Garamerica

Intro: Hidden local Indonesian gem produces a hit with their Ayam Bakar

Details: 230 Dorcas St Melbourne, 3205 (03) 9696 2192

Surroundings: Simple, wooden theme- polished floorboards and furniture, red walls with traditional artworks, casual atmosphere that lets you appreciate the food.

Liquid consumption: Traditional Sweet Iced Tea was a winner and went well with the spices.

Entree: Tempe Goreng Tepung– Thinly sliced Tofu pieces/Soya Bean Cake dipped with seasoned flour then deep fried. Nothing I’ve ever tasted and was excellent. Crunchy exterior, soft and fluffy filling with a great seasoning – sweet chili dipping sauce optional. Sate Chicken Skewers- served with satay peanut sauce. The chicken was moist and nicely barbecued.

Main: Ayam Bakar (Grilled Chicken) with rice was definitely the highlight. The chicken so juicy and well marinated that you can taste the abundance of flavours of garlic, lemongrass, coconut milk, cumin and lime teaming up with the finger licken sweet soy and crispy skin. Side condiments are chili paste and a hot/sour soup. By the time you’re done with this, you’ll be begging for more.

Sop Buntut ( ox tail soup)- This is similar to my favourite Filipino dishes Kare Kare and Sinigang that both use ox tail. What was once so rare and cheap in the markets, Ox Tail is widely used in many Asian cuisines. When cooked correctly (which takes hours of boiling), the meat should be tender and juicy.  Garamerica pulls his dish off quite well. The broth is hearty with hints of garlic and ginger with generous amounts of ox tail and the celery and tomato added towards the end of the cooking process allowing them to remain crisp.

Dessert: No room

Bring a date here? The wine selection is reasonable and the atmosphere on a weeknight is intimate. So, yes.

Night out with friends here? Casual and sociable atmosphere with bars and other hangouts along Clarendon for after dinner drinks like The Butterfly Room, Groove Train and Honey. Yes.

Service: Prompt and polite. No need to ask for water.

$$$: This place is cheap for the value it delivers. Mains start from $9.90 and Drinks 2.50

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 8

Just like tapas, share this: