Indonesia in NYC
As we walk along 9th ave, can you believe we have just landed in Indonesia? We enter Bali Nusa Indahto see a small space with a small bar and a narrow dining room, but the most impressive site is a colorful Balinese tribal mask which greets us. Although a bit scary at first, the staff is incredibly reassuring and friendly. Inside, the decor reflects the crafts of Indonesia-Balinese tribal masks, batiks and more while the food is incredible good and reflects the many influences of Indonesia food.
If you are not familiar, you may be wondering, what is Indonesian cuisine? Coconut milk is liberally used and the food’s enlivening flavorings include chiles, coriander, garlic, pepper, lemongrass, tamarind, and ginger. The best way to experience the varied flavors is check out the rijsttafel(rice table) at Bali Nusa Indah.
Rijsttafel is a little bit of everything within many small plates (starting back way before the current fad). The banquet should be shared among multiple people and it really was more than sufficient for two.
Dishes included:
- Silky chicken broth with bits of chicken, rice noodles, slices of hard boiled eggs and lemons
- Mixed salad with a light peanut dressing
- Tender barbecued chicken satay
- Six assorted meat, fish and vegetables as “main courses” which were served with rice:Lamb curry, which was well spiced and tender
- Beef simmered with coconut milk and chilies which was yummy
- Red snapper filet in a spicy soy bean sauce which was tangy
- The sautéed eggplant was doused with chili sauce and delish
- The stir fried spicy hot shrimp and string beans was tasty
- Krupuk Udang shrimp crackers had a lot of crunch
Finally, dessert was steamed coconut cream custard and palm sugarFinally, dessert was steamed coconut cream custard and palm sugarFinally, dessert was steamed coconut cream custard and palm sugar.
In addition to the Rijsttafel, there is an extensive menu that is very descriptive and includes broiled, barbecued, or stir-fried chicken & beef complete with chili, peanut, curry, or rich soy sauces. Harmoniously paired with seafood are lemongrass, black bean, and chili sauces. They really have all of the flavors, textures and tastes of Indonesia right in NYC.
Not sure what country we may land in next week, but stay tuned and keep on eating & exploring!
Susan Birnbaum is the owner and operator of SusanSez NYC Walkabouts. She is a personable, witty New Yorker with a passion for the city’s incredible history.
Susan takes you to quirky neighborhoods throughout NYC, crafting unique experiences full of interesting stories and tasty treats. Her love for the city of New York is infectious – even Native New Yorkers get new perspectives on a SusanSez Walkabout!
She offers well-organized, but non-scripted NY tours. Susan doesn’t mind poking a little fun on historic figures or herself.
Susan has held a license as an NYC Sightseeing Guide by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs since 2002. She is a on the board of directors for Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), the oldest and most active tour guides associations in America.
She is also a member of NYC & Company (NYCGo.com), the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization of the City of New York, and an active member of the Bronx, Brooklyn and New York Historical Societies. Susan is also a docent for the Museum of the City of New York.
Learn more about SusanSez NYC Walkabouts: www.susansez.com
