On this occasion, I put the hardboiled egg before the deep-fried chicken; my nasi rames ayam balado (literally, "rice mixed chicken spicy"; $6.95) slathered both with chili sauce. In Southeast Asia, nasi rames dishes and their variously named kin are often pick-and-choose affairs that may include many more accompaniments; at Minang Asli, curried jackfruit is the standard side. Teh Sosro (250 ml.; $1) turned out to be not an Indonesian style of traditional iced tea but an imported sippy pack.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed a very good workingman's lunch, an impression solidified by the sight of five eager expats who arrived as I was headed out. Hope to be back soon; lots of dishes on the menu that I'd love to share over dinner.
Minang Asli
86-10 Whitney Ave. (near Broadway), Elmhurst, Queens
718-429-8207
This is one of my favorite Queens eateries. I too have dug the fried chicken, as well as a wonderful chicken soup, perfect for that winter craving. Let me know if you want some company next time you go, or if you want to check out the neighboring Mie Jakarta, which serves up a very hearty bowl of Soto Ayam, complete with a big chicken bone sticking out of it. Whitney Avenue has become an excellent little restaurant row - there's also Chao Thai and an excellent little hand-pulled noodle and dumpling joint as well.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | July 13, 2007 at 05:50 PM