Devon Cafe, All the Way from Surry Hills to Senayan

'Whaattt?!? Devon’s coming to Jakartaaa?? Wooo..YEEAAAHHH!' That’s prolly the perfect representative of my first expression when knowing Devon finally established its presence in our beloved capital city, taking place at Senayan City. If you used to dine in Zhuma, that’s exactly the space where Devon put its premiere footsteps. 

Totally distinctive from its Surry Hills outlet in Sydney, which was more into home-alike design, this one was typical mall cafe with quite limited space, though they’re still able to provide both indoor and outdoor spaces. As expected, the cafe was pretty packed with people especially during weekend brunch time since I believed many people were highly curious to try this new place, particularly with its high reputation in Sydney. Let alone the ones that have tried it in Sydney or even its loyal consumers there, I believed they’re just as hyper-excited as me to figure out if the ‘local Devon’ would be as good or not. 

White (IDR 36k)

Offering Devon’s unique blend, there’s no reason to skip it. Well, honestly speaking the Sydney’s version of Devon’s cap was slightly too light for my liking. Nevertheless, I was just curious how this one would turn out. 

Overall it’s okay-ish though bluntly said nothing distinctive too call out. Those fancying the light body for their coffee might love this one though ;)

Surry Hills Iced Tea (IDR 35k)

Surry Hills! Exactly the area where Devon resided in Syd. Smart idea to pick this name, and indeed quite catchy one. Stating it in simpler way, it’s mainly tea mixed with wild berry and orange. Despite the tea was the boldest element in the glass, the refreshing wild berry and orange could be strongly tasted as well. Although I still thought it’s a bit overpriced, I loved how the drink being so unique that I believed sooner or later the idea would be copied by others. 

Ragu alla Sichuanese (IDR 95k)

It’s quite tough when it came to time for deciding which main courses to order. So many of them in the menu my sister and I wanted to try, yet unfortunately our tummies were to tiny to afford them all. We did our hyper-quick spy-style research, observing what’s on the tables surrounding us and basically we found out almost all of them had this spaghetti-based dish. Skimming through the menu, we figured out it’s actually this Ragu alla Sichuanese, which from the description looked like Chinese-style cuisine especially the dynamic duo of  Dan-dan sauce and Sichuan pepper. 

The dish did smell and look extremely good when landed on the table. That 63-degree egg was flawlessly executed that when I just sliced it, the runny yolk burst out beautifully, seemed to be more than ready to be blended with the minced beef and mozzarella. The spaghetti was cooked al dente and the portion was highly fulfilling and I even preferred to share. All the dressings were more than enough, including the toppings in terms of quantity. Taste wise, it’s surprisingly more into curry flavor than Sichuan for my palate. Making it a little saltier would definitely make it more scrumptious. One tips, mix everything well prior to enjoying it so you could have every single element of the dish in one go. 

Breakfast with the Sakuma’s (IDR 180k)

Saving the main actor for the climax of the show, hereby I presented my all-time favorite menu in Devon, the one that got me first fall for Devon and still stayed as my number one there, Breakfast with the Sakuma’s! If in Syd it might cost around AUD 26, here in Jakarta this ‘champion-breakie’ menu was sold at around 30% cheaper *yeaaayyyy!*. 

This must-try colorful dish featured the uber tender miso grilled king salmon as the main protein. Perfectly cooked till pale pink, and best enjoyed with the yolk of the 63-degree egg, the mayo, and the furikake (seaweed mix); a feast of different succulent flavors in one bite. Another one not to be forgotten was the crispy golden brown eel croquette, which seemed to play the carbo role in the dish. Not sure if it’s the same here, but in the original outlet you could order additional portion of this croquette ;). Completing the set, you would also get the healthy sides of petite radish salad so you got your protein, carbo, and vitamin altogether <3. 

Sum everything up, I was so delighted Devon’s now just car-ride away and I needn’t fly 5500km to be able to enjoy my fave Sakuma. I would certainly coming back real soon for the other dishes. See you Devon!

Taste: 8/10

Place: 7/10

Service: 7.5/10

Price: 7.5/10

Thanks for reading! :)

DEVON CAFE

Address: Senayan City LG - Crystal Lagoon, Jakarta

Phone: (+62 21) 7278 1590

Operating Hours: Mon - Sun 9.30am - 10pm

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On Lok Yun [BANGKOK]

A fan of Singaporean-style breakie? Yeppp that all-time favorite soft boiled eggs and toast. Located in the same region of Southeast Asia, apparently Bangkok did serve those demanding this morning delicacy. One of the well-known old-style ones was On Lok Yun, residing not to distant to the city center, but couldn’t really be said as the center of the crowd. The buildings next to it were simply like old shophouses selling various kinds of products. 

I wasn’t sure how long this place had been there, but I was really sure it’s been standing for years, since the Milo cans displayed on its shelves did tell me that fact from their faded colors. 

Looking like a very traditional family business, the place was a very humble one with simple seatings and big kitchen at the back, which looked extremely busy during the opening hours. The stall was such early-bird, opening since 5am in the morning everyday. Since this type of dishes were indeed more suitable for breakie, it did close pretty early at 4pm.  Well, starting the day earlier did make them deserved ending it earlier, wasn’t it? ;)

I was quite sure the lady serving me was one of the owners, and for me her hospitality was first-class! She tried her best communicating with me in English despite I could tell she wasn’t that fluent. She even came up with some recommendations on what were the must-haves knowing that I was a tourist, including briefing me how I should enjoy my order best. 

One iconic fact I found here, the place seemed to be very famous among tourists visiting Bangkok. They even had Thai menu and dedicated English menu. Another interesting one, no matter what you ordered, you would always get the free tea served to start your meal set.

French Toast (Small - THB 35 / Large - THB 70)

First one landed on the table was this French Toast, which looked totally different with what I earlier had in my imagination. I was having bread coated in butter and toasted, accompanied by several toppings as the companions. Nevertheless, it looked more like a toasted egg-coated bread, but surprisingly I finally figured out that other places in Thailand did have similar type of French Toast, which I did meet in my hotel breakfast. OK no further complaint then, it might be their style indeed which simply wasn’t for my palate LOL. 

Bread with Kaya (THB 25)

Hands up for those who loved Kaya!! Yesss that infamous egg and coconut mixture in the form of spreads, some made it thicker while some thinner. Some loved stronger coconut flavor, whereas the other wanted something more ‘eggy’. On Lok Yun had its own version, which my palate felt like being at the balanced level of coconut and egg taste as neither of them going stronger and overcoming the other. The texture was pretty thin, and it went well, mixed with milk when served. I wasn’t sure if it’s evaporated milk or not, but I was just trying to make my wild guess based on what I tasted. 

The spotlight owner was surely the super moist and fluffy bread which I couldn’t stop munching ever since I took my first piece. It’s so soft like cotton that I could feel it melt in my mouth. As they served it already diced-cut, it became like easily eaten sweet delight. Oh geez I could imagine having this while watching movies. I could say bye to my big-crush popcorn LOL. 

Iced Thai Coffee (THB 25)

Having had liters of Thai Tea I guessed in just couple of days, I chose to try their coffee so I could get myself exposed to the real Thai Coffee as well. This old-style coffee mixed with both condensed and evaporated milk, was quite refreshing one, with bold coffee flavor yet fortunately not acidic at all. It might suit best those who didn’t like their coffee being sweet, but for me I expected it to be slightly sweeter. Other than that, it’s surely lovely to accompany the sweet bread, giving the right balance to the overall taste. 

This iconic place was doubtlessly must-visit! No wonder it’s so packed and having high turnover, not only visited by tourists but also locals. Authentic Thai taste and experience to be enjoyed <3.

Taste: 7.5/10

Place: 6.5/10

Service: 8.5/10

Price: 8.5/10

Thanks for reading! :)

ON LOK YUN

Address: 72 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

Phone: (+66) 2223 9621

Operating Hours: Mon - Sun 5am - 4pm

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Thip Samai, the Best Pad Thai in Lifetime [BANGKOK]

Thanks to the internet, allowing information to be accessed very easily, from anyone regardless you know them in person or not and how far you were separated. I did feel the benefit so real, taking the simplest example, my sudden weekend plan!

Just view clicks away, I got my itinerary set while I was on my way to the airport. Yes you heard me right, being so hectic in last few days, getting myself fall asleep in front of my laptop, and simply having no dedicated time to arrange any schedule. But let’s escape from the routines for awhile and simply enjoy the weekend vibes. 

Back to the topic, basically not visiting Thailand for years already, making me want to eat the signature local dishes badly. Well, undeniably Pad Thai was on my top three. Hence, I tried to find the most recommended one and finally Thip Samai came up as the winner. 

It’s said to be preferred by both locals and tourists. No wonder, when I arrived there, from far away I could already notice the spot looking at the long queue in front of the restaurant. FYI, I was there at almost 10pm and I guessed I had 25-30 people in front of me, mostly the ones coming in big groups. I could see the nationality did vary from overhearing the language they spoke. I was lucky that it indeed opened till 2am in the morning so definitely I could still get my turn despite the long queue. Actually, they started opening quite late afternoon as they intended to serve dinner. Another good fact, please don’t lose your interest as I mentioned long queue; since the turnover was pretty fast and I guessed it took me less than 30-minute with those abundant number of people coming before me.

The restaurant looked more touristy than I thought, as I earlier imagined it would be petite traditional stall with no air-cond and nothing fancy. In fact, they had huge space with some areas being full air-conditioned and they did give extra charge for those sitting there LOL. There’s dedicated space like tiny shop, where they sold some of their ingredients like the signature Pad Thai sauce, as well as simple gifts. They had the wall-pictures as well as video showing the history of the place from the establishment till its current stage. I felt like being in a museum already ;)

Superb Pad Thai (THB 90)

The menu was pretty simple, offering the basic Pad Thai, Pad Thai with Shrimp and Egg, and the recommended Superb Pad Thai. Funny enough they called it superb, which indeed made it sound catchy. Simply translated, it’s the special Pad Thai  wrapped in fried egg and mixed with veggies and fresh prawns. You might go for bigger portion of prawns with additional charge, but this was already fulfilling for me. 

You would get the impeccably chewy and super fresh prawns accompanying the flavorful glass noodles. The texture was more into soggy and the noodles were perfectly soft. I loved enjoying it in my ‘own mix’, adding the chili flakes and soft-grounded nuts they provided on the table. The beansprout and leek served as the sides, gave let you add crunchy touch into the overall dish. That Pad Thai sauce was surely ‘da bomb’, blending sweet, sour, and savory into a sync. Yummm to bits <3. 

Orange Juice (THB 140 - might vary across time)

Don’t miss to try their homemade orange juice, which at first you would surely think pricey, but after getting sip would 180-degree transform your perception. It’s like enjoying sweet freshly-squeezed oranges with giant pulps still mixed in it. Well, I’ve had similar kind of drink in many other places in prior, but honestly none served the pulp in this size. It might be more costly than your meal, but what I could say was you would regret not trying ;). Now I understood why I spotted so many guests packed them home. Just a reminder, the price might change across time.

Thanks to all who’ve recommended this place. I was so lucky trusting your reference and able to taste best Pad Thai I’d ever had in lifetime!!

Taste: 9/10
x

Place: 7/10
Service: 8.5/10
Price: 8/10

Thanks for reading! :)

THIP SAMAI

Address: 313-315 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Thailand

Phone: (+66) 222 66666 / (+66) 222 16280

Operating hours: Mon - Sun 5pm - 2am

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Verve Coffee Bar & Boulangerie at The Breeze

The Breeze, this ‘open-air mall or food center’ (up to you how you wanna called it), has been one of my most visited places ever since my office moved to BSD and located right across it. At first it’s pretty quiet there, having limited numbers of resto and cafe, giving only few choices for me to opt for. Nonetheless, the development can be said as quite fast (despite it’s followed with quick turnover of outlets as well), being a quite packed space already with tons of selections to dine in. 

Now that it even had IMAX, more and more ‘food suppliers’ raised their interest in establishing their outlet here and the place indeed got more and more crowded across time. Last weekend, when my sister and I were too lazy going anywhere far (also adding the fact that it seemed not really that safe going to malls lately), we decided just heading to The Breeze to check if there’s any cozy place to stop by. When I was still busy looking at my dining-guide app, I noticed the banner of Verve, forming a line at the entry gate of The Breeze. 

Asking my sister if she’s aware of this newly opened cafe, apparently she’s known it but hasn’t had the chance to pay a visit as well. WOW! Such lucky coincidence that we’re looking for a place to dine in then suddenly the answer came easily. Giving you the easy guide, basically it’s located across the XXI, or next to the car park. I recalled seeing this place when I played bowling at the Spin City several weeks ago. 

  

The outer appearance was quite catchy, looking like a European-style petite cafe. Entering the venue, it’s bit freezing as indeed it’s been raining quite heavily since earlier in the morning. The interior was more into classic and elegant tone with white and gold touch being combined. Like typical Western-style patisserie, all the dishes sold were there sitting nicely at the order counter, were not only ready to give you gigantic temptation, but also to make you most times emotionally buy them. Well at least sweet tooth like me never skipped ‘the trap’. 

Looking at the menu when I was about to make my order, I noticed they were also a catering and even their focus seemed to be more on the bulky order for both the savory main courses and sweet endings. So seemed like this petite cafe acted as the ‘testing point’ to get you to your ‘real order’. Trying to find more info, Verve's actually not a new comer in F&B industry as they'd been 'playing' for awhile in this particular world, starting their existence in Semarang.

For my weekend brunch, I picked those ‘seduction’ in front of my naked eyes, which had made me gone through the tough time in making my final decision on what’s to land on the table. You needn’t worry that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your food while they’re warm as anyway you could request them being re-heated. 

Chocolate Cheese Tart (IDR 10k)

Not want to be missing out of the on-going hype of cheese tart, Verve did serve trio of them including original, chocolate, and smoked beef. The choc one I tried was pleasant with super thin crust as the base and sweet creamy dark choc as the main flavor. I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but surely worth to try. 

Bacon and Cheese Doughnut (IDR 20k)

The pretty one enticing me from the very first time was this shiny doughnut. As if it tried to match the sunshine, it did shine bright sitting among the others with its yellow color. My decision to pick it as my savory one was never wrong. It’s indeed so good having abundant cheese on top of the gorgeous doughnut. The salty taste seemed to well complement the crunchy yummy bacons which were generously served as well. Yum yummmm!

Peanut Butter Doughnut (IDR 20k)

My center of weakness, Mr. PB!! Knowing it’s there, I surely didn’t wanna miss it. Moreover, the presentation was flawless, making it drive bigger temptation. It’s like heaven on earth enjoying thick peanut butter on my O-ring, well blended with light touch of chocolate. Voilaaaa <3. 

Assorted Cookies (IDR 5k)

At the end of the order point, you could spot some glass jars with various cookies inside them. Looking at the price, I felt like ‘WOW! This was the chance try as I was such a cookie monster just like Elmo!’. Taking two of them, Peanut and Cranberry, I loved the latter better despite the first one was pretty good. It might be sort of preference, as the first was more into crunchy while the second was more like soft cooke though the texture wasn’t that soggy. The cranberry was adorable as it’s not overly sweet and felt like melting milk powder in your mouths. 

Hot Cappuccino (IDR 45k)

For sure such meals wouldn’t be complete without coffee to accompany them. So I opted for hot cap, also to get my daily caffeine dose fulfilled. I was thinking if they did cross-subsidization as the drinks were relatively pricey. 

My Hot Cap was bit acidic and I guessed the beans were dark-roasted, as the aroma and flavor seemed to tell that story. It wasn’t bad, yet my coffee preference was not really into that kind of smokey flavor. Great news for the ‘free-hunters’, for any purchase of coffee they offered free Mini Croissant worth IDR 10k, such a perfect pairing, wasn’t it? You could even did grab-and-go for this very quickly. The lovely flaky pastry would be awesome choice for filling in the tummy. 

Cold Avocado Coffee (IDR 25k)

Displayed right at the checkout counter, the bottled drinks were another ones attracting you to add more into your ‘basket’. My interest went to the Avocado Coffee, which wasn’t like thick avocado juice added with espresso shot, but this was more into the one already blended and served in much thinner texture. Briefly said, it’s succulent and very suitable if you’re in the mood for avocado coffee yet you’re demanding for lighter version. Seemed like it just got another new loyal fan here ;)

In a nutshell, I loooveeed the place, being simple yet chic. Yeah it might be not the best place for working, but for hangout or chillin’ it’s simply flawless! Most importantly, everything served was decent yet very affordable. As they had tons of sweets among the ones served, the place was just SO ME!!

Taste: 7.5/10

Place: 7.5/10

Service: 8/10

Price: 8/10

Thanks for reading! :)

VERVE COFFEE BAR & BOULANGERIE

Address: The Breeze Unit Lake Level L59 A&B, BSD, Tangerang

Phone: (+62 21) 8064 0071

Operating Hours: Mon - Sun 8am - 7pm

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