Question: So why would people pay for something they can easily cook up at home?
While we take some time to ponder over that, the first Indomie-focused eatery IndoBowl has opened in Singapore, located at Sultan Gate near Arab Street.
IndoBowl originated from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia though, not from Indonesia and is not officially Indomie-endorsed. The brand is brought in by halal cafe Royz et Vous (I happen to quite enjoy their pasta.)
Just in case you have never had Indomie before, this is Indonesia’s most popular instant noodles, best known for its Mi Goreng, Soto Mie and Kari Ayam flavours.
It beats me why nobody in Singapore has ever thought of doing this earlier, when Indomie-centric cafes have sprouted at many places.
I was half-hoping it would be like the popular Ropang Plus Plus at Jakarta or serve up the insta-famous Indomie-Sandwich made popular by Dutch Smuggler in Sydney. Yeah, Sydney.
(Photo credit: IndoBowl Facebook)
IndoBowl has made some waves online due to the offering of a mega IndoMie Mumbo Jumbo, priced at $49.90 meant for 3 to 4 pax. In true Insider-video style, the bigger, the better, the more viral.
Smaller dishes such as Indomie Ayam Bakar ($9.90), Indomie Sate Ayam ($9.90), Indomie Ayam Goreng Jawa ($9.90), Indomie Seafood Goren ($10.90), and Indomie Dendeng ($10.90) are available.
Each is available in two styles – Sambal Balado (indicated by a red “B” on the menu) and Sambal Ijo (indicated by a green “H”). The Balado refers to the hot and spicy sauce, while Ijo refers to Indonesian-style green chilli paste.
I was recommended the Indomie Ayam Bakar ($9.90), and truth be told… this was exactly like Indomie with grilled chicken chop and fried egg.
The special element about it was the sambal which was spread generously across the chicken, thankfully it existed or the chicken would have tasted quite bland on its own.
A little suggestion would be to provide options with higher level of spiciness for more shiokness.
Other than Indomie, also available are various permutations of Nasi Goreng topped with ribeye steak, seafood, seafood petai, and grilled chicken.
My Nasi Goreng with Dendeng – thinly sliced beef ($13.90) was quite flavourful, but otherwise marred by keropok that were not-longer crispy (aka lao hong) and was a tad greasy.
With all that said, I think IndoBowl will be able to attract a crowd due to its friendly service, curiosity of diners, and branding. It is always hip checking out a Indomie cafe, yeah?
IndoBowl
39 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198487
Tel: +65 6291 7152
Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Kota88 Restaurant (East Coast Road)
Sama Sama by Tok-Tok (Jewel Changi Airport)
Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House (313 @ Somerset)
Indo Chilli (Zion Road)
LePak At Rayz (Bussorah Street)
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.