Babi Guling Dobiel

A short post from my recent Bali trip, Babi Guling Pak Dobiel.

One one afternoon, in desperate need of a quick lunch, our driver took us to Pak Dobiel. Only 5 minutes from Nusa Dua area where I stayed, this is his recommendation. Heard in from Veny before, I immediately agreed to eat there.

The place is a small house/warung in small alleys near Nusa Dua. The place was empty, some of the locals just bought it. A bit dusty actually but seeing the place, makes me believe that it's where the locals eat, it must be good :)

A portion of Babi Guling consists of a plate of rice, not too much of it. Crispy pork skin, grilled pork meat, some sort of spicy veggies, a spicy sambal like sauce and some dried chili. I gotta say, not that appetizing. First, I tried the veggies. Soggy but spicy like all balinese food. The pork skin is good, meat is tender but still has texture. Combine altogether, YUMMY!!!

The soggy veggy and sambal makes the rice has that yummy gooey consistency. The meat is somehow fragrant, not in the slightest I taste that pork taste. Overall, a great dish. Would be back for more!

Rating: 7.5/10
Location: Nusa Dua, Bali

Laka Leke

Hola patients, it's time for some post from my trip to Bali :)

I think everyone agrees that Bali is a magical place that can instantly make you stress-free. After a year without any long holiday, I finally went to Bali. A long planned holiday thanks to Air Asia promo airplane tickets :p

Okayyyy, lets start on the FOODDDDD. Laka Lake Restaurant is located in Ubud area. I picked this place for lunch in Ubud coz Bebek Bengil and Nuri's have already opened branches in Jakarta. And... I made the right choice.

Laka Leke offers a very relaxing, laid back feel with rice paddy literally a hop away. I can imagine how beautiful the place will be at night, maybe on my next visit :) The cool air of Ubud, the peacefull surroundings and the impecabble service is ohh sooo good.

The food:
1. Indonesian Rijstaffel (Rp. 350.000)
A huge platter for two with yellow rice, saffron egg, curry chicken, ginger chicken, some sort of balinese mixed veggies, tempe, corn fritters, 4 sate lilit and half a crispy duck. HUGE PORTION!!!!! A great option to sample many dishes by Laka Leke and I can say that I am satisfied.

The chickens are very well seasoned, cooked perfectly. The meat is still moist yet seasoned and spiced boldly. The fritters and tempes are just ok, eggs are also ok. The sate lilit is also yummy :) Lastly, can't go wrong with the savory yellow rice. Ugh... Now i'm hungry again.

The package comes with 2 drinks and desserts. The mango lassi is a bit too thick and the balinese ginger drink is a tad too strong for my liking. The dessert is a cake consists of foamy coconut layer and sweet custardy bread pudding. YUMMYLICIOUS!!!

2. Famous Crispy Duck (Rp. 83.500)
The duck is the same as the one in the rijstaffel. It is so good that we decided to order another portion of the duck. The duck is crispy to the bone, well seasoned and goes perfectly with the sambal matah. I swear it's wayyyy more delicious than the ones you found in Jakarta.

Very recommended!!! They also have performances in the evening, very cool huh

Rating: 7.5/10
Location: Jl. Nyuh Kuning, Ubud, Bali.

Jade Imperial Sichuan

It's been forever since my last post. Sorry patients, got this new gig going and I can't find a time to blog :( Today I'm taking a sick leave soooo I got time to writeeee, woohooo *evil grin*

Today's post is dedicated to my younger brother Bie Bie. Congratulation on your graduation brooo, welcome to the real world!!! And congrats also for being accepted in Delloite, so proud!

A few months back, my family went to Jade Imperial Sichuan to celebrate Bie Bie's graduation. Went straight there from JCC where the graduation ceremony took place. I originally picked Paradise Inn but seing the menu only serve small portion, I can't imagine ordering many dishes to feed all of us. So went up to try Jade Imperial Sichuan.

I don't think I ever tried Sichuan Rest before. Encountered mapo tofu before but didn't give me any picture about real sichuan food. The place is quite elegant. Classic chinese decor with jade ornaments and splash of greens here and there.  Small entrance leading to a huge dining area inside. Unique!

The food:
1. Sichuan House Smoked Duckling (Rp. 220.000/Whole)

A duck, smoked and grilled I think (can smoking things make it brown?) served with shell shaped white bun (mantao). Hmm... This dish is a bit confusing. First, dry smoked duck served with bun, not a good match. The taste of the duck is also rather weird... I didn't find it delicious and so did everyone else on the table.

2. Barbecued Lamb with Anise (Rp. 44.000/2 pcs)

Small pieces of lamb on an iron stick, grilled and served with lime. Hmm the taste is ok and very middle eastern-y.

3. Barbecued Chicken with Black Pepper (Rp. 44.000/2 pcs)

Just live the above only its chicken. Nothing special either

4. Deep Fried Squid with Garlic and Chili (Rp. 91.500/M)

Yummy!!! The squid is fried perfectly, fresh and big. Seasoned nicely with salt, pepper and chili powder giving spicy and salty treat. Love it :)

5. Deep Fried Spicy Chicken with Dried Chili (Rp. 105.000/M)

Another yummy dish! Salty and spicy, goes perfectly with a bowl of warm rice. The chicken is tender and moist.

6. Sauteed Sliced Beef with Garlic and Chili on Sizzling Hotplate (Rp. 105.000/M)
I didn't take a picture of this one... The beef is tender and spicy. All of the dishes are spicy actually.. I think that's the strength and also the weakness. Their taste resembles each other.

7. Sauteed String Beans with Mince Chicken (Rp. 84.000/M)

Yummylicious!!! One of the best I've ever tried. The string beans are crunchy. the minced chicken complements the tasteless string beans perfectly. Highlight of the day :)

8. Barbecued Pork Ribs Chong Qing Style (Rp. 44.000)

This is a snack actually but the taste is ohhh sooo yummyyy.. Pork has never failed me and this dish proves it. The pork is tender and juicy. Very bold and flavourful. The oily pork grilled and marinated with chili powder is a match made in heaven.

9. Chicken Feet (Rp. 22.000) Steamed Pork Bun (Rp. 22.000) Fried Shrimp Roll (Rp. 22.000)

I love the steamed pork bun the best!!! The others are quite good, definitely above average.

I think this place is a good alternative to the chinese cuisine scene in town. After all the HK style modern restaurant and the traditional hakka style restaurant, it's time for sichuan to shine! Worth trying but pick your dish carefully. Big portion, steep price but worth it :)

Rating: 7.5/10
Location: Plaza Indonesia F3