Food, food, glorious food.
Don’t we all love it?
Being an Indonesian, I am blessed to have the opportunity to venture the vast and rich traditional culinary in my beloved country. From the western corner of Sabang to the eastern part of Merauke, each place offers palatable cuisine. Some have even coined as the best food in the world, like Rendang and Nasi Goreng. Depending on its historical influences and geography, each region in Indonesia has its own specialties.
Now, of all the myriads of delicious menus, one of my favorite dishes is Sundanese food.
Sundanese is the way we call people who are originally from West java, Indonesia. Sundanese cuisine is famous for its clear and simple, yet bold taste. Infusing a wide variety of vegetables (mostly fresh ones) chili, fish, chicken and meat, you can taste a perfect harmony of savoury, spice, and tanginess in one go. I wish I could describe it better but you will definitely know what I mean once you get the chance to actually devour it.
So, with that Sundanese in mine, I have found the right spot for you who are looking for a cool place to hang out with your family, beloved ones or your wonderful Local Guide friends.
Especially to those loving delicious Sundanese cuisine, endless photo sessions in vintage setting, and friendly services. Not to mention wonderful packages that they have will surely make you smile as it doesn’t rob you or your bank. Sounds too good to be true, right?
So, Vintage Lovers and Foodies, don’t miss Sambel Hejo Sambel Dadak (SHSD) Restaurant, Rawamangun, Jakarta! Here, Sundanese delicacies and menu are their signature so you make sure you try their wonderful menu. I have presented this restaurant as well during the Virtual Meet - Up with @Velvel about Jakarta Foodie. Truly one of my favorites.
So, let’s see what’s on the menu!
They have the package called Liwet (for 2 or 3 people) and a la carte menu as well.
Nasi Liwet is the specially prepared steamed rice, cooked with a mixed of traditional herbs like lemon grass, bay leaves and salted fish. It is super delicious. You have to try it!
The complete package also include ayam goreng basah - fried chicken with Indonesian traditional spices, including galanghal, coriander, and bay leaves; tahu (tofu) and tempe (soybean cake) goreng; cimplung or the potato fritters; sambel dadak and sambel hejo - the famous chili sauce; and peda bakar or the grilled salted fish. Not to mention Sate maranggi, beef satay marinated with traditional Indonesian spices. I know I should translate them all ini English but it’s good to know the real name in bahasa Indonesia :).
Sambal dadak (chili sauce a la Indonesia that is freshly made) and sambal hejo or the green chili sauce is what makes everything complete. We even joke that live is note complete without sambal . Something we can’t live without!
That’s why I guess the restaurant dubbed its name from this most - wanted condiment. And as an Indonesian, I have to admit that I do bring sambal wherever I go, especially when I live abroad and travel around.
Whenever we come here, we always order the package for two and get some additional a la carte menu such as sayur asem (sweet and sour veggie soup) or gurame bakar.
We love the nasi liwet and the hot tea they serve for free here.
Maybe because it is served in a vintage tea jug like what my hubby and I used to have when we were kids.
You can also have them a la carte, per item or per portion.
Some additional menus like vegetable sautée with tauge and kangkung as well.
Our favorite is also the fish menu, different kind of gurame, or the carp fish. They do excellent grilled or fried fish on the spot.
The package for 2 persons costs you Rp 75.000,- , while the package for 3 persons is Rp 120.000,-. Complete information on the menu and its prices can be checked at http://sambelhejosambeldadak.com . The outlet that we visited is the one in Rawamangun.
Here are some photos of the menu we enjoy in this place.
Another wonderful feature that this restaurant is famous for is the vintage decorations.
Here you will see unique antique accents being used, like old store name plates, antique jars and statues, old toys and dresses, and so many more. The dinnerware are also classic. I love them!
And that’s not all folks.
Besides those yummy food, they also have free vintage photo booth, complete with all the properties and costumes.
We definitely love it! The setting is like a traditional hub in the middle of the rice field, complete with paddy, vintage utensils, and more. Check out the photos here and you can see we had so much fun taking those pictures.
So, that’s a little story about my favorite restaurant which is only 5 minutes walk from home!
The restaurant is now open for dine - in guests and it applies healthy protocol as well such as temperature check, mask - on areas, and physical distancing.
So, what do you think about the menu and the restaurant?
Do you like it?
I sincerely hope we can soon meet up and gather here with Jakarta Local Guides!
Stay safe, happy and healthy, dear friends!
