Pondok Laguna, located at the Ground Floor of Crown Square, Kuching is an Indonesian restaurant that serves many mouth-watering traditional and authentic Indonesian cuisine. For those of you who thrive on igniting your taste buds with anything spicy, this is the place for you.
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The interior is simple, with some decorations reflecting the Indonesian culture. A bit dimmed though for the lighting mimics the pelita. |
I have made numerous trips back to this place since I was first introduced to it last year. For I am a hot & spicy food lover, the food ordered is mostly spicy. Real spicy, I must emphasize.
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| Sate Campur (Mixed Satay) - Lamb, Chicken & Beef |
Sate Campur is not something that I will recommend. Each satay actually has its own gravy, hence, when the gravy for the lamb, chicken and beef satay get mixed together, you won't be able to taste the distinct flavour of each. Go for individual sate doused with individual sauce instead.
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| Ikan Kerapu Bakar |
The ikan kerapu was perfectly grilled and the chilli sauce was sweet and so spicy that it could burn your lips. Just one word to describe it...SEDAPPPPP (delicious)! It has been a 'must-order' on my every visit.
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| Paku Belacan |
Paku is wild fern in English while Belacan is the shrimp paste. When the two are combined, the result is: Yummy! This paku was perfectly stir-fried, just how I like it to be. Firm and crunchy, the taste and texture were testament enough to its freshness.
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| Belado Terung (Salted Brinjal with Chilli Sauce) |
Yet another spicy dish, the belado terung. Taken while it is still hot could stimulate the nerve endings in your mouth and tongue. Then slowly, you could feel beads of perspiration forming. :D
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| Ayam Betutu (Chicken Cooked with Herb Bali Style) |
The herbs blended so well with the chicken, and together, they guaranteed you more complex flavours. It was rather dry though.
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| Teppan Sambal Belacan Hasil Laut (Sizzling Pan Seafood) |
Cuttlefish ring, small prawns, fish are the seafood you will find in the sizzling pan when you order this dish. And..Oh my, it was truly appetizing! The sauce was flavourful, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Simply irresistible!
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| Lumpia |
Lumpia or spring rolls come in 5 pieces per plate. I don't know what is the filling. Everything was so finely minced and well-combined that I couldn't tell what the individual ingredients are. I'll make a mental note to ask the next time I pop by the place. These spring rolls tasted good. The rolls were crispy on the outside and were not oily.
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| Gado-gado |
Gado-gado is an Indonesian vegetable salad (blanched kangkung and bean sprouts, fried tofu, tempe and emping) served with peanut sauce dressing. The vegetables might vary. If you like Indian rojak, you are going to like this.
If you are planning for some events to celebrate or to just have simple meals with family and friends, do consider Pondok Laguna. You won't regret. That is if you're a hot-and-spicy food lover.
