SIN: Bumbu Desa

Pretty authentic Indonesia fried and grilled chickens!

I guess I'm done writing on the food I tried in Japan, save for some tidbits that I bought along the way. Fret not, I'll be going to Japan again at the end of the year with Pikachu and Melon for another round of food hunting during winter! Anyway, it's been quite some time since I last wrote on eateries in Singapore, so today I'm going to review a humble Indonesian establishment in Lucky Plaza, Orchard Road. 

Ayam Goreng Mak Nyus S$6.90

Taste: 8/10

I'm not aware of the origin of the phrase mak nyus (lit. delicious) myself, probably it belongs to a local dialect. The fried chicken did live up to its name, having pretty succulent and moist meat, as well as crispy skin with heady turmeric aroma. The crunchy bits could be more savoury though. Also, it was a pity that the tempe goreng (lit. fried fermented soya bean cake) was small in size, while the tahu goreng (lit. fried beancurd) was a bit dry. Furthermore, the chili was pretty spicy, but it could be a bit sweeter.

Ayam Panggang Makassar S$6.90

Taste: 8/10

Makassar is the largest city on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, and it is indeed famous for its grilled chicken. I believe the one that I tried was fried prior to short-period grilling, for its skin was undeniably crispy just like its fried counterpart above. It was pretty juicy, made finger-licking good with an adequate amount of Indonesian sweet soy sauce.

Gado-Gado Supra S$5.90

Taste: 5/10

A dud dish was the Indonesian salad of boiled mixed vegetables drenched in peanut sauce. The vegetables weren't as fresh as I expected, even though some of the beansprouts were still crunchy. There were a few potato cubes, half a boiled egg and a bit of prawn crackers. The peanut sauce was lacking in flavour.

Sayur Asam Jakarta S$4.90

Taste: 6.5/10

Loosely translated as Jakarta sour vegetables, the tamarind-based soup was of adequate sour and spiciness, but it was a tad too sweet. Besides that, it was served lukewarm. Still, it was quite a good accompaniment to the fried chicken with its content of long beans, cabbages and corns.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 7/10

Ambience: 6/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 6.5/10

I may return to get a dose of fried chicken, as well as to try their satay. Pika's advice: The eatery offers Set Lunches priced at S$6.00 on weekdays. It comes with a drink as well.

Bumbu Desa

304 Orchard Road

#02-111 Lucky Plaza

Singapore

(Daily: 10.30am - 9.30pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)