What is the value of authentic cuisine:
Is it not to simulate travel,
To transport every patron to a place we are not at,
For some it’s a form of escapism, nostalgia for others is but for all, let it be homage to a place like home.
Simpang Asia sat in a quiet plaza, its big reflective windows catching light.
Step through the front door and warmth revealed itself—three rows of stained window panels on the left, a full plant-and-wine shelf behind the bar and blue tiles lined the bar rail.
All visible at a first glance.
The white archway framed a mural of the Javan rhino mural, the rarest rhino species in the world and native to Indonesia.
Through the arch, overhead lights twinkled like stars with a chandelier anchoring the room with a soft glow.
A Minolta film camera, a flip clock, and a floral porcelain vase lamp added touches of nostalgia.
The vision of a perfect home radiated elegance, warmth and comfort – qualities echoed in the food and drinks.
The Cantik Manis lived up to its name – beautiful and sweet: cocopandan syrup, condensed milk, topped with a cloud of whipped cream
The Lumpia came simpler – just one deeply effective tamarind sauce.
The Roti Paratha invited decisions: ginger garlic sauce, soy sauce, and a red chili and garlic tomato paste sauce.
The main course included South East Asia classics like poached Hainanese chicken and Singapore Street Noodles, but by far the most memorable was the Beef Ribs Underground.
Three hefty beef ribs, marinated in sweet soy sauce and house-made BBQ sauce, a mound of rice and a rujak salad as a natural intermission.
But be sure to leave room for dessert.
The Martabak Manis is a thick fluffy pancake dessert — a mouthful of parmesan,peanuts and chocolate, an unexpected harmony.
Stepping back outside, warmth met me again—bright sunlight, salty ocean wind, and the hum of stop-and-go traffic.
Illustrated by Rina Shin, Written by Jason Escobar