets to Belitung (excluding taxes and surcharges) on Garuda Indonesia

To qualify for the contest, diners are to complete a lucky draw voucher, as well as like and share the contest post that will be published on the Marina Mandarin Singapore Facebook page.

Food & Drink: 7.75/10

Value: 7.5/10

Service: N/A (Tasting Invitation)

Ambiance: 8/10

Budget per Person: $51 - $80, $81 & Above

AquaMarine

6 Raffles Boulevard

Level 4, Marina Mandarin Hotel

Singapore 039594

T: +65 6845 1111

W: http://bit.ly/cbk-AquaMarine

F: https://www.facebook.com/marinamandarinsg/

IG: @marinamandarinsg

OH:

Breakfast: Daily 06.30 – 10.30

Lunch: Mon to Fri, 12.00 – 14.30

Lunch: Sat, Sun & PH, 12.00 – 15.00

Dinner: Daily 18.30 – 22.00