Cali Deli & Madame Ching Surabaya Menteng — Restaurant in Jakarta

My first visit here was very disappointing. I came on a Sunday morning at around 9:45 AM, based on Google, which stated the opening time was 9:00 AM. However, when I arrived, the gate was still closed. I took the initiative to open it myself and entered the restaurant, which already had an “OPEN” sign.

Despite this, no waiters approached me to take my order. I had to ask if they were open, and they informed me that they weren’t ready yet and that orders could only be placed after 10:15 AM. In the end, I left without ordering. Please update your operational hours if they are not accurate.

Yesterday, I had a chance to visit for dinner and I had high expectations when trying the pho at this restaurant, especially considering the price of IDR 100K per bowl. Unfortunately, my experience was a bit disappointing.

First, the pho was served in a melamine bowl, which did not retain heat well. Since pho is best enjoyed hot, it was disappointing that the soup cooled down too quickly before I could finish it. The pho actually tastes quite good.

Second, the waiter did not inform me that there was an additional charge IDR 30K for extra vegetables condiment (basil, coriander leaves, onion, etc). While, in most pho restaurants in Jakarta, especially those located in malls, vegetables are usually free to take as much as you like. For a premium price, I expected better service and presentation.

What I really love is their Cali Deli banh mi—it’s absolutely delicious! I would definitely come back just for that. The banh mi is very fresh—the baguette is super crunchy, and the meat is quite generous and well-seasoned. It’s...

Being able to dine in a restaurant is a luxury I've been taking for granted. As a foodie, I was devastated that due to COVID19, dining in was restricted and I have no option other than complying.When the restriction loosen, I couldn't be happier. Observing health protocol, I went to this restaurant to have a decent meal. Cali Deli/Madame Ching is located in Jalan Surabaya, just next door to a renowned instagramable coffee shop. Cali Deli offers a wide array of unique Vietnamese cuisine from Vietnamese starters, spring roll to its renowned soup, pho and Vietnamese coffee. It’s quite rare for me to actually get some food in a Vietnamese restaurant as my encyclopedia of Vietnamese cuisine on centers around pho.

I had the chance to visit Cali Deli a few month ago. The outside interior was simple, a lot of ornaments were hung at the wall, and they have couches with cozy cushions. Though I don’t think it would be that appealing to the so called “milennials”. Their turkey banh mi, spring roll and Vietnamese coffee were my choices to fill me up that day.The turkey banh mi was so simple yet so rich of turkey flavor. The spring roll with the tropical sauce was such a unique appetizer. By tropical sauce I mean an image of pineapples would illuminate in your mind in each bite. In each half of the spring roll, you'll either get a piece of crab meat or prawn.

Overall Madame Ching's was a unique Vietnamese restaurant. I'll surely visit another time to explore any other food they offer.

Cheers! #BondEats...

Cali Deli Madame Ching Cikini Central Jakarta January 2020

Cali Deli Love for 60 K IDR++

Banh Mi (the Vietnamese word for bread) is more colloquially used to refer to a variety of savoury sandwiches which i find tend to be nicer than most other sandwiches because of the amount of vegetables they usually incorporate. Naturally, the fact that they have that really great combination of crunchy baguette skin with a soft soft center - which soaks up all the juices from both the meat component as well as the pickled vegetables - really allows you to experience so many layers of flavours and textures in every bite.

This rendition is made with soft and juicy black pepper beef which clearly exemplifies the quality of both the basic ingredients as well as the treatment of the ingredients. The beef was soft and juicy, it was well marinated, and it just mixed so deliciously with the rest of the sandwich. The fresh vegetables were great, the pickled ones are amazing, and the sandwich itself is quite sizable - so it really is quite worth it.

Sadly the 45 K++ paradise ice is just okay, but the 50 K++ ice chocolate was great and the cream was also enjoyable although i am not usually a fan of cream, so i did order less of it and i kinda regretted that decision after my first scoop.

All in all, it really was great value for food and the drinks may feel a bit on the expensive side, but some of the drinks are also worth it.

#vietnamesefood #in #jakarta...