Soto Bandung: Soup with a soul

by: Emma Kwee

Soto Bandung is another traditional Sundanese dish worth savouring. Just like Lotek has a Javanse cousin called Gado Gado , Soto Bandung is related to the more widespread Soto Ayam (chicken soup). As opposed to soto ayam which uses chicken, soto bandung uses beef and santen (coconut paste).

Soto Bandung consists of a powerful clear broth, filled with beef strips, peanuts and slices of a white carrot named ‘lobak'. It is usually spiced up to flaming levels with a green sambal (chili paste) but that is only advisable if your tolerance for pedas (spicy) is off the charts.

Soto Bandung has a powerful aroma that instantly gives you energy and warms you up. This would be a great dish for cold rainy days (which by the way are plentiful in Bandung ) when you find yourself sneezing and snottering. Unfortunately it is not too common to find Soto Bandung these days.

Instant noodles are obviously far more practical and fast to make but the difference in taste can't be ignored. Fresh spices such as ginger, sereh (lemongrass) and salam leaf definitely beats the artificial MSG flavourings that come with instant noodles nowadays. So if you are lucky enough to spot a soto bandung stand, take your chance and taste soup like your Indonesian grandma would make.

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Aroma coffee for character in a cup: coffee that won’t make your heart beat faster

by: Emma Kwee

All you coffee-lovers put on your mocha loafers, for it's time for a trip down memory lane. Don't spill your beans, but let them drain. Aroma's Coffee Factory has been in the business of making good earnest coffee since the 1930's. That's right, the times when booted, mustached cursing Dutchmen were still playing command-and-conquer in Indonesia . All that dividing and ruling sure took its toll upon their energy level. Alas, Extra Joss wasn't available back then, so they built Aroma's Coffee Factory to keep spirits up. Now, more than 70 years later, Aroma's is still doing its mission: making coffee the way it should be, without artificial flavorings, pesticides or even vanilla essence.

When you enter the small shop on Jalan Banceuy, central Bandung, its wooden interior and antique coffee paraphernalia such as old coffee machines and bronze scales will make you think that you stepped into a movie set. Luckily the all-pervasive smell of freshly ground coffee beans will bring you back to reality, and as the second-generation owner takes you around on a tour that will explain all the nooks and crannies of the coffee business to you, the decor will come alive. It is a rare thing that in this day and age where profit margins dictate people's life, and actually in many occasions, their coffee intake, Aroma's coffee factory remains dedicated to entrepreneurial craftsmanship that keeps rusty German made coffee burners from the 1930's a foundation instead of a relic from a long forgotten past.

Everything in the factory is still hand-labor, from the picking and sorting of the beans to the roasting and packing. The coffee beans coming mainly from Sumatra and Jawa are dried in the back yard for an hour and then piled sack upon sack rising more than 10 meters above our heads in the storage room, where the Robusta beans will dry for 5 years, while the Arabica beans require an astonishing 8 years of lying around. In that time the acidity of the beans will drop in a natural process, and as an end result Aroma's coffee is not only tastier but also a lot healthier. ‘Arabica is fit for people with high blood pressure, and Robusta for people with low blood pressure' explains the owner. The health of his customers is more important to him than the amount of beans he sells. He is a man who believes in God...and good coffee, ‘What is the purpose of praying everyday, when in the end you cheat on your customers?' he asks.

After the years of drying, the beans are then hand-roasted in a rusty but reliable oven fired by rubber wood, and then according to customers' wishes ground or sold as whole beans. ‘It is very simple, but you need a lot of patience' the owner twinkles. Back in the shop people line up to buy their essential provision of Arabica or Robusta. Many of them have been coming here for years in search of a flavor and quality; these are real coffee drinkers who will instantly say no to instant coffee. Get a taste of authenticity and drop by at Aroma's. Open daily, if you want a behind the scenes look on the coffee making process, be there before 2 o clock or call in beforehand.

Aroma's pabrik and toko kopi
Jalan Banceuy No. 51 Bandung 40111
022-4230473/fax 4232648

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Cendol: a green jelly coconut concoction fit for sweet tooth

by: Emma Kwee

While in Bandung, it is unavoidable to bump into a Cendol stand. Jalan Otista is no exception to this. It is situated just East of the Tegallega district and is home to the infamous Elizabeth Cendol. Street vendors can be seen waving bags filled with green jelly beans desperately trying to get the attention of passersby’s. Whether it be the original favourite or the home cooked variety, cendol is a true Bandung specialty and a favourite amongst Indonesians of both young and all.

The green bean shaped jelly bits are actually made of rice flour which is mixed with pandan leaves and water. It is then cooked for 2 to 3 hours and pressed into the somewhat eccentric looking soft jelly beans. A big spoonful of these little slugs makes the base of the cendol and according to many, the ‘yummy' part of the drink. The ever present gula djawa (palmsugar) and santen kelapa (coconut milk) are also added. The result is a colourful mixture of the brown djawa sugar which slowly fades into creamy white coconut milk and green beans to go with it.

Stir well and take a sip. The first thing you'll notice is the extreme sweetness which unfortunately, seems obligatory in Indonesia. The taste of fresh coconut and palm sugar does have a certain charm to it though and once you get used to spooning out the little green jelly bits, you can count yourself a proud member of the cendol clan.

Some cautionary measures: Since coconut milk is used, make sure it's fresh as coconut milk has a reputation of going bad easily. Secondly, it's perhaps best to buy cendol in a warung such as Elizabeth instead of from a street vendor. This is because it is hard to tell how long the seller has been walking around in the blazing sun with his cendol and food poisoning is never a pleasant experience.

You can also buy instant cendol in supermarkets packed in tins that say tsjendol which unfortunately comes nowhere close to the real thing. If only it were that easy. Your safest and best bet is to head off to Jalan Otista and buy it directly from the original Elizabeth’s store. Although their prices are slightly more expensive than other vendors, you’ll know it's the best. With such a high reputation to maintain, quality cannot be compromised. Prices are about Rp.5000 at Elizabeth 's and about Rp.2000 at other places.

Address:
Elizabeth Cendol
Jalan Otista No.3a
Tel.022-5209126

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Rujak: Fruit salad a la Sunda

by: Emma Kwee

The innovation and originality of Sundanese cuisine is proven by a combination of ingredients that other people might not even consider a possibility. Such is the case with Rujak, a salad made of different kinds of sliced fruits such as mango, pineapple, bangkuan, kedondong and jambu air. Anything that sounds that exotic is usually worth a try.

The Sundanese came up with a way to serve these slices of fruit with a sweet/spicy sauce, consisting of tamarind, trassi (shrimp paste), chilis, palm sugar and salt. The end result is a truly exotic and delicious fruit salad. Surprisingly, this mix of sour fruit and spicy sauce tastes excellent. The tasmarind in the sauce adds a unique sweetness that works wonders with the acidity of the fresh fruit slices.

It is said to be very popular amongst pregnant women because they crave for food that is tangy yet acerbic and spicy yet sweet. It is also a favourite for school children who enjoy making rujak with a bunch of visiting friends as it is a healthy alternative to popcorn or hotdogs.

Rujak can be found mostly at foodcourts that are part and parcel of most Malls and shopping plazas. You will find the occasional kaki lima (street vendor) selling rujak but they are not that common because of the difficulty to keep the fruit fresh in the hot and humid climate of Indonesia.

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Belly up for Bandung’s best brownies

by: Emma Kwee

It is a fact that Indonesians adore all things sweet in life. Often the sugar content of drinks and snacks is high enough to make your teeth crumble, with even the toothpaste not spared of this rush. The city of Bandung is no exception but more an extreme example of the nation's obsession with sweet stuff.

It has to be said that the huge variety of sweet cakes and cookies available harbors some mouthwatering treats. Your belly will go ballistic, your energy level will sky-rocket and your teeth will risk looking like the crater of the nearby Tangkuban Prahu volcano. Take the Amanda brownies kukus for example. The steamed brownies are so succulent and tasty, that since the store's opening in 1999, it can proudly display its 5 branches as the representation of their popularity. Not to mention the numerous knock-off street vendors who try to sell the wannabes from the back of their cars. Some even went to the extent of copying the Amanda logo and packaging to fool unsuspecting sugar addicts.

If you want to make sure you are sinking your teeth into the best ,you better head off to one of the official branches at for example, Jl. Rancabolang no 29 or Jl. Lengkong Besar no. 101. There is also a mobile unit at the parking lot of Edward Forrer fashion outlet near Dago. However, be forewarned that decisions will not come by easy at these stores. From the original chocolate flavor to other variants such as blueberry topping and tiramisu, Amanda's offerings will give you quite the headache, while your mouth just waters at the sights of these delicacies.

The original one comes in a box of approximately 1 kilo and costs 19.500 rupiah, in other words a whole lot of brownie for a mere steal. The other flavors are slightly higher in price at 26.500. The plus point is that these brownies can be kept in the fridge for about a week, since the amount will prove a challenge for even the most hardcore snack addict.

Chances are once you have started on Amanda's brownies, it will be a while before you will even want to admit your addiction. Forget what the dentist says. Just dive into this sugar rush and get straight to some self-loving.

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Warung Lela: Mie with a view

by: Emma Kwee

Warung Lela is one of those places that gained its reputation purely through mouth to mouth advertisement. Started out by Ibu Lela as a simple noodle joint catering to the neigbourhood, it soon stirred some tongues for its authentic family recipes such as Mie and Sop buntut (oxtails soup) and the nice views of the Dago hills that complement the taste experience.

Warung Lela has a setting that makes you want to move in instead of only grabbing a bowl of noodles. The homely feel, with a hodgepodge of antique and not so antique furniture, paintings, and plants, are no coincidence. The family owned establishment is also their home in reality. So the dining area that allows seating for approximately 30 guests, is at the same time the living room. The best seats are on the outside terrace, where a nice breeze and singing birds accompany the tranquil views of the green hills of Dago and the blue mountains in the distance.

Ibu Lela was the first to start a warung in this area and soon others followed, yet the trendsetter remains one of the most popular places, as proves the bustling activity on a weekday afternoon: tables are filled, people slurp and the staff runs around efficiently to deliver one steaming hot bowl of noodles after the other.

The popularity of Warung Lela is in the first place caused by its selection of noodles, that come in different varieties such as yamien , kwetiau and bihun , the most popular one being Yamien manis baso (Rp.8000), a slightly sweet fried mie with chicken strips and a small bowl of clear stock with some meatballs. Very tasty indeed, whereas mie in this country is not exactly a rare thing, this bowl stands out from the greasy, overcooked, bland majority of them. Another favorite and something worth trying is the Sop buntut (Rp.18,000), oxtails soup with vegetables. Westerners, not used to the idea of devouring a cows tail head first, might be surprised at the tenderness of the meat. This is all washed away with a refreshing Es kelapa muda jeruk (Rp.6000) a cold glass of real orange juice and strips of fresh coconut. And as a small desert we couldn't say no to the Sarikaya (Rp.1500) tiny cups of jelly with pandan or chocolate flavour. Size wise portions are not that big, one bowl would be filling enough for lunch but for dinner you might take the opportunity to take two.

The staff of Warung Lela is an enthusiastic bunch of youngsters delivering the food dressed casually in jeans and apron. The meals are served at lightning speed, which benefits the taste. Popularity of this spot comes as no surprise. The recent extension of the establishment at the front was a necessity. The owners daughter says not without pride: ‘Sometimes moms come here first thing in the morning after they dropped off their kids at the nearby school. We officially open at 9 but they'll be here at 8.30 craving for a bowl of mie.'

This is definitely one of the most fun places to hang out and enjoy a bowl of noodles. A homely atmosphere coupled with serene views of the mountains makes you want to come back as soon as you leave. As the owners' daughter cheerfully says: The good thing about noodles is you can enjoy them at any time of day', so feel free to drop by for breakfast lunch or dinner and become part of the Lela family.

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Amsterdam café: Rowdy crowd boisterous after booze

by: Emma Kwee

Amsterdam café can be found towards the Western end of Jalan Braga, a street known for its somewhat faded colonial glory. Amsterdam café proved no exception to this trend. It has the interior and atmosphere of a café in Amsterdam , albeit one located in the Red Light district.

Upon entering people seem to gasp in amazement at the sight of new and unknown customers. The band who was glued to the bar hurry to the small stage at the back to start plucking their instruments, producing a mix of popcovers and lovesongs.It is brought together with enthusiasm and dedication but sometimes failing in tonescale. Each table is offered a piece of paper on which you can request your favourite song to be performed. None of our picks were actually taken into account. The rather dark and unattractively ‘decorated' place does it's name honour as it resembles an Amsterdam harbour café and the customers look like the Indonesian counterparts of Dutch sailors with their female ‘friends' in tow. A pool table provides some entertainment and brings about regular cheers and outcries from bystanders.

A bar in both atmosphere and menu, Amsterdam café has nothing special to offer. Beer is the diet most customers seem to follow and at Rp21,000 it is quite moderate in price.

The crowd is an unruly bunch of regulars, most of them glued to the bar in the front. There's a sense of seediness shared by most of them, although the atmosphere isn't worryingly shady or criminal. Agewise, most of the customers are at least above 40 and I bet most of them have a lot of interesting stories to tell about the past.

This place is one of the older bars in town, and time hasn't done it any good. It is said that it used to be lively and crowded but with new bars and cafés appearring everywhere, dark and dingy cafés like this lose their appeal except for the regulars who seem to cling on to the bar while the wall paper slowly crumbles down. It has some live music though and might be an option if you're not into the whole clubbing thing that seems to dictate most of Bandung 's nightlife.

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Hostel By Moritz: No thrills, no frills, low bills

by: Emma Kwee

Hostel By Moritz in existence since 1991, is by far the most well known backpackers hostel in Bandung . And one of the few options I might add, because strangely the city lacks of low budget accommodation to cater to travelers who don't swim in Rupiahs.

It is located in central Bandung about 10 minutes from the train station and the bus terminal. It is in walking proximity of Pasar Baru (the chaotic central market) and Kota Kembang (the even more chaotic illegal cd and dvd market). The street Moritz is situated in is not particularly enchanting, but offers a sight of everyday Bandung life: a lot of activity in between worn-out buildings.

It has the typical ambience of a travelers lodge, with a lobby that has been decorated with wayang puppets and an assortment of indigenous artefacts ranging from wooden spears to bows and arrows. At night it transforms into a meeting place for guests and staff, often escalating into internationally tinted late night congregations.

The rooms are divided over three floors, and are for backpackers standards quite moderate in size. There's a minimal sense of decoration with some bamboo walls, and furniture. The rooms with bathroom inside spur the luxury of a Western style toilet and newly fitted showers, instead of the usual squatting toilet and mandi tub.

Although the atmosphere is not particularly charming or cozy, the staff is friendly and regards visitors as family. For this reason a lot of regulars keep coming back to Moritz. They try to help newcomers out and in a city like Bandung this might be exactly what you need.

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Hostel By Moritz: Facilities and services

by: Emma Kwee

Being a hostel that mostly caters to backpackers, don't expect any luxurious features such as jacuzzis and squash courts. For travelers who don't have these high demands, Moritz has plenty of services that will enable you to explore Bandung and the area around it. Downstairs the lobby is a congregation room for guests and personnel who often end up chatting and playing guitar all night long. Furthermore an internet service is available in the lobby.

The staff is the best source of information for attractions in Bandung and the surroundings. They also have a small tour organizing agency that offers day trips to the nearby volcanoes or even trips to Bali and Kalimantan . The owner, a traveler herself, stresses that there are plenty of things to see in West Java , and is more than willing to advise or even arrange any sightseeing in this area. Other than that they can also provide car or motorbike rental if you prefer venturing out on your own.

The dining room offers an Indonesian and Western style menu with simple dishes such as nasi goreng (Rp.9000), burgers and steaks (Rp.20,000) at reasonable prices. Cold beers (Rp.17,000) are also available as are local and international liquors.

The 13 rooms Moritz houses are simple but clean, with a choice of double or single beds and in room bathroom or communal bathroom. The single rooms with inside bathroom go for Rp.65,000, the doubles with communal bathroom are Rp.70,000, while the double rooms with inside bathroom range from Rp.75,000 to Rp.80,000. All of the rooms have fans but as to this point no hot water. The best rooms are on the top floor where a small, flowery roof top terrace provides views of scruffy Bandung buildings.

For safety reasons the front door is locked at 24.00 but there's always the possibility to arrange for someone to answer the door when you're planning on exploring Bandung 's nightlife.

Overall Hostel By Moritz offers basic backpackers accommodation, clean but with no frills. The place allows plenty of opportunity to come contact with other travelers and the staff and owner are a good source of information.

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Jalan Jaksa: The best budget accomdation in Jakarta

by: Emma Kwee

Jakarta is Indonesia'a most expensive city regarding accomodation and food. For those on a tight budget, options are limited and if money is running out, there is only one destination that will provide a roof above your weary head, while keeping as much money in your pocket as possible. Jalan Jaksa is the name, and finding a cheap but flee free losmen is the game.

Even though losmens and cheap hostels are abundant in this backpacker's enclave, there are only a few that stand out. The majority of places are dark, ramshackles of buildings with no character or sense of security and flee infested beds. Therefore this quick guide to the best budget accommodation in this myriad of dodgy dingy dorms.

By far the best option for those on a real tight budget is Borneo hostel (021-3140095) just west of Jalan Jaksa, on Jalan Kebon Sirih Barat No. 35. It has rooms starting from Rp. 50,000 with communal bathroom and fan, to air-conditioned rooms with bathroom for Rp. 135,000. The place has recently been redecorated and therefore spurs an un-Jaksa-like coziness. The best room is upstairs at the front where there's a cozy balcony and access to the flower filled rooftop terrace.

Other reasonable losmens are Bloemsteen Homestay (021-325389) and the next-door Kresna Homestay (021-325403), located in Gang 1, a small alley on the Eastern side of Jalan Jaksa. Although rooms are cramped and could use a good scrub, they are very affordable starting at Rp. 35,000, and the atmosphere is slightly less depressing than other places in the neighborhood.

If your budget is more flexible it pays of to check out Le Margot (021-3913830), which resembles an actual hotel inside as well as outside. Rooms are about Rp. 150.000 and have a/c, tv, safety deposit box and hot water. The attached backpackers' restaurant is quite popular and bang in the middle of all the action on Jalan Jaksa.

Hotel Karya Bahana (021-3140484/3150519) can be found on Jalan Jaksa No. 32. Its slogan reads ‘with Royal and Golden service' and although that might be slightly exaggerated, the hotel indeed has a friendly staff and not too bad rooms, with a/c, bathroom with bathtub, tv and minibar. Prices start at Rp. 170,000 and include breakfast.

Whatever your choice may be, always try bargaining. A handy method is asking if breakfast is included (if not all the more reason for a discount) and if there's a special rate if you stay more than one night.

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Introduction to Jalan Jaksa: Jakarta’s shady street

by: Emma Kwee

Jalan Jaksa is probably the seediest backpackers district in the world. Other than its cousins Khao San road in Bangkok or even Sosrowijayan in Yogyakarta where the shadiness is compensated by its lively atmosphere, Jalan Jaksa doesn't hide its grim features under a fake smile. With very few exceptions, its hotels are shabby, dingy and dark. The bars attract a cheerfully mixed crowd of prostitutes, dubious middle-aged expats and Jakarta youngsters making use of this gateway to liberalism.

But for those who are still interested, the neighbourhood serves its purpose well; accommodation is cheap compared to the rest of Jakarta and all standard backpackers needs are available (i.e. beer, internet, travel agencies). Its location is also pretty convenient, in the heart of Jakarta close to the train station and the National monument (Monas), and the blok M bus terminal. To get there, either walk from the train station for about 15 minutes following Jalan M. Thamrin and take a left at Sarinah mall, and follow Jalan KH Wahid Hasyim for about 1 kilometer, after which you'll find Jalan Jaksa on the left side, or to make things easier take a cab. Another convenient option is the air-conditioned bus way getting on at Monas, stop at Sarinah Mall, and walk from there.

Sarinah Mall is also the most handy place to go to for last (or first) minute shopping. There are several floors selling clothes, souvenirs, batik (although prices are steep) and two internet cafes on the third and fifth floor. Outside on the main street to Jalan Jaksa a conglomeration of street vendors sell cheap nasi goreng and countless other dishes.

On Jalan Jaksa a medium sized supermarket can be found spot in the middle at the fork leading to jl Kebon Sirih Barat. Fast internet cafes are located both on the left of the supermarket as on the right. Travel agencies are abundant on Jalan Jaksa and sometimes also offer worldwide package services. An BCA atm is located on Jalan KH Wahid Hasyim after turning right after leaving Jalan Jaksa. A branch of the Lippobank is placed on the other end of Jalan Jaksa, at the left side of Jalan Kebon Sirih.

A blessing in disguise, that's what Jalan Jaksa is, or at least it will be a euphemism for the gloomy nuance that it possesses because you can also obtain a sense of how the rest of Jakarta is just walking alongside its pavement. Then you can decide whether you want to explore more of Jakarta or utilize it as a transit point. The choice is yours.

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Orchard Maharajah: A Royal Feast

Reviewed by : Stephanie Lim

As one of the very few family-run restaurant chains left in Singapore today, the Maharajah name is synonymous with culinary excellence, akin to its literal reference to “great king”. Located in Singapore 's Orchard Road , the Orchard Maharajah serves authentic North Indian cuisine. It has been twenty years since they first opened doors and now they four more outlets, including a Mexican/Italian café.

Diners who wish to get away from the sweltering heat of the day may opt for seats indoors. The décor is simple yet reminiscent of the Moghul era with framed pictures of the Moghul ladies as well as an intricately-embroided carpet, a gift from a patron. Alternatively, an al fresco dining area is also available for individuals who wish to enjoy the warm hospitality of sunny Singapore , but rest assured as this section is well ventilated with cool fans.

The secret of North Indian cuisine lies in a cylindrical clay oven better known as the tandoor. It is believed that this method of cooking retains the flavours and juices in meat and bakes bread such as the naan and pratha in a healthy way.

If you are tired of the usual Tandoori chicken, why not be adventurous and partake in something more ‘uncommon'. Embark on your culinary adventure with the Tandoori Fish ($15.50), comprising of marinated fish roasted in the tandoor. The fish is pleasantly moist and succulent on the inside, while the exterior is slightly crisp and well-flavoured by the spices used. Other must-try dishes include the Chicken Tikka Butter Masala ($16.80) and Lamb Goa Curry ($16.90). With bite-sized chicken pieces first baked in the tandoor, the former is served in a spicy, and slightly sour, butter sauce that is the perfect dip for Maharajah's range of naans . Only fresh chicken and young lamb, not mutton, are used in the chicken and lamb dishes respectively. While rich in spice and flavour, the meat sauces are not overly spicy and thus, suitable for most individuals. Those who need their greens can try the Vegetable Jhalfrazie ($12.50), which is basically an assortment of vegetables cooked with spices and cottage cheese.

Notable staples to accompany the rich sauces of the meat dishes include the Pudina Pratha ($3.90) and Kashmiri Naan ($4.20), served in generous portions. Prata-aficionados take note, as the common prata takes on a healthy twist with the use of wholemeal flour, baked in the tandoor and glazed with mint. The chopped fruit and citrus peel on the Kashmiri Naan is a sweet surprise with every bite and provides a different dimension of flavour when dipped into your favourite curries or sauces.

Pamper your sweet tooth with desserts like the Gulab Jamun ($4.90) and Kulfi ($6.10). The former boasts of spongy balls of thickened milk drenched in sweet, scented syrup. The Kulfi, on the other hand, is an interesting Indian take on ice cream. Made with fresh milk, slices of it are drizzled with chopped pistachios, giving the creamy dessert a nutty texture as well. The perfect drink to complement the saccharine desserts would be the Maharajah Tea ($4.50). Laced with delicate spices, the tea is fragrant and yet, not overpowering, providing you with that all-important boost of caffeine.

Having been served warmly by a waiter named Biru, it is conclusive that the service staffs are generally hospitable and familiar with the menu. Good recommendations were made in order to ensure guests a pleasant dining experience.

Interestingly, the cuisine served here at the Orchard Maharajah is recommended for a safe initiation into the North Indian culture. Notably, the items chosen may not be high on the list of typical North Indian favourites, yet it is impressive that these dishes still boast delectability and high standards synonymous with the Maharajah group of restaurants. With such emphasis on the freshness and authenticity of ingredients and service, one can be assured of quality and consistency, something that is truly lacking in some establishments these days.

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Nectarie le’Dessert Pâtisserie: What’s a Party Without Cake?

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Reviewed by : Stephanie Lim.

In a place such as The Cannery at Clarke Quay, it is not surprising that most of the action transpires after dusk. However, it is a little known fact that the area is also charming in the day with establishments such as Nectarie le'Dessert Patisserie, brought to you by the same people behind the uber-hip Ministry of Sound, Aurum and Café del Mar. Opened in the first quarter of 2007, this little patisserie-deli is serving up delectable bites and alluring desserts, all in an experience conceptualized by executive chef Edward Voon.

Fronted by tall glass windows, the place affords an abundance of natural light in the day, all the better for admiring the pretty creations in their refrigerated counter. As the counter stretches down the entire length of the interior, the seating area is narrow, allowing only the use of high chairs and tables. For the perfect way to while away your afternoon, perch yourself atop one of these chairs with a cup of tea in hand and watch the world go by. The al fresco seating is more comfortable and its tables can accommodate bigger groups of people. These, however, can prove to be a little warm in the day despite being well-sheltered.

Prepare to be awed by Nectarie's tantalizing array of delicacies for the sweet-toothed, ranging from strudels to cakes. For the latter, pick your poison of choice from the pretty display with popular choices including a berry-laden Strawberry Shortcake ($6) and a rich, bitter-sweet Chocolate Terne with Coconut Mousse ($6). Specializing in desserts, the food selection is rather limited to a handful of sandwiches, quiches, soups and salads. Nevertheless, items like the sandwiches are reasonably priced from $6 for a Grilled Ham and Cheese, to $8 for a Roast Beef. Add $8 to the price of your sandwich and get a set meal consisting of a soup, dessert and house coffee/tea.

If you are there for lunch, start your meal off with a very interesting Duck Confit with Truffle Quiche ($6.50), served with a small side of mesclun salad. Tender slivers of savoury duck meat is added to an egg mixture and baked in a thin pastry crust, resulting in a warm medley of textures. Ask for some honey dill mustard to heighten the flavours of the quiche and enjoy every single bite.

Freshly prepared to order, the strudels here are a must-try. With interesting creations such as Sarawak Pineapple Chutney & Tamarind and Alphonso Mango with Lemongrass, making up your mind might be the hardest hurdle to cross. However, for something tangy and uplifting, try the Wild Strawberries & Balsamic Thyme ($6). While the berry compote is a little sharp with the acidity, it complements the sweet custard in a perfect marriage of flavours. Unlike strudels you will find elsewhere, the presentation is faultless as each ingredient is carefully layered and not jumbled to form a chaotic mess.

There is no better way to enjoy your dessert than with a cup of good tea. The fragrant Peony Jade ($6.50) is really an agreeable choice as the flavour is light and subtle with a naturally sweet tinge that does not overpower your taste buds. Freshly brewed from tea leaves, their white teas are very popular with patrons as they are touted to be the least processed.

Due to the layout of the interior, getting the attention of your server might prove to be a daunting task, even in the absence of a crowd. As in most cafés, service is basic but knowledgeable staff can be counted upon to provide you with recommendations that will suit your cravings.

I would definitely like to visit Nectarie again, but this time, to try some of their much talked-about ice cream. Open from noon up till the wee hours of the morning on weekends, it works well for a dainty afternoon tea or as a place to people-watch as the partygoers come out to play. Although it has been dubbed by its creators as “the place for clubbers who eat cake”, I believe the modern little patisserie also has potential catering to the well-heeled tai-tais as it sees the ideal marriage of a laid-back atmosphere with a trendy and fashionable location.

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Nadezhda: Hope for Russian Authenticity in Sunny Singapore

Reviewed by : Stephanie Lim

If you have been looking for a real taste of Russia , then Nadezhda, pronounced nay-dee-edge-dah , is just the place for you. Located in the outskirts of Kampong Glam, the restaurant which translates as “hope”, serves up warm hospitality and healthy Russian favourites in a cosy, homely setting.

While the first level is done up in a simpler fashion, reminiscent of an old-styled cafeteria lined with a bar counter, the second level feels more comfortable with carpeted floors and framed cross-stitch of borsch soup ingredients, hung proudly on the walls. A sense of familiarity engulfs patrons and the entire experience will feel like you are dining in the home of a close friend.

Authenticity often goes hand in hand with an acquired taste, but surprisingly, most of the dishes sit quite well with locals. A good way to sample their unique cuisine is with a buffet, available for a party of guests upon advance request. Another way will be the very affordably-priced set lunches ($22/$15) consisting of a main course, a drink, soup and/or dessert.

As cliché as it might seem, it is imperative to start off with Borsch soup ($6.90), probably the best-known among Russian dishes. Unlike the common tomato-based versions found in most establishments, it is a clear broth with sour cream, coloured lightly by the use of red beetroot. With small chunks of tender beef and shredded vegetables, the soup is subtly sweet and savoury at the same time. Warm potato pancakes are also available in the form of the Draniki ($5.50), served with a generous dollop of sour cream.

Eager to remedy the misconception about stroganoff in the local context , the Beef Stroganoff ($13) comes highly recommended. Even though the thin slices of beef fillet in a stew are a tad on the dry side, it is served over a generous portion of buckwheat, which tastes like unpolished rice and is, reputably, a good source of magnesium. Another popular item is the Otbivnaya ($13), featuring two pieces of tender pork chop marinated with herbs and a serving of creamy mashed potato. Ask for some of their home-made mustard but be sure to use it in moderation.

The mains are served with your choice of salads, including the Vinaigrette ($6, when ordered singly) and Kapusta Domashnaya ($4.60, when ordered singly). The diced beetroot in the former is gently sweet and well-paired with the sourish tinge of pickled cabbage and cucumbers. The latter on the other hand is sour and highly recommended with some of their vodka, like the Stolichnaya ($7 per shot). The Russian way is to drink it chilled and unmixed, all in a single shot, but have a pickle immediately after as it soothes the throat.

Assimilate into Russian culture with drinks like the Kvas ($3) and the Tea Grib ($3). The kvas is actually made of fermented bread and is reminiscent of beer, but with a sparkling touch. The latter translates directly as “mushroom tea” with reference to the way the beverage is made. Sweetened tea is poured into a large glass jar of a kombucha colony (yeast cultures), often inaccurately referred to as a mushroom, and then extracted. What results is a refreshing lemony flavour, perfect for Russian summers. Do give their pancake desserts a try. Their Blinchiki Apple ($6) is a good choice with shredded green apple wrapped in a light paper-thin pancake.

Even though the waiter was not Russian, there was still some communication difficulty. However, the owner proved to be a delightful hostess, armed with nuggets of information about her food and little tidbits of laughs about both life in Russia and in Singapore .

Important attributes of Nadezhda are the affordability of the food and its strict adherence to the original tastes of Russia , guaranteed by owner Evgenia Polesnaya and her native Russian chefs. Russians in Singapore longing for home-made pickles, dumplings or meats, can also order these for their own enjoyment at home, exemplifying the versatility of the restaurant. While the tastes do not conform to the local preferences, their devotion to authenticity is truly commendable, justifying at least a visit from true foodies.

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