Sambara: Where Sundanese Cuisine meets Fine-Dining Atmosphere

Over the past few years, Sundanese food had gained increasing popularity among foodies. The seemingly humble and straightforward dishes proved themselves as extraordinarily addictive and thus many have succumbed to the wholesomeness ever so gladly.

However, the flattering praise above apparently failed to explain the facts behind Sundanese food in general. First of all, Sundanese food indeed only ‘seems’ to be straightforward. In fact the ingredients and process of making Sundanese dishes are rich with complexity.

Second, Sundanese cuisine does not have to be synonymous to low-key dining atmosphere. This is the fact proven correct at the Sambara Restaurant. This sleek, classy dining place had chosen to bring Sundanese cuisine to a whole new level.

Entering the place, you might mistake Sambara as a Japanese or modern fusion restaurant. The earthy, contrasting tones, art deco vibe and carefully placed dining wares certainly give the impression of fine dining. Several traditional elements are displayed, but subtly - blending harmoniously with its surroundings, such as the Cirebon puppet-masks, and the Tasikmalaya crafted umbrellas. The lesehan (eating sans dining chairs) area – a trademark of the Sundanese dining manner, is still available, yet in a more modernized and comfortable version.

The interiors are indeed impressive, but the more eye-catching view is that of Sambara’s food. The restaurant chooses to serve its customers in buffet manner. Rows of half-done delicacies await to be chosen. Just grab a plate and choose what you prefer from the numerous chicken, seafood and non-meat delights. The friendly staff will prepare or re-heat them again for you. The Sambara Restaurant accepts a la carte method as well, though it may not be as exciting as

One of Sundanese cuisine’s important elements is the lalapan- raw and boiled vegetables with a killer sambal condiment. Sambara maintains the vegetable’s freshness by storing them in attractive coolers and there are 4 styles of sambal to choose from.

One item that goes from the buffet display fairly quickly is the Ayam Bakar Madu or Honey Roasted Chicken. In contrast to the Central Javanese takes on sweet hot meals, this golden-brown delicacy does not dwell too much on sweet soy sauce but the fragrant sweetness does seep in well in the tender meat. In addition to this is the Cumi Bakar Saus Karamel, or Roasted Squid with Caramel Sauce which features the squid’s large outer body glazed with the sauce and stuffed with the squid’s savory insides.

“Sambara” means ‘spices’ in Sundanese. That name reveals the restaurant’s attitude towards the usage of spices and it’s definitely not a shy one. Just sample one of its prized dishes, the Gurame Asam Pedas – Spicy and sour Gurame Fish and you’ll see. Get a towel ready ‘cause this is a hot one. Yet, no matter how intense the flare, it’s hard to resist the next mouthful. If prawns are your favorite, give the Udang Karamonaci a try. Large, savory tiger prawns roasted on a skewer will have your tongue doing the salsa in no time.

For the a la carte specialty, you might want to try the fragrant Nasi Klepot, prepared using a traditional anglo stove. This unique rice dish is quite hard to find anywhere, so use this chance wisely.

Sambara Restaurant had worked its case triumphantly. We can safely say that there’s more to Sundanese cuisine than what meets the ignorant eye. Choose this restaurant for your next meal and you’ll see.

Sambara
Jl. Cipete Raya No. 14
Jakarta Selatan 12410, Indonesia
Tel: (62-21) 769 7913