REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - The food stall located in Kayu Putih, Pulo Mas, East Jakarta, looks simple. Simply because the food stall is made from blue plastic tent. Nothing stands out if we compare it with other stalls. Yet, as wise men say, less is more. The power comes from a bowl of sayur asem or literally means: soup that tastes sour. This is the favorite food in Warung Engkong, the simple food stall that sell traditional Jakarta cuisine.
Warung Sayur Asem Engkong is managed by Asmawati (53 years) with her six relatives. Opened since 1982, the food stall is a family business. "Originally it was owned by my grandfather," she said.
Asmawati said, she did not add secret ingredients to her soup. "The ingredients are like any other soup alike," she said. But, the taste seems different and tasty, due to traditional green sauce –called sambal.
She put some extra nuts such bambara groundnuts (kacang Bogor –ed) and peanuts into the soup. All the ingredients enrich the taste as it is sour yet tasty and fresh.
She also serves additional menu such as shrimp cracker and fried fish. The crispiness of the cracker compliments the freshness of sayur asem No wonder if the visitors eat here heartily. Hendra Maulana (30 years) said he was addicted to the soup. "It is very delicious," he said.
Siti Rahma (33) could not agree more with him. "I like it. I often buy it if I do not want to cook on my own," Rahma said.
The price of a bowl of the soup is 12.000 IDR. Numerous buyers come every day. Even in only the first five hours since it opens, all of the menus are sold. Then quick… quick…!
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