Simpang Asia

I've never been to Indonesia, so Simpang Asia in Los Angeles was my journey  there by palate rather than by plane. 

Fried calamari for $10.50 are an easy choice for a starter, especially for a group who has never ventured into Indonesian cuisine. Nicely fried and not greasy, it was a good way to start the journey abroad.

Uduk Jakarta for $14.95 is Indonesian version fried chicken with crispy tofu, coconut rice, Simpang Sambal, and vegetables (that is raw cabbage in the picture). There was a crispy sprinkling of fried garlic and an addictive crunchy topping on the fried chicken that made it addictive.

When this dish arrived, we had to ask our waiter what it was...it is the dumplings we ordered! Cut up and smothered in a sauce atop cut up cabbage, this was not at all what we anticipated. It was my least favorite dish of the evening; a bit bland and soft, with nothing that made my taste buds say, "Hmmm".

Rice noodles are always a favorite, and if you are already familiar with Thai or Chinese dishes that use rice noodles, try the Indonesian version Kwetiaw Goreng for $11.95 with bean sprouts, Chinese greens and egg. The flavors are similar but vary just enough to let you know it is neither Thai nor Chinese, just simply delicious.

Nasi Bungkus is sampler of many flavors wrapped up in a gift wrap of a banana leaf. For $15.50, you get chicken curry, coconut beef steak, sambal egg, vegetable curry and rice wrapped in a banana leaf. It's easily enough for 2 people and the fragrant aromas when you unwrap your gift will be a present in and of itself!

Salted fish fried rice $12.50 was the surprise hit of the evening! I wanted it but thought that no one else at the table would be interested, so I was hesitant to even suggest it. Of course my food loving friends said, "Let's get it!" and everyone loved it so much we nearly ordered a second order! It had just enough of the comforting salty flavor in the rice that it was not overbearing, so it was a perfect compliment to the the more fragrant dishes on the menu.

They offer delivery, so if you are not coming in with a large group to share many dishes as I did, you can do the sharing at home (or not). The service is very efficient and friendly, and although the place is in a mini mall at a very busy corner intersection, they do offer valet parking. Simpang definitely whet my appetite for more Indonesian cuisine.