Once you discuss of Indonesian delicacies, most Malaysians solely consider bakso or at-most gado-gado. Nonetheless, going past typical Indonesian delicacies is the comparatively unknown Sundanese meals. Having by no means heard about Sundanese meals prior, I braved myself to Rumah Makan Cibiuk in Kajang, common for its authenticity.
As I used to be performing some analysis, I found that in distinction to the wealthy and spicy flavours infused with coconut milk and curry present in Minangkabau delicacies, Sundanese delicacies affords a easy and clear style spectrum. It encompasses a spread of flavours, together with savoury saltiness, refreshing sourness, delicate sweetness, and even spiciness.
What I attempted at Rumah Makan Cibiuk
After I arrived round lunchtime, the restaurant was comparatively crowded which proved parking to be a headache (*cries in passenger princess). The restaurant inside and ornament had sturdy references to Sundanese tradition with a separate sambal station as effectively.
The menu gave the impression to be on the pricier aspect which defined why most diners there have been in massive teams. I then ordered the chef-recommended Nasi Liwet Ayam Bakar (RM25.90) in addition to the Ikan Tilapiah Goreng Kipas (RM36.90).
The beverage choice was regular and nothing to rave about so I’d suggest saving your penny and ordering ingesting water as a substitute! The meals didn’t take lengthy and the primary to reach was the Nasi Liwet Ayam Bakar. Aesthetically, it regarded like your run-of-the-mill hen rice however the rice was wrapped in banana leaves, resembling a lemang.
It additionally got here with a aspect of creamy soup and a tiny wok of sambal (factors for creativity!). The hen was juicy and flavoured to perfection, I simply wished there was extra sauce, nevertheless. Regardless of being wrapped creatively, the rice boasted nothing greater than a slight perfume. The fried tempeh and tofu had been glorious additions to the general dish.
My largest downside with this dish is that at near RM30, this was the very best they may supply. It was yummy, don’t get me flawed however for that worth, consider what number of nasi kukus packets I might have gotten.
Subsequent, to reach was fried tilapia fish which appeared greater than sufficient for two individuals. Usually, I’m sceptical of seafood because the freshness could be doubtful. Boy, was I flawed! Though the fish was deep-fried, it didn’t have an awesome style of batter and maintained its freshness. The fried kangkung accompanied by the fish was a welcomed extra crunch. Regardless of being deep fried, the vegetable was not oily and had a really keropok-like texture to it.
Every time I dug into the fish, I found new flavour profiles that bought me returning for extra. The fish was candy, contemporary and crispy and simply once I thought it couldn’t get any higher, I paired it with the sambal—lifeless! It’s value noting that the sambal could be somewhat too pedas for our spice-challenged buddies.
Remaining ideas
Would I go to Rumah Makan Cibiuk once more? Sure, BUT ONLY FOR THE FISH! Contemplating how a lot of the rice and chicken-based dishes had been in the identical worth vary, I couldn’t justify paying these costs once more.
Except you’re in a much bigger group, then I might suggest getting the fish and rice simply to share. Attempting genuine Sundanese meals was positively a novel expertise, and value exploring once more!
