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When it comes to curry rice, I’m not a difficult one to please. After all, what’s not to love about rice and a warm gravy? However, my curiosity was piqued when my colleague brought up the hype around Indonesia Curry Rice at Bendeemer Market & Food Centre. How good could it really be? I just had to try it for myself.
It was my first time at this hawker centre, but I easily spotted Indonesia Curry Rice just from the long queue of office workers, ah mas and ah gongs. The stall opens at 10.45am, so I thought I’d be safe if I arrived at 11am. Sigh, lesson learnt: always be kiasu.
The queue moved relatively fast, and I had reached the front in about 15 to 20 minutes. For first-timers here, the ordering process might be unclear as they do not state the prices on the signboard, but on a small sign typed out in Mandarin at the front.
What I tried at Indonesia Curry Rice
The concept is similar to cai fan (with fewer options), so you needn’t worry too much. I picked out 2 dishes from their signboard, namely the Assam Fish and Rendang Chicken, to pair with my rice and veggies.
To start, I paired the plain rice with Rendang Chicken, Braised Cabbage and a Fried Egg for S$4.50. A classic curry peng combo.
The Rendang Chicken came with a decently large drumstick and 2 pieces of potato. The drumstick was meaty and tender, although lacking a bit in the taste department.
Frankly speaking, I was a little disappointed by the curry itself. It was savoury and mildly spicy, but overall tasted lighter than I expected. It lacked the rich and herby punch I usually associate with a good rendang curry. This was even before I tried the assam fish, so it can’t be that the stronger flavours messed with my taste buds.
I couldn’t find that satisfying kick of flavour I was looking for, but what saved it for me was their chilli paste, which was aromatic and full of umami. Not too spicy, just a tasty accompaniment that elevated the dish.
The hefty serving of braised cabbage was soft, and the light flavour brought out its natural sweetness, which was a nice touch to the otherwise savoury dish.
Ordering a fried egg is a must for me when it comes to curry rice, and this one was fried to perfection—crisp edges and a beautifully runny yolk.
Next, I got the Assam Fish with their signature Nasi Kuning and Beansprouts, which added up to S$6. While in line at Indonesia Curry Rice, I noticed many people ordering this.
Visually, it’s messy and gloopy, the first signs of a delicious curry rice. The nasi kuning, or yellow rice cooked in turmeric and coconut milk, was generously drenched in the assam curry.
The fish itself tasted fresh, and the flesh was satisfyingly tender. It was doused in the Assam curry, which had a slightly thicker consistency than usual.
If there’s one word I would use to describe the Assam curry, it would be tantalising. It was tangy and spicy, with a hint of sweetness all in one dish. In fact, this one was slightly sweeter than others I’ve tried, which balanced out nicely with the tartness of the tamarind taste, giving it a more full-bodied flavour.
The nasi kuning soaked up all the curry perfectly, holding a blend of sweet, spicy, tangy and savoury in every bite. Even on its own, it was fragrant and rich.
I regret not getting it with my rendang chicken as well!
Complementing the flavour-heavy dish was a mountain of beansprouts, crunchy and light to help cut the potential jelak-ness of the curry.
Final Thoughts
Although the Rendang Chicken was pretty meh to me, the Assam Fish is a standout for sure. Perhaps they’ve got tastier dishes that I’ve yet to try. I heard the stingray and beef rendang are also pretty popular with the crowd!
For the price point and generous portions, I’d say it’s pretty worth it. But as a westie, I’m not sure if I would travel all the way for this. Maybe just for the assam fish. However, if you happen to live or work in the area or pass by this hawker centre, I’d definitely recommend that you give Indonesia Curry Rice a try.
Expected damage: S$4.50 – S$15 per pax
