| Get a taste of pure Indonesia in Bayang, a restaurant | | | | begedel and aromatic chicken sate all individually |
| that prides itself on its authentic Indonesian cuisine | | | | flavourful and piquant. For a taste of something |
| and simultaneously celebrates its fascinating culture | | | | closer to home and also the heartstrings, do try the |
| alongside. A mellow face of Clarke Quay, this | | | | Sop Buntut ($15) which is a clear beef oxtail soup |
| restaurant is tucked in the serene alleys of this | | | | served in a traditional Indonesian kendil, which enables |
| dramatic nightspot, and exudes an opulence that is | | | | continued heating of the soup to allow its warmth to |
| definitely easy to distinguish from the rest. Opened in | | | | be retained, along with the natural sweetness |
| the later part of 2006, Bayang is launched by the | | | | accented by the potatoes and carrots that are also |
| same people who started up the popular Renn Thai | | | | boiled within. |
| and Bali Thai restaurants. It is certain that these | | | | Getting to the main course proper, it is mandatory to |
| individuals are no strangers to the local culinary scene, | | | | order a serving of the fragrant nasi putih , which is |
| and have a lot to offer up their sleeves, with Bayang | | | | steamed jasmine rice ideal for complementing the |
| being their latest project epitomizing the best of | | | | spicy dishes of Bayang. Highly recommended is the |
| what Indonesia and Bali has to offer to its diners. | | | | Tum Ayam ($4 per piece), which consists of |
| Housed within a mesmeric alcove of Balinese art, | | | | steamed chicken wrapped in pandan leaves and |
| modish drapes and pebbled floors, Bayang is a picture | | | | generously coated in special spices, giving it its soft |
| of pure tranquility and allure. Worth noting are the | | | | texture and a mélange of tastes. Also noteworthy |
| stylized impressions of the wayang kulit , which is the | | | | is the Rendang Sapi ($10) which showcases a plate |
| Indonesian art of puppet play that is repeated | | | | of braised beef bathed luxuriously in thick spiced |
| throughout its décor, and proved to further | | | | coconut gravy, as well as the Kambing Ros ($10), a |
| enhance the aura of mystical Indonesia . The most | | | | lamb dish with a sweet sour red sauce that blended |
| awe-inspiring wall feature of this restaurant is the | | | | harmoniously together. |
| huge custom-made wayang kulit fixture that is | | | | After such a hearty meal, it would be inviting to |
| illuminated by alternating spotlights of soothing green, | | | | indulge in their specialty Avocado Cendol ($6), which |
| blue and beige, and casts a composed glow over the | | | | is a sinfully sweet concoction of coconut cream, palm |
| entire dining space. Those who prefer to dine in the | | | | sugar, jelly and crowned with thick slices of fresh |
| comforts of the cool night breeze can opt to be | | | | creamy Avocado. |
| seated in the alfresco spaces outside which is equally | | | | It is evident that the people behind Bayang truly |
| as enchanting. | | | | know how to acquaint the essence of Indonesian |
| With homemade sauces and dishes prepared by | | | | food with the local palate by offering an authentic |
| accomplished Indonesian chefs, the food served in | | | | affair without sticking too much to conventions. |
| Bayang is certainly praiseworthy. Be prepared to | | | | Consideration when cooking is always given to ensure |
| invigorate your taste buds with the assorted tastes | | | | that nothing is too spicy or foreign for the untrained |
| of Indonesian delicacies afforded by the myriad of | | | | tongue, and especially for the unassuming tourists |
| spices and herbs, extending a whole range of dishes | | | | who do not have prior encounters with so much |
| that will fill you to the brim. | | | | spice or flavour in their meals before. |
| As a starter, it would be advisable to give the | | | | This restaurant is meticulously run, with talented |
| Appetizer Platter ($16) a try if you are undecided on | | | | chefs and a team of hospitable staff, whilst |
| what to prime your senses with. Served warm in a | | | | simultaneously maintaining an elegant posterior that |
| long wooden platter, feast your eyes on a colourful | | | | truly charms your night, and certainly makes your |
| combination of grilled prawns, spring rolls, crispy | | | | meal a well-spent one. |