Heritage – Good Indonesian Food

Bali: Sate Babi Bawah Pohon

Jessicha Valentina — Thu, 26 May 2016 05:00:07 +0000

If you’ve by chance read my review on Bali’s Sate Plecing Arjuna, then you may have picked up the fact that I’m a bit apprehensive when it comes to Sate Babi (pork satay). Thus it should come as no surprise that I’ve placed Sate Babi Bawah Pohon around the bottom of my list of eateries to try out – especially with an unappealing name like that. However, duty comes first, so during our second visit to the Island of the Gods, I unenthusiastically paid a visit to the place, accompanied by the managing director of Good Indonesian Food.
Located in the parking area of Gelora Tri Sakti in Legian, its name is derived from the fact that it is actually situated under a giant tree. Sate Babi Bawah Pohon has been around for more than 25 years, and despite its pork-related moniker, it was previously renowned for its sea turtle satay before the animal became endangered. Nowadays it focuses only on satays of the pork kind.
Served with tipat (rice cake), salt, and raw chilli, its Sate Babi are dished out dry, however its revealed a sweet-and-spicy sauce that pleased my taste buds no end. Its tender meat left a lasting impression on our managing director, who waxed lyrical about the satay long after our meal. Surprisingly, it also moved me to the point where I was agreeing with her every word – it definitely was the best pork satay I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.

Jl. Patih Jelantik,
Parkir Gelora Tri Sakti, Legian, Bali
Open daily from 9am-5pm
Price: Rp.20,000/US$1.50 per portion

Semarang: Pisang Plenet Pak Subandi

Fari Febrian — Wed, 25 May 2016 06:00:29 +0000

If you plan to take a trip to Semarang, I’d suggest you to arrange your accommodation somewhere near Jalan Gajah Mada or Jalan Pemuda. Both strips offer a myriad of lip-smacking treats, including Tahu Pong, Loenpia Mbak Lien, and Toko Oen. Another notable vendor here is Pisang Plenet Pak Subadi right across Pasaraya Sri Ratu on Jalan Pemuda with its Pisang Plenet (grilled crushed banana).
Owner Pak Subandi has been selling this banana treat in the neighbourhood since 1975 – even before Pasaraya Sri Ratu was built. I got to spend some time chatting with the affable geriatric during my visit on a drizzly afternoon, and he kindly shared a few stories regarding his business. He even taught me how to make my own Pisang Plenet.
Comprising banana, pineapple jam, chocolate sprinkles and white sugar, Pak Subandi made it look easy as he prepared a portion of Pisang Plenet. Apparently, you only need a hot grill and a pair of teakwood blocks to flatten the half-grilled banana. Grill it good, and you’ll get a much better taste and aroma from the banana. The delicate texture of the grilled banana combined perfectly with the chocolate sprinkles and the dash of sugar. The pineapple jam lent a sweet-and-sour taste into the mix. I bought an extra pack to go as it was so good.

Jl. Pemuda (in front of Pasaraya Sri Ratu),
Semarang
Open daily from 1.30pm-11pm
Price: Rp.10,000/US0.80 per pack

Banda Aceh: Mie Ayah

Jessicha Valentina — Tue, 24 May 2016 07:00:32 +0000

Prior to our visit to Mie Ayah, we were already disappointed by a number of stalls that offer Mie Aceh in Banda Aceh. We were at its place of origin yet those that we’ve tasted were as dull as dishwater – how ironic.
Our tour guide-slash-driver realised our dissatisfaction, though, and in an attempt to mend our wounds, he suggested us to give Mie Ayah a try. He argued that it could be the one for us: it’s been around for more than 25 years, it doesn’t have any branches, and it is still manned by its founder. It sounded too good to be true, which made us a bit hesitant at first. Only when one of the staff at Bu Si Itiek Bireuen sung its praises did we decide to give Mie Ayah a go.
The place was empty when we got there. Right in front of the shop was an aluminium-covered box filled with live crabs and ice, and a huge frying pan that is used to make Martabak Aceh (Acehnese omelette). We walked over to one of the vacant tables, sat down, and ordered a Mie Aceh Basah Kepiting (Acehnese noodles in gravy with crab meat) and a Martabak Aceh. Whilst waiting, the waiter asked us to go to the front of the joint and choose a crab. We opted for one of the medium-sized ones not just for its size, but also because it was still alive.
Served with chopped leeks and crab meat, the dish delivers the perfect balance between savoury and spicy. The fresh crab meat lends a sweet taste to the gravy, which prompted us to finish the whole plate despite our near-full tummies. Clearly our decision to check out Mie Ayah turned out to be a success.
Upon paying our bill, we had a chat with Nur Rahmi, who is the daughter of the eatery’s founder. With a smile that seemed to be her permanent expression, she gave us a brief history of the place. “My father opened this shop 28 years ago. Back then, one portion would only cost Rp.700,” she explains. Her father, however, has handed over kitchen duties to her Nur Rahmi’s older brother, with him now taking up the role of the shop’s manager. Before we parted ways, we couldn’t help but share our bad experience with the previous Mie Aceh shops that we paid a visit to, to which Nur Rahmi replies, “We choose only the best ingredients. That’s the reason why we place our crabs in front – so that customers will know that they’re still fresh.”

Jl. Simpang Lhong Raya
Banda Aceh
T: 0852 6035 5444
Open daily from 11am-1am
Price: Rp.60,000/US$4.50 per portion