Empal Suwir Penyet, Surabaya: Tenggilis, Surabaya

Specialized in Sambal Terasi (kind of chili), Ayam Penyet Bu Kris is well known in Surabaya, especially for Chili lover. One of his branch in Jalan Tenggilis is the one that I visited the most, since it is closed with my office. During lunch time, you need to be patient in order for you to get the table. My suggestion, come before 12 or after 1:30, so you may avoid waiting in line for quite some time.

The food itself is come in a simple way, they put sambal terasi on the Ulekan (stone plate) and put the food on top of sambal terasi. The famous food here is ayam penyet, empal suwir penyet, and bakwan penyet. My favourite is empal suwir penyet (kind of shredded beef), just like the one you can see on my picture. Sambal terasi has three kind of level: not spicy, medium spicy, or very hot! I prefer medium spicy for myself.

The taste of empal penyet with medium spicy is excellent! The uniquesness and tastiness sambal terasi blend perfectly with tender empal suwir in one plate. Empal suwir itself has a very delicate taste. I have to admit that I really addicted with this food. I come many times and I still enjoy it over and over again.

For you who love sambal and spicy, you should experience it itself. I bet you will want to come back second time!

Bebek Goreng Papin: Kalianyar, Surabaya

This place always loaded with hungry customer who wants to feed their empty stomach with a delicate food. I ordered one portion of bebek goreng (fried duck) and chicken hearts. For the fried duck, I prefer thigh because it usually more tasty and tender, but they are out of it, so I ordered breast.

Bebek goreng is coming with warm rice and a small bowl of yellow sauce. It perfectly cooked, the skin is very crispy, and the meat is extremely tender and tasty! It surprised me since breast part usually has a bit harder meat rather than thigh part. Also the yellow sauce is quite good when I poured it together on top of the rice. The chicken hearts also well cooked and

Comes in different sizes, bebek goreng papin (papin's fried duck) available in price range of Rp. 9000 - Rp. 14.000, very reasonable prices for such a great food. They open around 5pm until 10pm, but sometimes they already out of duck before 10pm. Be prepared to wait in line if you come at dining time, because this place always crowded.

This place located at Kalianyar Street. It’s a small tent (in Indonesia, it’s called “Warung”) located just in the corner of the street. It’s not hard to find it since it always crowded by customers. If you come from Pasar Atum, just make a U-turn, then pass ITC Mall and just go straight and pass the railway. Afterward, you will find Bebek Goreng Papin in your left side.

Spicy Challenge of Surabaya Culinary: Nasi Goreng Jancuk [Hotel Plaza Surabaya]

Do you like Spicy? Super Spicy? If the answer is yes, you should try Nasi Goreng Jancuk (Jancuk Fried Rice)! Located in Surabaya Plaza Hotel, this special menu contains riches of Indonesia spices, especially chili! It came in an extra large portion, definitely can't be finished by one person (I mean normal people). I came with 2 friends and we only can finish half of it. Another reason is because it is too spicy that our stomach can't contain it.

As you can see in the picture, the fried rice appearance of black color (javanese style) looks very tempting, mixed with salty fish and egg inside, cooked with Indonesian richness of spices and super hot chili, and surrounded by loads of crunchy cracker. What a combination of perfect fried rice! But above all, what makes the difference is the level of spiciness! I love spicy food, but this one absolutely too spicy, but after all, it tastes great! The dominant taste of chili made this fried rice remarkable.

The price of one portion Nasi Goreng Jancuk is Rp.50,000 ($5), plus service tax 21%, it will be Rp. 65,000 ($6.5), very reasonable price since it can feed 5-6 person. But the price of beverages quite high, one ice tea cost Rp. 20,000 ($2), and because of the high level of spiciness, you may need to drink more.

If you like to adventuring on culinary, and you love spicy, you should try this! Bring some of your friends to help you finish your meal and experience the sweat together.

Location of Nasi Goreng Jancuk: Hotel Plaza Surabaya
Phone Number: (031) 531 6833

Bali Authentic Culinary: Babi Guling Ibu Oka [Ubud-Bali]

I've heard about this famous place of Babi Guling (Roasted Suckling Pig) for quite a while ago, but early this year, I just had a chance to have a lunch at Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Roasted Suckling Pig of Mrs. Oka). Located in front of famous temple in Ubud, it really easy to find it out. Or just ask people around how to find Babi Guling Ibu Oka, they must know. It has been one of the "Must-Go-Place" in Ubud, especially when it comes to food.

I came about 11:45 (It is open at 11:30pm and usually sold out at 2pm, so better come early!) with an empty stomach and high expectation of fabulous food. It already crowded and filled with bunch of people with starving eyes. I ordered one portion of Babi Guling Special (Rp 35,000/$4), with loads of tender and juicy pork meat, super crispy skin, tasty pork sausage, and crunchy assorted fried innards. They put on some authentic Balinese sauce in the top of the meat and chili-vegetable relish in the side which are extremely tasty! The tenderness of meat, crispiness of skin, and flavorful assorted innards are blended perfectly with the special Balinese sauce and chili. What a MASTERPIECE!

The portion is quite big to feed my empty stomach, and the taste is EXCELLENT to satisfy my watering mouth. Overall, it is an fantastic lunch experience to visit Babi Guling Ibu Oka in Ubud,Bali. No wonder this place always filled with people from everywhere, from local Indonesian to International tourist all over the world. If you happen to be in Bali, especially in Ubud area, I strongly recommend you to visit and have a lunch here.

1st Restaurant of Babi Guling Ibu Oka: Jalan Suweta/Tegal Sari No. 2, Ubud-Bali (across from Ubud Temple)
Phone Number: (0361) 976 345

2nd Restaurant of Babi Guling Ibu Oka: Batu Bulan District. I don't know the full address, but if you go by taxi or ask people around, they must know the place. This 2nd place is bigger and have better decoration.