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Sampling healthy menus crafted by nutritionist in Jakarta
Although only a nondescript signboard by the roadside points to its location – Padzzi Pondok Ulam in Cilandak, South Jakarta, might surprise you in more ways than one.
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Padzzi Pondok Ulam specializes in food packed with nutrition. (Good Indonesian Food/File)
A
lthough only a nondescript signboard by the roadside points to its location – Padzzi Pondok Ulam in Cilandak, South Jakarta, might surprise you in more ways than one. I’ve passed by this area plenty of times, yet this was my first stab at the place. Housed in a two-storey building, you have to walk about 100 meters from the road to reach it.
The place was founded in 1993 by nutritionist Dra. Emma S. Wirakusumah, who has authored a number of recipe books for healthy dishes that she now serves at her own restaurant. Specializing in wholesome food that is packed with nutrition, she has named the place Padzzi, which is short for padat zat gizi (packed with nutrition).
A homely ambiance courtesy of wooden chairs and soothing background music greeted me as I entered the place. Spacious with a capacity of approximately 100 people, it is equipped with private rooms separated by partitions. Padzzi also functions as a venue for weddings, birthdays and other gatherings. At the back is a small garden with swings for children to play on while waiting for their food. The joint also offers cooking classes for both young and old.
(Read also: Five Jakarta restaurants every health enthusiast must try)
My appetite became almost uncontrollable when looking at the pictures in the menu. Everything looked so delicious that I was torn between the options available. In the end, I went for the telur rembulan isi udang (prawn omelette) – those who are not fond of prawns can choose to have it filled with chicken – and udang penyet (battered prawn).
Not long after, my order was placed in front of me. I first had a go at the telur rembulan, the taste of which reminded me of Chinese omelette. However, while a Chinese omelette is shaped like a very wide fried egg, this one is round, like a tennis ball. Savory and tender, its slightly watery tomato gravy with added peas is also similar to the sauce used for Chinese omelette. My favorite of the two dishes, though, was the udang penyet. Cooked with sambal ulek (pestled chili), its spiciness level was just right. (kes)
Explore more about Indonesian cuisine here.
Where: Jl. Cilandak Raya KKO No.101, Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta
Price: Rp 75,000 (US$5.6) per person
