Rumah Makan Alam Sari, Restaurant with Natural Feel in the East of Jakarta

Gazebo in greenery 

If you want to enjoy family brunch surrounding with greenery and the breeze that can surely refresh your day, now you don’t need to drive all the way to Puncak or Bandung. You might be surprise that not far from Jakarta – Cikampek in East Cikarang you will found restaurant with greenery and have a fresh breeze from the lake. This restaurant is located by the side of the artificial lake in the Delta Mas residential complex. It only took less than 40 minutes driving from Cawang to get here.

Shady gazebo

The restaurant has natural feels as you walk in the complex. You can choose to have your meal in their gazebo (saung) right next to the lake. You will find cherry tree line all along the path and they grow rice between the gazebo. You can also smell the cherry tree. At the end of the complex they build lot of gazebo next to the lake. The gazebo is made into different size, but the smallest one can contain 4 people. If you have larger group the biggest one can accommodate more than 10 people. The green scenery will capture you eyes and cherry tree brings shades and gives shady atmosphere.  It’s different feels from the arid highway into this shady greenery view. Even the restaurant offer in door dining area,  but highly recommend that dine in their out-door gazebo.

Greenery with rice field between gazebo

They served Indonesian food here especially sundanese food. They offer wide range of menu from the vegetables menu, main dish , soup and also traditional dessert and drinks

Gurame Asam Manis

Gurame Asam Manis

This dish is basically fried Gurame fish with sweet and sour sauce. Here they also add pieces fresh pineapple to add sweet and sour taste. The combination between the crispiness of the friend Gurame mixed perfectly with the sweet and sour sauce that pours on top of the fish. The sauce itself tastes fresh and mixed with the savory taste from the savory of the fish. Really delicious and it’s perfect for meal in the outdoor with the greenery surrounding and the fresh breeze from the lake.

Traditional Sundanese Brunch Menu

Brunch Menu

Ayam Goreng Kremes

This traditional fried chicken is so tasty. The chicken is marinated with the seasoning and boiled together  after that they fry the chicken to crispiness. The Chicken so crispy on the outside but also cooked perfectly in the inside. It’s so delicious with the savory taste and perfect if you eat that with Sambal Terasi (traditional chili sauce) and also Lalapan (half cooked fresh vgetable)

Tempe and Tahu Goreng

As side dish , usually we order Tempe and Tahu goreng (fried tempe and tofu) . Tempe is traditional dish made from fermented soy bean which can be cooked in various way. The common way is to fry it. It taste more savory and so is the tofu

Oseng toge ikan asin

This stir bean sprout with fried salted fish is very delicious The bean sprout still crunchy and the mixed perfectly with the salted fish. Perfect for vegetables dish in typical sundanese brunch.
Sayur asam

Traditional sweet and sour soup is a signature soup for sundanese meal. This soup is really popular. Maybe it’s because the taste that has hint of tangy and sweet that fresh and perfect if you eat with meal with sambal. Here they served sayur asam in the small bowl as side dish. The taste is just okay, not superb though.

Es Cendol

Es Cendol

Cendol is one of sundanese traditional dessert made from rice flour in a form of worm jelly. It’s dark green pulpy dish of rice flour worms with coconut milk and syrup of areca sugar. The combination of the savory taste of coconut milk mixed with the sweetness from syrup of areca sugar is perfect. Must have drink try

This restaurant also offer so many traditional dessert and drinks that you can choose from their menu. The natural of greenery ambiance and delicious food is perfect for you and your family to have this relaxing gateway brunch to escape from the hustle of the city.

Rumah Makan Alam Sari

Jalan Tol Cikampek – Jakarta Km 38

Danau Kota Delt Mas Cikarang (Exit Tol Cikarang Pusat)

021 – 32432277, 32432278

Black House , Thematic Restaurant with Unique Ambiance

I have been hearing about this restaurant and always curios about this place. At first it’s a bit difficult to find this restaurant. Here’s a tips for you, it’s located not far behind the STM Penerbangan. The Black House is a thematic restaurant that has different theme in each floor. Just like it’s name from the outside the restaurant wall dominated with black color. When you arrived the waiter will immediately assist you and give you a brief description related to each theme in each floor. But the first floor basically is non smoking area. So if you are a smoker then you can go to the second, third or the roof top. Yes This restaurant has 4 floor !! So each time you visit this restaurant you will be able to try different theme in different floor.

Candy Room on 2nd Floor

The second floor have a very girly theme, they have the candy room that from it’s name you can guess the décor. It’s all pink and girly ! They have  like a cute garden bench and cute curtain and in one side of the wall they have huge cupboard that they decorated with all the chocolate and candy. Surely is a cute place to hang out with your girls.

Green Room 

At the same floor they also has a garden room, this area decorated just like garden where the put the fake grass and cute chair made of steel  that paint with white and soft green. On the wall they decorated with flower and leaves. It made you feel like you re sitting in the garden. This area is over -looking the first floor. So you can check out what is going on in the first floor. They also had a beauty shop in the second floor.

Decor in the Music Room

Going up in the third floor, I immediately love the décor. You will found a big coca cola fridge in the edge of the stair and voila everything here is dominated with red color. It’s the music room theme. It’s super cozy because they have this red comfortable sofa in the corner and then they dimmed the light and has a candle in each table. It’s surely bringing that romantic and sexy ambiance. Love it. At the corner they have this huge read sofa and behind the sofa they have display of the records and music related. At one post they decorated with old cassette stick and covering it. I love it a lot. And also near the stair that lead to the roof top they has this table for two with red round chair that s unique. Unfortunately cannot check the roof top. The roof top is open after 5 PM. So cannot really tell.

Music Room Corner

Now let’s talk about the food. Here’s they offer western and also Asian cuisine. What’s unique here, each floor has own theme menu that only can order and eat in that floor. You cannot order special menu from the music room and have it in the candy room. That smart, because the customer must come and visit the restaurant again and eat in the different room in order to try their special menu.

Stuffed Spinach Chicken

Stuffed Spinach Chicken

The waiter is recommended this menu, and they are not wrong. This dish is chicken stuffed with spinach that cooked with creamy sauce. The chicken is moist and tender and on top they served with the creamy special black house sauce. The sauce is creamy and taste cheesy. They served this with French fries on the side. It is creamy and tasty. It’s just delicious

Cheesy chicken steak

Cheesy chicken Steak

In my opinion it’s just similar with chicken cordon bleu kinda thing. But rather then stuffed the chicken with mozzarella cheese, they put the melted mozzarella cheese on top of the fried battered chicken breast fillet. This dish also served with generous amount of fries. The taste is cheesy and yummy.

Ugly Nutela - 60 K

Ugly Nutela – 60 K

This is one of their signature dishes. It’s basically non flour brownies that has rich Chocolate taste and generous amount of nutela in the cake and  almond flakes on top. The taste is sweet and creamy with mixed of chocolate and nutella. I think it would be more spectacular if they served it with vanilla ice cream to soothe the sweetness of the cake itself.  

Ice Lyche Tea

Ice Lyche Tea

What can I say, I am huge fan of this drink. Here they add selasih to the drink. Personally I prefer more like fresh lyche fruit instead of selasih. They served this in small glass.  I think bigger glass would  be nice.

On overall, Black House offer you a very cozy and unique ambiance. I would back for the roof top and also for other their signature dessert. I am a dessert lover afterall.  This place is perfect for your date and hangs out with your besties. Surely you will talk about the uniqueness of the place while you are there. 

Black House

Jl Cililin Raya No 3, Tirtayasa 

Melawai - Jakarta Selatan

021 - 72792705

Mangut Kepala Manyung Bu Fat, Unique Culinary Adventure in Semarang

When you visit Semarang, Lumpia is one of the food that cross your mind. But did you know that here in the Semarang area since it's located n the coast area, you should try the dish called mangut. Mangut is basically one method of processing food that (usually fish) are usually cooked smoke beforehand. Then cooked with thin curry sauce flavor and chili, the taste is spicy and also little sour. Manyung is common sea fish caught and processed as salted fish called Jambal Roti. This fish is a member of the nation whiskered fish (siluriformes) , still family Arridae.
When you happen in Semarang you should try this famous dish : Mangut kepala Manyung from Warung Ibu Fat. This Famous place is not really a fancy restaurant but more like Warung Makan or food stall in the area. Who come here is normally famous people in Semarang. Even the mayor had le in lunch here once in a while.
So last time i visit Semarang, i am taking the time hunting for this Place.
Located in near the west flood canal , around the residential gateway of Semarang Indah, this restaurant can be easily found with their wall paint all green. The simple restaurant is not too big, and the parking space only enough for 5 car. The name of the restaurant is Warung Selera Ibu Fat. Open from 7 am, but if you want to trey famous Mangut Kepala Manyung , you better come during lunch time maximum. If you come more than 2 PM , you wont get this dish bacause normally sold out.

Warung Kepala Manyung Bu Fat

 Basically in this restaurant, they sell so many dish however the famous ones is Mangut Kepala Manyung.  When you come there you go directly to get yourself your rice in a plate and ask for the food. It's self service. For Mangut Kepala Manyung per portion they charge 70 K. It seem expensive for the dish, but actually one portion can shared up to 3 person, so i guess that a good deal.

Mangut Kepala Manyung.

Finally i choose Mangut Kepala Manyung and Mangut ikan manyung. The taste of the light curry is very spicy. the burning sensation is perfectly combine with the savory and bit sour taste. It really delicious. The smoked fish head of Manyung feel springy when we bite it. It's just perfect combination cause the texture of the fish not too mushy and the spiciness of the curry ingredients is just compliment the fish. I love it . its's spicy and it's really tickle your appetite.

 a portion Mangut Kepala Ikan - 70 K

Mangut Kepala Ikan

For Mangut of Manyung fish meat, even the curry gravy practically the same but the texture is just too mushy for me. The fish meat not as savory as the fish head. It just taste like ordinary fish dish in curry gravy. For me the best Mangut if Manyung fish head.

Mamgut Ikan Manyung 

You can eat this spicy Mangut Kepala Manyung with rice and cracker and perfect drink for this is es Jeruk. Now i understand all the fuss about this place, the food surely delicious and unique.
So if you happen in Semarang, why not go to this place and enjoy a typical coast area Meal such as this Mangut Kepala Manyung.

Warung Selera Bu Fat 

(Spesialis Mangut Kepala Manyung)

Jl Ariloka Raya Semarang

Perumahan Semarang Indah 

Cianjur, Food Hunting for a day

Cianjur is a city thay well known for their famous fragrance rice and one of the rice biggest production in Indonesia. Cianjur has a beautiful landscape and fertile soil that perfect for rice. Here you will get the mountain view combine with the beautiful green rice field. The climate is also cool and the city is small and quiet. perfect for getaway.

When i am visiting a new city , off course i always looking for a good food in the area. What is the signature dish of that region and also where to find good food and what dish is update and current in that region. Here in Cianjur they are famous for their 'Nasi liwet". This dish is basically rice that they cooked along with fermented salty fish (ikan asin). The traditional way of serving nasi liwet is by serving it in the banana leaves , put the nasi liwet on top pf the banana leaved along with the salty fish, fried tempe, lalapan like leunca, terong, and many more not to forget sambal. This dish served for the whole family and eat together in the same banana leaves. No need for plate and all the utensil. You just eat with your hand. it's just delicious 

Other than that Cianjur also famous for their Manisan buah or candied fruit. they made it from manggo, papaya, kedondong and many more. 

But for me other than those traditional signature food i also need to see what good food around the area. So my first hunting area is their traditional market. I love kids traditional snack. This time i drive to the nearest Cianjur Traditional Market. Right in front of the market there's so many kids traditional snack sell here. The various type of food also lot to choose from. 

Stick Udang and Mini Cakue

This is my old time kid favorite. Stick udang basically sort of small crispy pempek with chilli powder and salt seasoning and i suppose a bit of MSG that make it taste so good. The seller also sell mini cakue, this cakue taste better than a huge cakwe i normally had in Jakarta. This one in a small size and served with light chilli sauce that also has  a bit of sour taste. The mini cakue itself already tasty without the sauce. Those two snack surely my favorite when i was kid and i am very happy to find it here. In Jakarta you don't find these snack easily. It's yummy and cheap

Stick Udang and Mini Cakue

Stick Udang and Mini Cakue Stall

Es Campur, Cilok and Makaroni Basah

They recommend Es Campur here in this area, right in front of the High School Complex. The Es Campur served in the glass rather than in a bowl like they normally are. This Es Campur is mixed of the Jelly, Young Coconut, avocado, sugar palm fruit, Jack-fruit with simple syrup and condensed milk. and the recommendation lives on the expectation. This Es Campur really refreshing. Not too sweet and the fruit just fresh. 

Cilok, well this one is my favorite too. I think it's just not easy to get cilok in jakarta. But here you can easily find them. But the one that is really yummy also located in front of the High school complex. Cilok made from sago flour with the savory taste and eat with peanut sauce , soy sauce and chili sauce. It's yummy. 

Makaroni Basah is basically snack made from boiled macaroni, cooked perfectly then add some chili powder and salt seasoning. It's spicy and yummy 

Es Campur

Cilok Enak

Makaroni Basah

Bakso babat and Urat BMP

They said you have to try this Bakso (meatball) stall in the traditional Market here. So without hesitation i give it a try. This Bakso has the unique noodle that made from sago flour. The noodle has distinctive orange color. So i tried to order their Bakso Urat with mie aci (sago noodle). The broth so savory with additional of babat in the bakso. The noodle taste springy and unquie. Add Sambal and complete it with kerupuk kulit and that just delicious. 

Mie Aci that make it unique

The Signboard

Bakso Babat and Urat BMP

Green juice - Dessert and Juice Haven in Cianjur

They said this dessert is start to become popular in Cianjur, So we take a look and give it a tried. The Green Juice Shop that has motto "Healthy and Happy" is located in the Warujajar area. This place offers you a variety of healthy juice and dessert and of course still yummy. Here's their famous dessert

Fluffy Ice Very Berry - 20 K

Fluffy Ice - Very Berry

This dessert basically snow ice with the yogurt taste with fruit topping such as strawberry , nata de coco, grass jelly, bubble and Marshmelow and finished with one scoop of vanila ice cream. Not only looked pretty but also taste so delicious. perfect combination from the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream , marshmelow, nata de coco, grass jelly perfectly matched with the sourness that comes from the yogurt, and bubble that has passion fruit liquid then you bite into it. i just love this dessert.

Green dessert Manggo - 18 K

Green Dessert - Manggo

This dessert made from manggo juice with topping slices of sweet manggo , Strawberry and dragon fruit and also Bubble. The combination also perfect . sweetness from the fruit combine with the sourness from the manggo juice and strawberry and also the bubble.

This shop has simple design and deco. the waiter will tell you what good there, the price also very affordable and you can also enjoy variety of healthy juice here.

Green Juice 

Jl. KH Ashari no 22b - Warujajar 

62 877 2008 6008

Mochilok - Mochi ice Cream and Cilok

Located across Green juice i am intrique with the tittle of the cafe MOCHILOK . That actually short for Mochi ice cream and Cilok. This Place dominated with pink and white stripe paint all over their wall. So cute.

The decoration

The menu here definitely is Mochi Ice cream with various flavor and Cilok. Since i have been eating jajanan a lot then \i decide only to try their Mochi Ice Cream. They offer various flavor such as Green tea, Tiramisu, Black bean, Durian, Blueberry.

Mochi Ice Cream in various flavour - 5 K each

They have dining area in the second floor. he place is quite spacey and cute. the taste of mochi ice cream is delicious. My Favorite is Tiramisu and Durian Mochi Ice cream, The texture os the mochi ice cream is soft and creamy. Love it a lot. The price is quite cheap. range from 4 K - 5 K per pieces. I also take away some of the Mochi ice cream to go . One of the place you should try when you re in Cianjur

Mochi Ice Cream to go - 4 K each

Menu

So Cianjur not only over you the beautiful scenery of the rice field but also lots of culinary adventure you can try.

B - Side Wakai, Cafe with Affordable Japanese Cuisine

It's become a trend now to combine a shopping experience with dining experience in one place. Some leading department store has their own cafe or restaurant that served their Shopaholic a place to chill after long day shopping (ahh that's what i call full time job, shopping all day LOL). B-Side Wakai is a small cafe located right beside the Mezzo department store in Kuningan City. Mezzo it self mostly sell brand from japan and that makes this Cafe also served Japanese cuisine. 

What i love about this cafe is that they has outdoor area that located right in the Water Lobby of the Kuningan city where you can enjoy their colorful water fountain. The decor is simple and sleek, with wooden chair with minimalist design. Even their decor is minimalist it doesn't represent the taste of their food. This Cafe offer a simple Japanese cuisine with affordable price and also a strong WIFI connection. 

I am happen to tried this place  while waiting for my movie. While i found it 's just too cold inside the mall to hang out, i found this place is perfect as the location not facing the busy main street of casablanca but rather secluded in the side lobby of the kuningan city mall. The waiter is friendly and gives a good recommendation of their menu. Not much of variety food here, after all the concept is more like a casual dining. 

Koro Koro Tofu - 21 K

Koro koro Tofu is basically Deep salt tofu with salt and chilli powder. This is taste like our usual fried tofu but the difference is just from the type of tofu they use. They use Japanese silk tofu and that what make the texture is more soft. It's perfectly seasoning with salt and they also served with the some kind of chilli oil sauce. 

Grilled Spicy Chicken Wing - 29 K

Grilled spicy chicken wing is basically marinated grilled chicken wing with spicy mayo sauce. The chicken cooked perfectly and served with spicy mayo. but it seem from the taste of the grilled chicken wing , they also marinated the chicken wing in the spicy sauce. Since it's taste spicy also even without the mayo sauce. Love the sensation from the spiciness of the mayo sauce. This dish is yummy and recommended. 

Lychee Ice tea - 17 K

For the drinks of course i always order Lychee Ice tea. Here i love the generous portion . they served it in the bottle and really has lychee fruit in the drink. the price is affordable. Some cafe in Kuningan City even charge you more for Ice Lychee tea with the same taste.

Menu at B-Side Wakai

So if you really want to feel a casual dining experience for Japanese dish with affordable price B-Side Wakai Cafe is just a perfect place for it. This restaurant surely gives you a delicious food without being over priced. I surely will come back to try their dessert and main dish. The sweet mochi combo mix and origami cake looked so tempting. So want to join me next time ?

B - Side Wakai

Kuningan City Lantai Ground 

Jl. Prof Dr Satrio Kuningan - Jakarta

021 - 30480727