NLD: Café AMOI
The most expensive 'lemper' I've ever had in my life! :P
I'd always been wanting to try Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands. There are so many restaurants to choose from in Amsterdam, but I eventually decided on Café AMOI. It's a trendy eatery that serves not only authentic Indonesian food, but also an array of interesting beverages.
Take note that if you're looking for rijstaffel, an elaborate set meal of rice with a plethora of side dishes served in small portions, Café AMOI isn't the place to go.
I'd always been wanting to try Indonesian cuisine in the Netherlands. There are so many restaurants to choose from in Amsterdam, but I eventually decided on Café AMOI. It's a trendy eatery that serves not only authentic Indonesian food, but also an array of interesting beverages.
Take note that if you're looking for rijstaffel, an elaborate set meal of rice with a plethora of side dishes served in small portions, Café AMOI isn't the place to go.
Lemper €8.00 (~S$12.75)
Taste: 8/10
It'd been ages since I last had the rice rolls wrapped in banana leaves. They were served hot, exuding a nice aroma that whetted my appetite. Each of them was filled with shredded mackerel that was savoury and sweet at the same time. I'm pretty sure many Indonesians will cringe at the price though. Haha...
Sate Ayam €7.50 (~S$11.95)
Taste: 8/10
The chicken skewers were grilled well. Each chunk of the chicken thigh was succulent. The peanut sauce was thick enough for my liking, although I'd certainly love it even more if it were a little bit sweeter to balance the savoury taste of the white meat.
Cumi-Cumi €9.50 (~S$15.10)
Taste: 7.5/10
Looking at the description of the dish on the menu, I didn't expect for the squid to be coated in batter and deep-fried. Nevertheless, even though they weren't particularly crunchy, I enjoyed the tangy and savoury flavours coming from lemongrass, garlic, onions and red chili peppers.
Nasi Kuning €4.50 (~S$7.15)
Taste: 8/10
Given that the price of the yellow rice is only €1.00 (~S$1.60) more expensive than that of the white rice, I opted for the former. Enough to feed two people or even three small eaters, the rice seasoned with turmeric was executed well with a heady aroma. It was a pity that the topping of fried shallots weren't crispy though.
Spekkuk €4.50 (~S$7.15)
Taste: 5.5/10
It was a shame that the kue lapis (lit. layer cake) didn't make the cut. While each piece was definitely healthier than the very sinful ones commonly found in Indonesia, I felt that it was leaning more towards the dry side. I could detect the aroma of spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, but it was pretty faint.
Pletok Cocktail €10.00 (~S$15.90)
Taste: 7.5/10
Bir pletok is a non-alcoholic Batavian beverage made of spices, such as ginger, lemongrass and pandan leaves. Café AMOI elevates it into a cocktail by mixing Angostura bitters, Diplomatico Planas rum, Spekkoek liqueuer, ginger beer and lime. Served in a bamboo container and topped with toasted coconut chips, the cocktail that night was adequately refreshing, but I was hoping for a stronger aroma of spices.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Service: 7.5/10
Overall: 7.5/10
Do note that the last order for food is two hours before the closing time each day. Pika's advice: Take your time to look through the list of beverages. Many of them sound interesting to me.
Café AMOI
Kinkerstraat 53
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
(Mon-Thu: 5.00pm - 12 midnight;
Sat-Sun: 5.00pm - 1.00am)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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