It was to keep the rabbits out: Emperor Nasi Goreng!

via The Inspiration Room

Let's keep things positive and think about fried rice ^__^

If you live in Australia you must of heard about Emperor Nasi Goreng! If you haven't, head on over to The Inspiration Room and check out their creative archive. Well, the Emperor built the Great Wall of China to keep the rabbits out. Those pesky wabbits. But this post isn't about rabbits or the Great Wall, but rather an Emperor of all Nasi Gorengs!

At a recent visit to Jakarta, I just had one of the best Nasi Gorengs ever. In fact, almost all Indonesian style fried rice that I've tried out over there was freaken spectacular. I couldn't believe it.

The first nasi goreng I'd like mention is the Nasi Goreng Petai at Bakmi Golek in Cibubur!

via Tabloid Cibubur

Inside it's actually outdoor with running water cascading the walls on the left and right. Interesting restaurant complete with Wifi!

Nasi Goreng Petai Tasting Notes:
The dish on the table had a dark glistening look. It seemed somewhat oilier but after portioning, the texture of the rice was that of nasi goreng standard. First mouthful a hint of bitterness and garlic aromas from the petai followed by excellent savoury characteristics. It felt like a meal. Combinations of sweet and salty combined with the aldente texture of the rice made it feel complete. I could eat this all day!

Some after thoughts however, I did feel a bit 'greasy' after eating. I guess to give the rice a good toasting without burning the chef had to use a bit more oil that necessary and its required to give a glossy look. Still, it had some damn good flavouring, nothing I had tasted anywhere!

Next the one other nasi goreng that I'd like to mention was from Dapur Bawang Merah.

A simple restaurant/cafe and again complete with wifi! This time I had the 'deluxe' nasi goreng! It has chicken, salted fish as well as petai! And I had this baby for breakfast!

Nasi Goreng Ayam Ikan Asin Pete tasting notes:
The nasi goreng was served with pickled vegetables, a fried egg and crispy crackers. It looked like ordinary dark fried rice but after the first spoonful, it surely wasn't. The rice, al dente but toward the firmer side. The flavours of garlic, petai and chicken was hinted with the charred scent but seasoned with salted fish. The real saltiness of the dish came from the fish. It had excellent and surprising balance. Each spoonful there was plenty to explore. You may get a bit more salted fish bringing out its flavour, or you get a piece of petai that gives the rice some colourful notes. The pickled vegetables and crackers also give the rice another dimension and it was hard to stop!

Quite possibly the best breakfast ever in Indonesia!

So if you love your fried rice bold, dark and packed with flavour, Indonesian nasi goreng is totally for you!

Yes Daniel, for realz.

via The Inspiration Room