Munik Resto - Authentic Indonesian food

Jakarta - There are nights where everything seems to come together seamlessly—good company, great food, and the perfect atmosphere. My recent dinner with Mario and Harri at Munik Resto was exactly that. 

Tucked in a cozy corner of the city, Munik Resto offers a dining experience that mixes the authenticity of Indonesian cuisine with the warmth of home cooking. From the moment we walked through the doors, I knew we were in for a memorable evening.

As we entered Munik Resto, we were greeted by a beautifully adorned dining area. The restaurant's ambiance is a pleasant blend of modern comfort with subtle touches of traditional Indonesian decor. It’s not over-the-top; instead, it’s elegant and comfortable, making it the ideal spot for friends or family gatherings. The dim lighting combined with the warm wooden interiors instantly set the mood for a relaxed evening.

We were guided to our table by the friendly staff, who ensured we were comfortable. The menu itself is a reflection of Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage—each dish a testament to the diverse flavors and techniques unique to the archipelago.

Deep fried Guramae

After browsing through the menu, we decided to dive into some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. We started with their famed fried Gurame. For those unfamiliar with gurame, it’s a freshwater fish that is beloved in Indonesian cuisine. When it arrived at the table, it was hard to miss—golden brown, crispy, and served whole. The presentation was impressive, but it was the first bite that stole the show.

The skin was perfectly crisp, providing that satisfying crunch that you expect from deep-fried fish, but it was still tender inside, with the mild flavor of the gurame shining through. What took me by surprise, though, was how crispy the bones were! Yes, you could actually eat the bones. They were fried to such a perfect level of crispness that they almost melted in your mouth. The texture contrast was incredible, and the combination of flavours left a lasting impression.

Next on the table was Tahu Goreng, or deep-fried tofu. If you think tofu is boring, this dish will completely change your perspective. At first glance, it seemed simple—blocks of tofu that had been deep fried. But when we took our first bites, we realised how deceiving appearances can be. The tofu had a soft and silky interior, but its exterior was crisp and golden brown. The fillings are filled with diced meat, cucumbers and vegetables.

Paired with a slightly sweet and spicy dipping sauce, the Tahu Goreng became the surprise hit of the evening. Each bite was light and flavourful, and it made for the perfect appetiser. The tofu was expertly prepared, allowing it to soak in the flavour without becoming greasy or heavy.

Of course, no Indonesian meal would be complete without a bowl of hearty Sop Buntut (oxtail soup). The moment the soup arrived at the table, we were enveloped by the fragrant aroma of slow-cooked beef, cloves, and nutmeg. The broth was rich but clear, indicating the time and effort put into simmering the oxtail to perfection.

Each spoonful was comforting, packed with the meaty, tender flavours of the oxtail and the lightness of the broth. The soup was complemented by vegetables like carrots and potatoes, adding a layer of earthiness to the dish. 

Vegetables often play second fiddle in a meal, but the Kangkong Belachan (stir-fried water spinach with shrimp paste) proved to be a bold and flavourful addition to our feast. For those unfamiliar with belachan, it’s a fermented shrimp paste used in Southeast Asian cooking, known for its strong, umami-packed flavour.

The Kangkong was stir-fried to perfection—crisp, fresh, and coated with just the right amount of spicy belachan. The dish had a slight kick to it, but the heat was perfectly balanced, allowing the bold flavours of the shrimp paste to shine through without overpowering the delicate taste of the greens. It added a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fried dishes we had been enjoying up to that point.

This was a unique version of fried rice and once mixed up and stirred - the taste was delicious with spices, petai (bitter bean) and white rice.

Fried chicken

Dining at Munik Resto was more than just a meal; it was an experience. The food, steeped in tradition and prepared with care, transported us to the heart of Indonesia’s culinary landscape. From the crispy Fried Gurame to the comforting Sop Buntut and the bold Kangkong Belachan, every dish was a delight for the senses.

Sate Senayan restaurant - one of Indonesia's famous satay restaurants

Jakarta - One of Jakarta most popular satay restaurant - Sate Senayan and was located just opposite my hotel @ Sarinah Thamrin.

Mixed Lamb satay

Satay Chicken

Ketupat (rice cakes)

Sate Kambing Buntel

Sate Kambing buntel is a traditional Indonesian dish originating from Solo in Central Java. The dish consists of minced lamb that's wrapped in caul fat and placed on bamboo skewers. The caul fat keeps the meat intact while it's cooking on the grill. Once done, sate buntel is typically served with rujak-style pickles, chili peppers, shallots, onions, tomatoes, and kecap manis.  The dish was heavily influenced by the early Arab settlers of Solo.

Tempeh Mendoan

Tempeh Mendoan is deep fried tempeh with spiced batter.  One of my best tasting tempeh ever - I loved Tempeh and cooked it myself for lunch; but this style of tempeh is so delicious.

Sari Ratu - One of Jakarta best nasi padang restaurant

Jakarta - This restaurant was on my bucket list to eat and now it is checked out.  Not disappointed as the food delicious.  The surrounding is very homely and within Sarina, a mall.    This is nasi padang style with dishes displayed behind a counter and I point on the dishes I want.

Jackfruit & beef rendang

The beef rendang is a bit tough but the jackfruit dish is tender and has a unique taste.  Mixed with white rice, it was really delicious.

Lamb brain

Otak = brain, the brain tasted like cheese blended in curry.  An acquired taste and there is always a first time and this will be my last.

Phieu Tam Tinh cafe for my Croissant

 Hanoi - We saw this nice cafe and went for a coffee.   Their croissant was fluffy and tasted freshly baked.

cuppacino

my croissant

Having a good time with coffee and croissant.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

 Hanoi - After visiting the Vietnam Military History Museum, Edmund and I embarked on an enriching journey to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, an experience that profoundly deepened my understanding of Vietnam's cultural diversity. 

The museum showcases the rich heritage of the 54 officially recognised ethnic groups in the country, each with their own customs, traditions, and history.

Our visit began with the indoor exhibits, where intricately detailed displays told the stories of these ethnic groups. From the Kinh majority to the Hmong, Tay, and Khmer minorities, each exhibit highlighted aspects of their daily lives through artifacts like clothing, tools, and musical instruments.

The outdoor exhibit was another highlight, as it features life-sized traditional houses from various ethnic groups, each constructed using authentic materials. Walking through the Tay stilt house and the Ede longhouse gave us a real sense of how these communities live, work, and interact with their environment. It was like stepping into a different time and place—an immersive experience that brought Vietnam’s multi-ethnic culture to life.

After spending a few hours at the museum, I felt more connected to the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is not just a place to look at artifacts; it is a place to experience the beauty, complexity, and diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic communities. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the country's cultural landscape on a deeper level.

Vietnam Military History Museum & Flag Tower

 Hanoi -  I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in Hanoi with my friend Edmund. Located at the historic Flag Tower of Hanoi, the museum is a fascinating dive into the history of Vietnam’s military efforts, spanning from the early resistance against French colonialism to the American War and beyond.

As we explored, I was particularly drawn to the vivid storytelling of Vietnam's fight for independence and sovereignty. Each section of the museum offers a different era of military history, and what struck me most was the intricate display of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s victory over French colonial forces.

As we walked through the museum, the sense of resilience and national pride of the Vietnamese people was palpable, a theme echoed in nearly every room.

Explosives used by the Viet Cong soldiers

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the Flag Tower, built in 1812, which offered panoramic views of Hanoi. It was a reminder of the deep historical roots that bind Vietnam's past with its present, and standing there with Edmund made me appreciate the significance of the site even more.

Our trip to the Vietnam Military History Museum was not just a look at military artifacts but a powerful reflection on the determination and strength of a country that has faced immense struggles and emerged victorious. It was an unforgettable experience, one that broadened my understanding of Vietnam's rich history and left me with a deeper appreciation for its people’s perseverance.

Beautiful breakfast @ Hotel

 Hanoi -  Breakfast was surprising good with an ala carte buffet and I had a hearty and satisfying breakfast.  We had eggs, pancakes, noodles and there were so many breakfast items to order on the menu. 

The Hotel was quaint and had a beautifully decorated dinning area with an open-air area through the balcony door.   The food was good with freshly squeezed mango drink.  

Back to Hanoi: Bun Dau Mam Tom for dinner

 Hanoi - I searched the internet for Hanoi unique food and came across Bun dau mam tom - so we went to have our dinner.   The original restaurant was closing so I was disappointed but across the road was another restaurant with the same 'Bun dau mam tom' on their store front.  So, we went in and there were many locals sitting down on small stools.  They were very helpful as the menu were in Vietnamese and we do not know which to choose.

Bun Dau Mam Tom was the perfect combination of fermented shrimp paste, rice vermicelli, protein ingredients and local fresh herbs.  I love anything fermented and the smell was like belachan - super yummy.

Bun dau mam tom is one of the most well-known dishes in Vietnamese cuisine in general and Hanoi cuisine in particular. As the name suggests, this dish consists of vermicelli, deep-fried tofu, and fermented shrimp paste. Traditionally, this dish features clumps of soft tangled rice vermicelli and the tofu.

I learnt that the “soul” of bun dau mam tom is the dipping sauce, you should carefully prepare it before enjoying the dish.  The restaurant patrons were so kind to teach us how to enjoy this dipping sauce.  First, add some cumquat juice or lemon extract, a little sugar, and sliced chili into fermented shrimp paste. 

Remember to add them little by little while tasting the sauce to make sure that the flavour is to your taste. Then, stir up this mixture until bubbles are formed on the surface.

After this, we walked around Hanoi old quarters for some delicious desert and found this hole in the wall quaint desert shop.

our delicious desert

Ham Rong mountain

 Sapa - After a hearty breakfast, we hike up Ham Rong Mountain in Sapa with our tour guide (Chai) was a truly invigorating experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of adventure as I ascended the rugged terrain.

Entrance to Ham Rong mountain

Starting our hike at around 9 am., I could feel the cool mountain breeze as I made my way through the neatly paved paths at the base of the mountain.

Ham Rong Mountain, located right in the heart of Sapa, is easily accessible from the town center, and it is well-known for its beautiful gardens, impressive rock formations, and panoramic views of the region. 

This hike is not particularly difficult but provides a good balance between physical activity and scenic enjoyment.

my dragon

The trail winds through beautiful orchid gardens, where vibrant flowers in full bloom greeted me along the way. These gardens are a testament to the diversity of flora that thrives in the cool climate of Sapa, with a wide variety of orchids and other mountain flowers decorating the path.

As we continued our ascent, the trail gradually became steeper, and the terrain shifted from flower gardens to rocky outcrops. The transition in landscape was dramatic, with large rock formations rising up around me, creating a surreal environment. These natural stone sculptures, carved by centuries of weathering, added a sense of mystery and wonder to the hike. Along the way, there were a few viewpoints that provided a glimpse of the town of Sapa below, nestled among the terraced rice fields and mist-covered mountains.

Dragon claw

very tight passage 

Sapa Lake

I took a brief rest at one of the observation platforms, which offered a perfect vantage point to take in the beauty of Sapa. From here, the terraced rice fields below looked like a patchwork of green and gold, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage. The view was made even more mesmerizing by the morning mist, which slowly lifted as the sun rose higher in the sky.

With our tour guide, Chai

Top of the World

And then back to the Hotel for the long journey to Hanoi.   Bon Voyage ! till we meet again Sapa.....