Duck Tales

Duck meat, locally known as "bebek", is an Indonesian delicacy that is famous in some parts of this country. Usually cooked as "sate bebek" or "sop bebek", it catches the tastiness and rather unique flavor of duck. In the Philippines, we have our own version of this delicacy known as "itik", which is usually cooked as "kinulob". "Kinulob na itik" is a meal that made my hometown of Los Banos famous.

My sojourn in Indonesia has introduced me to this "bebek" delicacy. I find that "sate bebek" is really good especially if the sauce is tasty enough. The "sop bebek" which I have tried in Serang in West Java, is not really my thing. This dish was served to me in Jawa Barat and I noticed that the duck meat still has some feathers clinging to it. Must be part of the chef's secret recipe. But over all I found the taste of the "sop" very satisfying. If it were not for the feathers, I would have definitely enjoyed it more.

Whether it's sate or sop or kulob, duck meat is definitely a must try for any food aficionado.

Soto Sapi: Food for kings

Yesterday, while travelling in the heart of Jogyakarta, we stopped by this eatery of Pak Marto. Situated near the palace of the king of Jogya, this small eatery is always full. People regularly stop by Pak Marto to taste his famous Soto Sapi. This dish is like our Pinoy Nilaga, made also with beef and some vegetables. You can eat it on its own or you can also eat it with rice (which I did because I am Pinoy). Soto Sapi comes with a plate of babat goreng, a dish of fried cow innards particularly the rumen. Locals say that a long time ago, Soto Sapi is the food of choice of kings in Jogya. Pak Marto's dishes are really good and not that expensive. The place is clean and orderly, but they only serve Tehbotol, a locally manufactured tea beverage. So, if you're in a royal mood, visit Pak Marto's in Jogya and feel like a king with their Soto Sapi!