Pondok Jawa Timur

Aston's Specialities was too crowded over at The Cathay and there was a long line of people waiting to dine there, so we decided to get out and walk to Cuppage Centre. En route to the destination, we walked past Pondok Jawa Timur at The Atrium @ Orchard. The pictures caught our attention and we decided to give it a try. Sayur Assam, which was average. It was a tad too sweet and not sour enough for me. It also packed a punch with its spices, definitely not for those who cannot take spicy food.
Ayam penyet - the chicken was crispy but too dry and tough. It could be the one of the worst ayam penyet I ever had. Other places' chicken would be so tender soft that the meat literally fell off the bones. Not this version. The sambal was good, spicy. It also came with tofu and tempeh. No kangkong.
Tauhu telor - the crackers were soft and hard, not crispy at all. The tauhu was ok but the peanut sauce was very thick and sweetish. Not very nice. Either that or we are too used to the version served at Sanur, which seemed to have set the standard for tauhu telor.
Complimentary dessert - some sweet stuff with coconut. I have no idea what they are. Either I left it till too late to eat it or what, because the coconut tasted a bit sour?

This was not a very good meal and one of the few where I actually did not finish my food. Rice had to be ordered separate too. For ayam penyet, I much prefer the one along Beach Road or at Lucky Plaza. Maybe they are better at other dishes.

Location

Pondok Jawa Timur

The Atrium @ Orchard (next to Plaza Singapura and Dhoby Ghaut MRT)

#01-16, Tower 2

Tel: 6884 5853

http://www.pondokjawatimur.com/