Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant along Tanjong Pagar Road is an unassuming restaurant among the big names of Korean Restaurant since either its right or left, there are many of them. I am sure most who visit the Korean Restaurant in the vicinity, even if you have passed by them would easily missed them.
For me, I may have noticed them, but never once planned for a visit until this time. It was suggested by someone who have been there previously.
Our friend got a table at the second floor and as we were about to hit the stairs, the owner stopped us and insisted that we order our drinks before going up. She said don’t expect them to go up just to get our drinks’ order. I felt that was an absurd reason. They didn’t even bother to hand us the menu but rattled a few drinks and expected us to order from the named. Anyhow, we placed our order. First impression was poor.
Since our friend is a regular at the restaurant, he placed the order before we arrived which we felt was a good move.
Sate Madura ($9 per stick), a chicken dish, was the highly recommended item. It was an humongous stick as compared to our local version. We love the tender meat with smokiness flavour cum a complementing sweetish dark sauce. We love it.
Followed by 2 Rendang dishes. First was the Kambing Rendang ($24). I find it a little far too sweet for my palate to tolerate. Spice was sufficient to mask the gamey taste of mutton.
Personally, I prefer the Sapi Rendang ($24). Beef meat was fork-tender soft and was slanted towards the savoury spectrum which I prefer.
Cumi Bali ($28 or seasonal price) is yet another highly recommended dish. Though there are some glazing on the Squid, the flavour didn’t penetrate beyond the skin. As they used large squid, as such the meat was relatively tough and too chewy. Overall, I felt mediocre. However diners at the table sang praises of this dish.
Ikan Bakar ($30) is also another dish adored by the diners of the night. Instead of having Otah or fish alone, could be boring. They innovate it by combing the 2, as a result the homemade otah layered over the fish. The fish offered a more substantial texture to the Otah. A pity, the fish was not strong in flavour hence the otah masked the fish entirely.
We got 2 plates of vegetable, a spicy one, the Kang Kong ($18) and a non-spicy, Bayam ($18) which is Baby Spinach.
From the vibrant green colour, one could easily associate them with fresh. And indeed, it is.
Cumi Bali Es Cendol ($4 per cup) is the only dessert at the Indonesian Restaurant. We love the gula melaka, however, as they used packed coconut, it somehow spoiled the flavour.
Lastly, when the clock struck 9.30pm, per their closing time stated, they came to us and chase us out. I was shocked at such rude behaviour. Absolutely ridiculous service.
NAHMJ Verdict
Food is only above average and certainly over-priced and what’s worst is the atrocious service. With such an formula, the result is I won’t return.
Cumi Bali Indonesian Restaurant
66, Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088487
Tel: +65 6220 6619 or 9385 211
Website: http://www.cumibali.com/About%20Us.html
Opening Hours
Mondays – Saturdays, and Public Holidays 1130 to 1430, 1800 to 2130 | Sundays 1800 to 2130
Getting There
By MRT:
- North-South Line -Tanjong Pagar station
- North East line – Outram Park station
By Bus:
- alight at the bus stop either before Wallich Road or after Craig Road 80, 145
Rating: 6/10
