Festival Jajanan Bango 2014

Bet this particular event needs no more introduction, it's like one of the most famous and happening culinary events in Indonesia and has been around the scene for years since 2005. I came to their event last year in Gelora Bung Karno and it was super packed with people and of course...delicious treats!

Whenever I travel, I feel like I am good enough in showing how beautiful a country is and this post got me excited because this time I am showing you the beauty of my own beloved country, INDONESIA! Specifically on its culinary scene! Now this you have to emphasize.

Okay, to be completely honest, my family has been a consumer of Bango for a long long time, it's just that the branding and of course the quality stick with me and family, it's just the perfect soysauce to make "Semur" or "Nasi Goreng" (fried rice) or possibly everything!

This year, Festival Jajanan Bango 2014 was held in Parkir Timur Senayan and of course, this was an event worth coming and sweatingfor, just when the gate opened at 9AM sharp, people have been queueing the whole time just like the scene when you’re watching those fanatics with their favorite idols, only this time, at least they didn’t sleep over on the road. This year happened to be no exception, it was super duper crowded! Let’s put it this way, when will you have the chance to try a lot of delicious Indonesian food with friendly prices if not here? I barely spent A LOT! Everything was just delicious... cheap but definitely doesn’t cheesy.

Nuff yakking! PHOTOS!

Uh-maze-ment! Impressed by people's creativity to turn something that's supposed to be useless to a complete useful! Let's all go green!

...and they were honestly not bad.

My favorites must the "Sunlight" umbrella and "Kecap Bango" luggage.

I went to this event exactly few hours after I landed to Jakarta from London, was a long flight, and I happen to re-learn something, Jakarta was so freaking humid my man! I barely even sweat in the UK, but somehow I kinda miss the sun but after loads of people packing the whole area, I almost felt like I wanted to faint!

directory board

Main stage, this show was supported with live performances from local celebs and traditional acts!

There were around 65 booths ready to serve you the best of Indonesia’s authentic feast heritage from western to eastern part of Indonesia, well that’s actually their theme of this year and what’s the point of coming without actually trying? Such a waste.

From the western part of Indonesia, you’ll find famous names like: Mie Aceh Sabang, Sate Padang Ajo Ramon (like CRAZY GOOD fyi), Soto Padang Hayuda and Martabak Kubang Hayuda. From the central part of Indonesia, you’ll find Tengkleng Klewer Ibu Edi Solo, Sate Jamur Cak Oney Yogyakarta, Sate Klatak Mak Adi Yogyakarta, Nasi Pindang Pak Ndut Semarang, Oseng-Oseng Mercon Ibu Narti Yogyakarta, Mie Kocok Mas Edy Cirebon, Tahu Tek Telor Cek Kahar Surabaya, Lontong Balap Pak Gendut Surabaya, Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih Jakarta, Nasi Ulam Misjaya, Nasi Uduk Ayam Goreng Haji Saman Jakarta, Soto Tangkar Haji Achmad Mochtar Jakarta, Bubur Ase “Bang Lopi” Betawi, Bebek Kaleyo (SO GOOD, didn’t try it here but tried it straight at their outlet), Gudeg Asli Jogja & Ayam Goreng Kalasan Ibu Laminten (also another bomb!), and last but definitely not least, from the eastern part of Indonesia, you’ll find names like Sop Konro Depot Makassar, Ikan Parape Tradisional Nenek Moyang, Soto Taliwang Bersaudara, Ayam Bakar Taliwang Bersaudara, Ayam Bakar Bali Qui, and Dapur Mama Thia (owned by Indonesian celebrity Cynthia Lamusu). Okay, lots of choices causing me dilema, which ones did I happen to choose? Wanted to try everything but I have limited space of tummy!!! Here they were...

Tahu Tek Telor Cek Kahar Surabaya

IDR 20k

Why I chose this? Well simply because I am such a craze when it comes to Tahu Telor! (egg and soya beancurd). Something that’s actually very simple, kind of easy to do it at home and of course with cheap ingredients! History said that this particular brand already made its way to fame and fortune since 1960 and has been one of the most famous local brand for Tahu Telor in Surabaya. Presentation and flavor wise. LOVE IT! If you haven’t had Tahu Telor before, well technically inside you’ll find slices of rice cakes, soya beancurd, fried potato and all mixed together with egg and pan fried. SO GOOD! Everything was cooked perfectly, the eggs were crunchy without being over-burnt and the soya beancurds were so smooth, what makes everything better was the peanut sauce and the crunchy crackers (so bloody Indonesian).  This was a 20k worth spent!

Soto Kudus Pak Kauman

IDR 20k

Soto is one kind of Indonesian food served with soup (could be chicken or beef) and each area has their own way of presentation. This one happened to be one of my personal favorites, the broth was so fragrant and tasty! I just learned that apparently they served chicken’s liver with Soto Kudus, talk about knowledge being expanded! If you demand rice + soup, this could be a great choice because most Soto Kudus do have rice inside the soto... in a nutshell, another 20k worth spending!

For every purchase of food or desserts here, you'll get one coupon worth one pocket of Bango soysauce pouch size, kind of good deal actually, and for every five collected, you can redeem with one shot at photobooth with printed photo to take home. 

Nasi Campur Bali

IDR 20k
I was expecting more about this particular dish because I actually found this a little dry and plain, but one thing I did love that totally kicks off the whole thing was their Sambal Matah, seriously one of the yummiest Sambal Matah, if they could gave a little something-something to the overall flavor, this could be really good.

Risol Setan Tanah Abang

IDR 10k
As in for the snacks/appetizer, this one is certainly a must try! I LOVE THIS ONE, this one was again...very simple but the flavor was just oozing especially that light nut sauce dressed all over the Risol, as for the filling, you'll find minced chicken, potato and carrot. Best part? For only a freaking 10k you'll get three pieces, so risolable! (not even a word).

Es Duren Teh Iteung

IDR 12k

Usually anything with durian could be pretty expensive but this one for IDR 12k, I got two big chunks of Durian and I kinda like the soup, very light with durian flavor infused and guessing a little coconut milk. Recommended.

I really don't understand why some people don't like durian, probably just as confusing as why I don't like cheese.

The wafer was made from banana and you could have it as much as you want!

Es Teh Sari Wangi

IDR 3k ONLY!

Needs to description!

And some others...

Tahu Petis Yudhistira, wanted to try this but the long queue scene got me tired already, this was probably the one with the longest freaking queue, it’s amazing how people were so commited with soya beancurds LOL.

Nasi Goreng Kambing Kebon Sirih Jakarta
I have eaten this before and this was pretty decent, the overall flavor was tasty and the mutton was given pretty generously, maybe I was just lucky.

I ordered around 5 courses plus one dessert and guess what? I only spent less than a freaking IDR 100k! Cheap as hell! Tummy's happy too!

EATANDTREATS GUIDE TO FESTIVAL JAJANAN BANGO 2014!
Ladies and gentlemen, it's important that you read the following list of eatandtreats guide to Festival Jajanan Bango 2014!
- Dress for comfort
Trust me, there is NO point of showing up looking all dolled up, you'll probably ended up having melting flesh and fading makeup, because the venue was outdoor and totally humid, so dress for comfort and if you want to put on some make up then put a natural light one, this suggestion came from my sister who happened to visit the event on the same day.

- Bring an umbrella
Again for the same reason, HUMIDITY! If you bother about your fair skin then I guess you should bring one, bringing the umbrella is to also prevent you from the pouring rain, just in case.

- Prepare cash
Cash is THE ONLY payment method here so before heading to the event, make sure you have some cash with you.

- Bring your camera
This may not the must do, but it's never wrong to document potentially happy moments :D.

Well I hope that this event will be held each and every single year and I suggested that they created it for a few days instead of "one day event", just because I am a living witness of how people were so excited for this kind of event! Indonesian food may not be the most photogenic out there but flavor wise, I am pretty sure that they will lie on the “top notch”, if not... “the best” lists. It’s just that if people care so much about Indonesian food getting recognized and deserve a recognition, they do need a lot of support, especially from the Jakartan themselves.

It’s an everyday proof that western themed restaurants are dominating the scene right now, step your feet at PIK or Senopati or Panglima Polim of wherever that is the so-called hotspot right now, and you’ll see French restaurants, Western restaurants, Italian restaurants, dessert places, I wouldn’t lie saying that I don’t like them, I love them for some reasons, but also for some reasons, those Indonesian food deserve a worldwide recognition!

What I am doing right here might just be the tip of the iceberg (in a good way), but I am happy to put on this effort!

In case you miss the event in Jakarta and you happen to be in these cities, here's to another chance for you to join the crowd! *cheers*.

MAKASSAR // 24 May 2014 – Fort Rotterdam

&

MEDAN // 7 June 2014 – Lapangan Benteng

Thank you Kecap Bango for creating such event, that’s very... genius of you!

...and hereby, yours truly want to declare...

I AM INDONESIAN AND I FREAKING LOVE INDONESIAN FOOD!

Check out their Website, Facebook Page and Twitter Page for more info!

STAY HUNGRY AND DON'T WASTE YOUR TUMMY WITH BAD FOOD!

FACEBOOK || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM

email: eatandtreatsindo@gmail.com

Postcards From Singapore!

Hi everyone! How are you doing? Hope everything's been great with you all :).

I am currently in Singapore for a short but extremely festive work and holiday trip, "festive" here doesn't refer to glamorous series of parties but I made my own 'party' and the thing is, I am happy! I wouldn't lie, this trip has been tiring because I walk my ass off almost everywhere, but no matter how tiring it has been, going back to Singapore has always been impressive because I happen to find new and exciting things, ones I didn't manage to capture, and that's why I really love the art of travelling.

I am going to post a lot of entries about my Singapore trip, but seriously... it needs time. I have been mad mad mad busy! I am going back tomorrow but I have list of the things I have to finish, but ssh, no complaints, just be grateful with whatever you're having and facing because that's for your own good!

In the meantime, please enjoy these teasers and I'll get back to you with the newest post. More foodporns ahead, better prepare your napkins.

PS: Singapore has tons of great cafes to hop in and I can't wait to share them to you.

FACEBOOK || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM

email: eatandtreatsindo@gmail.com

BATS at Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta

BATS at Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta is one of the most fascinating bars and steak houses in town. Their incredible range of western feast is impressive, starting from the appetizers to the desserts and they are currently improving the menu and add up some new steak variants to the newly designed menu and I got the honored privilege to try some of their menus. Let me tell you upfront, it's probably one of the most tummy-satisfying event I have ever attended, all thanks to Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta!

BATS, which stands for Bars At The Shangri-La is offering you a casual dining and drinking experience with an urban pub concept. The venue was spacious and decorated just New York underground bar appropriate with very dim lighting. To entertain the costumers, from 6.30 PM - 9.30 PM, a line up of local band will sing the top 40s for you and international band starts from 10 PM. Beers and bands equal to awesomeness.

The middle area of BATS was a mini bar for a more casual drinking experience as well as the closer access to the line up of entertainers.

Creative enough, the team from BATS actually made a mural painting in caricature style for their loyal costumers. Loyal costumers for the win!

Beer (3 liters for IDR 250k nett)
For some, there's no better companion to steaks than beers and BATS is offering the 3 liter beer promotion for 250k nett which I found pretty affordable. More to surprise, from 5-8.30 PM, you could get a bottomless beverage just by paying for one drink, nice deal, especially you could share this ginormous portion with some friends or colleagues which is even better. Sharing is definitely caring.

BBQ Chicken Wings
IDR 95k
Loving the generous BBQ sauce spread all over the chicken wings and the seasoning was well-absorbed to the coating and the meat. It's really good.

Healthy House Salad
IDR 95k
The Healthy House Salad from BATS contained of lettuce leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, artichoke, red beans, avocado, feta cheese, croutons and eggs with lemon vinaigrette dressing. It had an appropriate hint of sourness and overall pretty appetizing and fresh.

Mushroom Cream Soup
IDR 80k
The good old mushroom cream soup which I happened to love, this one had a decent and generous amount of mushroom, light seasoning and accompanied by crispy dry butter breads. Heartwarming and nice.

Braised Lamb Shank

IDR 240k

The lamb meat was just awesome: juicy, perfectly cooked and moist. It's accompanied by the creamy and lightly seasoned Polenta which tasted like Couscous and such a decent companion to this dish. The gravy sauce was also top notch. This worth your try.

We were introduced to BATS' new steaks variants which are now available to the public. The steak meats were the fine cuts from Australian Grain Fed Beef "Ranger Valley" (300 days). The Ranger Valley cattle were breed to fed and grow slower (300 days Grain fed) which was later believed to create a superior quality beef with tender meat and high marbling grades.

I had a good time having the steaks because they were really good, really tender and perfectly cooked and my personal favorite was the tenderloin (medium well) with the good old Mushroom sauce. Each steak was accompanied by sauteed mushrooms, vine tomatoes, roasted corns and onion rings and you can also customize your own sauce selection like Red Wine sauce, Chicken Gravy, Lemon Butter Sauce, Black Pepper Sauce, BBQ Sauce and Mushroom Sauce.

Striploin "Ranger Valley" 280 gr (10 oz)
IDR 490k

Rib Eye "Ranger Valley" 340 gr (12 oz)
IDR 495k

Tenderloin "Ranger Valley" 280 gr (10 oz)
IDR 475k

Surf and Turf
IDR 660k
220 gr US Beef Tenderloin with half grilled Canadian lobster. One of my favorites of the night. The lobster was just to die for and awesomely seasoned.

Baked Chocolate Brownies
IDR 50k
This happened to be one of the best seller desserts in BATS and guess what? I have no wonder. It was really really good and the brownies were so moist, awesome density and super rich in chocolate flavor. Maybe just a little tad too sweet but I can deal with it. Must try!

Decadent Chocolate Mousse
IDR 50k
Interesting presentation that comes with interesting flavor. This was another good dessert but the brownies stole my heart already.

Told you earlier that this was one of the most fascinating media tastings I have ever attended, the food kept on coming, they were good and my heart and tummy were cheering all the way! I would declare BATS as one of the best destinations for western food hunting or simply the perfect place to fulfil your premium steaks craving. For the pricing and for a hotel scale, I think they're pretty reasonable, desserts were really affordable though and plus they came is generous portions you could share.

THANK YOU SHANGRI-LA HOTEL JAKARTA! You never fail to impress.

BATS (Bars At The Shangri-La)
Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10220
021 -2939 9580
Opening Hours: 
BARS (5 PM - 2 AM, 3 AM on Friday & Saturday)
DINNER TIME (7 PM - 1O PM)
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK || TWITTER || INSTAGRAM

email: eatandtreatsindo@gmail.com