Random Eats: April - June 2021

Item: Soto Ayam

Location: Soto Podjok (Jl. Dhoho, Kediri)

This is a culinary legend that everyone should try in Kediri. The simple-looking soup was light, clear yet flavorful, completed with sliced chicken meat and fried shallots. I love eating this with extra rambak crackers!

Item: The Original Cookie Dough - IDR50,000

Location: The Butter Half (Jl. Jangli Tlawah, Semarang)

The cookie dough was eggless and safe to eat, where they used heat-treated flour to remove any harmful diseases. There were bits of dark chocolate whose bitterness helped balance off the sweet dough.

Item: Es Kopi Susu Tetangga - IDR18,000

Location: Toko Kopi Tuku (SPBU BP Gading Serpong, Tangerang)

As a kopi susu enthusiast, I was thrilled to finally try the real OG of es kopi susu in Indonesia. Now I know that Indonesians love their drinks sweet, cold, and affordable.

Item: Jus Nanas

Location: Charis Homemade (Surabaya)

I was skeptical that it might taste syrupy, but thank God it was not. Glad that it was not overwhelmingly sweet too.

Item: Legendary Chicken Ramen - IDR33,000

Location: RamenYA (Tunjungan Plaza 4, Surabaya)

Each strand of noodle was delightfully chewy yet smooth. What I liked the most was the well-balanced, umami soup that tasted slightly sweet and not overly salty.

Item: Small Yogurt (1 topping) - IDR49,000

Location: Llaollao (Pakuwon City Mall, Surabaya)

Finally got to eat Llaollao after 2 years, and cheers to the first Llaollao store in Surabaya! My favorite combo has yet to change till date: yogurt with cookie sauce (idk why but they name it 'caramelised biscuit sauce' here). I have a major obsession with Biscoff cookie spread and I just cannot get enough of it, especially when paired with Llaollao's tart and refreshing yogurt.

Item: Chicken Steak 150gr - IDR45,000

Location: Carnis (Jl. Raya Gubeng, Surabaya)

The presentation reminded me of Astons (oh how I miss Astons' chargrilled chicken!). The meat was served with fries, veggies, corn on the cob and mushroom sauce on the side. The chicken was juicy and tender with bold savory flavor and added burnt taste (in a good way).

Item: La Mian Pangsit Babi - IDR58,000

Location: Paradise Dynasty (Ciputra World, Surabaya)

The soup made of pork bone was unique. It did not taste like ramen soup despite the similar appearance. The umami taste was there and the wantons were to die for. Although the vegetable-pork filling was quite little, it was tender and well-seasoned.

Item: So Berry Love You - IDR36,000 (large size)

Location: Pan & Co. (Tunjungan Plaza 3, Surabaya)

The combination of strawberry (it had real fruit chunks inside) went so well with the creamy and slightly savory cheese foam. I loved that it was not overly sweet too.

Item: Original Jianbing - IDR30,000

Location: Soten Dumpling (G-Walk, Surabaya)

First time trying out jianbing so I really could not compare it with the authentic one in China. Looks lik it can be an ideal grab-and-go breakfast treat. I liked the mix of hoisin sauce and char siew wrapped in crispy eggy shell that could be messy to eat. The taste was just right - a little savory, sweet, and it suited the Indonesian palate well.