Jaya Agung for satay on the cheap<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): This week we check out one of the oldest
\nestablished (1972) satay restaurants in Jakarta which to this day
\nremains a highly popular choice for cheap eats.<\/p>\n
Jaya Agung, Jl. Wahid Hasyim No. 56c, Central Jakarta (on the
\ncorner of Jl. Sabang, next to the Djakarta Theater building and
\nacross from Sarinah Thamrin).<\/p>\n
Open: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.<\/p>\n
What's it got: As a warung (roadside restaurant) with solid
\nwalls, the menu is somewhat restricted, but seems to be just the
\nticket for the Jaya Agung's regular patrons. The list of goodies
\navailable is dominated by goat dishes (and not very juvenile goat
\neither, it would appear), with such staples as East Javanese-
\nstyle sate kambing (goat satay), sate hati kambing (goat liver
\nsatay), soto Madura (a clear soup consisting of various parts of
\nthe beast, including the lungs, intestines and liver -- not for
\nthe faint-hearted, perhaps), and gulai kambing (a kind of lightly
\nspiced goat curry).<\/p>\n
For the non-goat eater, there are also soto ayam (light
\nchicken soup), and sop kaki sapi (beef shank soup) available. As
\nto be expected, rice and lontong (rice steamed in banana leaves)
\nround off the menu.<\/p>\n
All the usual soft drinks are on offer and each meal is served
\nwith a glass of complimentary hot, but rather watery, tea. Beer
\nis also available (served with ice!).<\/p>\n
Price Points: Ten sticks of sate kambing for a reasonable Rp
\n11,000, gulai kambing for Rp 6,000 per serving, soto Madura and
\nthe other soups at Rp 6,000 per serving, and, finally, both rice
\nand lontong coming in at Rp 1,500 per serving.<\/p>\n
Looks: Well, not very impressive, to say the least. Could do
\nwith a lick of paint and a bit of a scrub but quite clean overall
\n(surprising given the fact that the staff seem to be run off
\ntheir feet 90 percent of the time). Of course, forget about air-
\nconditioning and other little luxuries (also, go to the restroom
\nbefore you leave home as they don't have one). But, what the
\nheck! This a basic, traditional eating-house and the regular
\naficionados don't seem to mind. Food is what is on their minds!<\/p>\n
Popular with: Office workers from Jl. Thamrin, shop workers,
\npassersby, backpackers from the tourist haven of Jl. Jaksa, just
\nabout everybody, in fact.<\/p>\n
Taste Factor: Rather disappointing, truth to tell. The sate
\nkambing was far too undercooked (probably due to the fact that
\nthe staff were so busy) and had to be sent back for a second
\nattempt. The goat meat was also somewhat tough (definitely far
\nfrom being kid) -- not recommended for those of us with false
\nteeth! On top of that, the rice seemed to be particularly plagued
\nby small stones (a common problem in warung everywhere) -- not
\nrecommended for those of us with real teeth!<\/p>\n
But there were no complaints about the sop kaki sapi, gulai
\nkambing or soto Madura, all of which were pronounced delicious by
\nour party of three diners.<\/p>\n
Minus Points: As the Jaya Agung is open fronted, there is a
\nproblem with smoke blowing from where the satay sticks are being
\nbroiled, not to mention the noise and air pollution from busy Jl.
\nWahid Hasyim in front. There are also frequently teams of beggars
\nhanging around the area.<\/p>\n
The service can also be erratic as there are frequently not
\nenough waiters to serve the large number of hungry diners. And do
\nremember to watch out for those small stones if you don't want to
\nbe paying an unexpected call on your dentist!<\/p>\n
Verdict: Nothing more and nothing less than is to be expected
\nfrom a Jakarta warung -- food served (normally) quickly and
\ncheaply to the masses. No frills on hand, but no exorbitant and
\nunwanted pecuniary demands on your pocket either. (Bill Blade)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jaya-agung-for-satay-on-the-cheap-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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