Kedai SS - Ayam Tulang Lunak

"Ayam tulang lunak" or chicken soft bone in English might raise some eyebrows. Soft bone? It is not the plastic looking bone in a chicken but it is more to its main bones, those that holds the whole chicken altogether. Skeleton, to be exact. 

Bones, when you heard about it, made you think that it is hard and usually dogs will enjoy chewing on them. But, put that hardness aside, and fry them in deep and hot oil. You will then get bones that literally melt in your mouth. 

 Indonesian language really amuses me. "Makanan/Minuman Kosong" which in Malay would be translated as "Makanan/Minuman Yang Tiada". In English, it's food and beverages that are unavailable. Alpukat is avocado. Sirsak is soursop. Manga is mango. Semangka is watermelon. 

The portion offered by this eatery is very small and it comes with rice and some ulam (raw vegetables), too. Feels like snacking than having dinner. 

The idea of eating "chicken soft bone" might deter foodies from enjoying their meal. But, don't think about the idea of it being part of the chicken bones. Just eat it! It is very eccentric to be able to finish the whole chicken leg including its bones. It tasted good also but not great. 

Kedai SS-Ayam Tulang Lunak 
Indonesian Restaurant and Wings Joint
JL. Melati, Tanjung Pandan,
Belitung, Indonesia

Mie Atep Belitung

I was in Indonesia last May for a trip to the island of Belitung a.k.a. Negeri Sejuta Pelangi / Negeri Lasker Pelangi (Rainbow Troops). I enjoy travelling to places less travelled and so this island was perfect for exploration. 

So, upon arriving at Belitung, our driver/guide took my friends and I for breakfast at a local shop famous for their noodles, Mie Atep Belitung. It is something like what we Penangites would call Jawa Mee as its broth is a bit sourish and it is served with crackers. The place is already packed with people even though it is not opened for business yet. So, we were lucky to be seated without having to wait as we ventured further inside the establishment into the living room of the restaurant owners. 

You will also noticed that a lot of local Indonesian celebrities including the former President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, also dined here before. Each plate of noodles is prepared beforehand and whenever there is an order, then only the broth is poured in. So, it is not always you get the "fresh" plate each time. Nonetheless, since we got there early, our plate of noodles were delicious. 

When ordering for a plate of Mie Atep Belitung, do order the "es jeruk kunci" or lime juice with sour plum.

Mie Atep Belitung
JL. Sriwijaya, No. 27, Tanjung Pandan,
Kepulauan Bangka Belitung 33411, Indonesia