After working, April (who does part-time tutoring at Ayala Alabang) was really starving after a long day of math calculations, Philippine history and Ibong Adarna. She told me there is this Indonesian themed restaurant located nearby at Westgate. Adventurous denizens that we are, we head on in search for that unique Indonesian taste we have never tried.
Parking was a breeze since it's nearing closing time. After a short walk we found ourselves facing the facade our "target" for the night. The waiter greeted us warmly and beckoned us into their place but evening air was delightfully welcoming so we opted for the umbrellaed tables outside.
Their tag line says "The House of Sate and Soto" (Sate probably pronounced like the Japanese Satay stands for barbecue Soto for soup) therefore we ordered one of each. We got the Chicken Sate drizzled with peanut sauce and was served with a tiny bit of pickled onions and pepper (like achara). We also had the Chicken Noodle Soto (good for two) served with rice on the side. Got myself a beer to warm it up a bit for it was really starting to get cold (I easily get cold and easily get hot ^_^) and April had their "special" iced milk tea.
Parking was a breeze since it's nearing closing time. After a short walk we found ourselves facing the facade our "target" for the night. The waiter greeted us warmly and beckoned us into their place but evening air was delightfully welcoming so we opted for the umbrellaed tables outside.
Their tag line says "The House of Sate and Soto" (Sate probably pronounced like the Japanese Satay stands for barbecue Soto for soup) therefore we ordered one of each. We got the Chicken Sate drizzled with peanut sauce and was served with a tiny bit of pickled onions and pepper (like achara). We also had the Chicken Noodle Soto (good for two) served with rice on the side. Got myself a beer to warm it up a bit for it was really starting to get cold (I easily get cold and easily get hot ^_^) and April had their "special" iced milk tea.
The Chicken Sate doesn't deserve the applause we were hoping for a resto in this caliber. In fact we were unhappy with the midget serving for a steep price. You can buy a whole Andok's or Baliwag Lechon Manok (which is oh so good!) for the same amount of money. The same goes for the taste factor. It's good but it doesn't tell me to "come back and eat me again."
The Chicken Noodle Soup however offered a unique flavor, unlike anything I tasted before. It has tender chicken bits (which I believe was lightly fried), glass noodles (sotanghon), garlic, cilantro, potato balls and swig of coconut milk. The best way to describe its tastes is that it's a cross between our local La Paz Batchoy and the Thai Tom Yum Goong without the sourness. Some might get offended with the garlic chunks (lightly fried) and the generous amount of fresh cilantro (like April) but it was perfectly fine with me. The potato ball offered a surprise treat while sipping the hot soup. This dish, unlike the Chicken Sate, merits an applause for the taste, unique flavor, serving (good for two!) and price.
The Milk Tea April had was again mediocre. It's better off preparing one yourself with a Lipton Teabag and milk. One thing I do love about the place is the service. Right from our arrival and during our meal the waiters were right there anticipating our every want and need. All in all we didn't get the "Indo fix" we were hoping for. If you know a place or a resto that serves real good Indonesian cuisine, let us know and if time (and budget) permits, we will feature it here.
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