SIN: IndoChili
Have you tried a ceremonial dish from West Java before?
IndoChili is a Halal-certified chain of Indonesian restaurants that processes spices and pastes from scratch without adding any MSG. It prides itself in winning the Food Republic Hawker King Challenge, though I'm not sure when did it earn the title. At the point of writing, there are three branches in Singapore.
Do you know what nasi tumpeng is? Read further to find out!
IndoChili is a Halal-certified chain of Indonesian restaurants that processes spices and pastes from scratch without adding any MSG. It prides itself in winning the Food Republic Hawker King Challenge, though I'm not sure when did it earn the title. At the point of writing, there are three branches in Singapore.
Do you know what nasi tumpeng is? Read further to find out!
Risoles S$6.80
Taste: 7.5/10
As the archipelago was colonised by the Dutch for many years, there are quite a number of European-influenced Indonesian dishes that survive till today. One such item is risoles, a popular snack of savoury meat-filled pocket rolled in breadcrumbs.
Originating from Central Java, nasi tumpeng is a ceremonial dish of cone-shaped rice with meat and vegetable side dishes, which used to be part of the Keraton royal family tradition. I tried the individual portion featuring turmeric rice, spicy chicken, potato patty, serundeng (Indonesian sautéed grated coconut), potato chips with peanuts, crackers and pickles. While the rice could be more aromatic and bigger in terms of portion, the medley of side dishes was satisfying with sweet, savoury and spicy notes. Pika's advice: You can order the real ceremonial dish for 10 to 30 people per tray with customisation allowed. Prices are from S$165.00 onwards.
With a slightly crispy exterior, each of the pockets was filled with minced meat, chopped carrots and onions. The savoury ingredients were bound with a bit of creamy white sauce, which could definitely be more in terms of quantity, that was slightly sweet.
Sate Sapi Maranggi S$10.80
Taste: 8.5/10
IndoChili serves a beef satay variant hailing from Purwakarta in West Java, though I don't think it sticks to the original recipe that calls for some ingredients not typically found outside the country. In any case, I enjoyed the satay served by the restaurant as the beef slices were tender and beautifully marinated, going well with kecap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) mixed with red chilis and shallots.
Tumpeng Mini S$13.80
Taste: 8/10
Es Delima S$6.80
Taste: 5.5/10
IndoChili's version of red ruby dessert unfortunately grew too sweet halfway through eating it. Having said that, those red rubies actually had crunchy water chestnuts encased in enjoyably chewy tapioca flour. There were also mango cubes and coconut shavings. A bit more salt could be added to the coconut milk to cut through the sweetness further.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 7.5/10
The branch at Tanjong Pagar Centre was rather empty as I went there on a weekend evening.
IndoChili
7 Wallich Street
#B1-03 Tanjong Pagar Centre
Singapore
(Daily: 11.30am - 10.00pm)
*Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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