Who doesn’t love pempek? From the classic submarine and lenjer to kulit, adaan, pistel, and even the grilled lenggang it’s no wonder this dish has fans all over Indonesia. 

Hold your horses. 
Where is Palembang? Well, Palembang is a city in South Sumatra, Indonesia, and it’s one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia. It sits along the Musi River and is famous for its iconic Ampera Bridge and, of course, its delicious local food pempek! If your friends love trying new dishes and exploring local cultures, Palembang is a fun place to discover.

A few days ago, I stopped by a small, simple shop and treated myself to some delicious Pempek Palembang. Even though it originally comes from Palembang, pempek made from processed mackerel fish has definitely become a favorite snack all around the country.

What makes pempek even more mouthwatering is the cuko sauce. It’s that special mix of tamarind, ebi (dried shrimp), garlic, and spicy cayenne pepper that gives it that bold, tangy kick. If you love spicy and sour flavors, you’ll totally get what I mean!

Sepiring Pempek Palembang siap dihidangkan
I took this photo just before enjoying them as a quick bite or street snack, not as a full meal. It's recommended to eat a proper meal first before digging into this kind of food


Now here’s the fun part not everyone knows there’s actually a proper way to eat pempek, especially according to the people of Palembang.

There are many kinds of pempek: the famous submarine (with egg inside), pempek lenjer (long and chewy), kulit (made from fish skin), adaan (round ones), tahu (with tofu), and of course, pempek lenggang, which is grilled with duck egg. Most of them are fried before serving except for a few that are grilled or steamed


Even though pempek is a famous local specialty in Palembang, it doesn’t mean the local people eat it every day and many locals love it especially for snacks, small meals, or when they have guests from outside the city.

But no, they don’t eat it every single day. Just like in other places, people in Palembang eat a variety of foods like rice, fish curry (pindang), soto, nasi goreng, and more. Imagine living in Italy people there don’t eat pizza or pasta every single day, even though it’s what they’re famous for. So in short: Palembang people love pempek, but they don’t live on it 24/7.

It’s a proud local dish always there, but not necessarily on today’s lunch menu 😊 Would you like to add this point into your blog post in a casual tone? I can help rewrite a paragraph for it. .


So how do most people eat pempek? Usually, they cut it into pieces, add cucumber slices on top, and pour cuko all over it. Sounds good, right?


Original mackerel fish pempek dish from Palembang. (Photo: Special/Giwang Sumsel)- DETIK COM
Various Recipes of Pempek, Traditional Food Special to Palembang Image from Lingkar News


But Palembang folks say, “Hold up, that’s not the real way!”

According to them, cuko should be served separately, not poured on the pempek. You’re supposed to dip each piece into the cuko, just like dipping fries into ketchup. And here's the interesting part they actually sip the cuko straight from the bowl or bottle, like drinking hot tea or coffee. Yep, that's the real deal

They believe this way makes the flavor even richer and more satisfying. And honestly? After trying it, I kinda agree So next time you’re about to enjoy some pempek, try it the Palembang way. Dip it, sip the cuko, and taste the magic. Trust me it hits different

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

For me, breakfast has become a daily routine that feels almost mandatory. It’s a long-standing habit I’ve grown used to over the years. Why? The answer is simple having breakfast helps me feel more energized and motivated to go through the day. Plus, people say that starting the day with breakfast can actually help reduce your lunch portion, so you don't end up feeling too full later.

Now, what kind of breakfast are we talking about? Well, that depends entirely on personal preference. Some people love cereal with a warm drink simple yet satisfying. Others go straight for a heavier meal like rice with side dishes. Some might just want bread with jam, or even a light snack paired with a cup of tea. It’s all up to you.

So, why Pizza Hut?

That’s a good question. It just so happened that I had been curious for quite some time about the large Pizza Hut billboard perched right beside my office at Gajah Mada. I pass by it almost every day, but I rarely stop by to actually eat there. Every now and then, I do enjoy checking out promos or freebies, like I shared in one of my older blog posts: "How to Eat Thriftily at Pizza Hut" published on August 15, 2015.

Just a few weeks ago, I finally decided to treat myself to something different a breakfast at Pizza Hut! Looking at the menu, I picked a few items that caught my eye. I ordered a portion of Chicken Bubur, a glass of Green Tea, and a small serving of Omelette Fried Rice.

Of course, before the food made it to my stomach, I made sure to snap a few photos (see below)—because what's a good meal without a good memory to go with it?


This is the menu for Rice Omelete Platter. My order finally arrived accompanying 1 serving of chicken porridge and 1 small glass of Green Tea, which had arrived earlier. Photographed before eating. Hiehiehiehiee. Photo of Asep Haryono
This is the Rice Omelette Platter I ordered. It finally arrived to complete my breakfast combo, alongside a serving of Chicken Porridge and a small glass of Green Tea, which had arrived a bit earlier. Of course, I snapped a photo before digging in, hehehe!
Photo by: Asep Haryono


1 portion of chicken porridge that is ready to be enjoyed. Too bad there is no organic sauce like in chicken porridge in general. Just the sauce from the sauce, It's pretty spicy enough. Photo of Asep Haryono
One portion of chicken porridge, ready to be enjoyed!
Too bad it didn’t come with the usual organic soy sauce like most chicken porridge dishes. It only had the standard sauce provided but it was still quite spicy and flavorful.
Photo by: Asep Haryon

This is my breakfast menu for the day. 1 serving of chicken porridge, 1 small glass of Green Tea, and 1 small portion of Omelette Fried Rice. Only the chicken porridge and tea are ready. Nay omelette fried rice followed. Photo of Asep Haryono

This was my breakfast menu for the day:
One serving of chicken porridge, a small glass of green tea, and a small portion of omelette fried rice. Only the chicken porridge and tea arrived first my omelette fried rice came a little later.
Photo by: Asep Haryono


How About the Price?

Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to mention the price of the breakfast menu at Pizza Hut because people may interpret it differently depending on their perspective. But for the sake of updated culinary tourism information why not?

Here’s the breakdown of my breakfast that day:

  • Dilmah Green Tea – Rp 18,182

  • Chicken Porridge – Rp 14,545

  • Small Omelette Fried Rice – Rp 10,000

Free Breakfast Menu Options? Yes, Please!

Pizza Hut also offers a variety of free breakfast menu items of course, with terms and conditions. For example, if you purchase one of the following platters:

  • Chicken Porridge–Beef Mushroom Omelette Platter

  • Chicken Porridge–Beetato Omelette Platter

  • Tuna Toast–Egg-Eye Platter

  • Beetato Omelette Platter

  • Rice Omelette Platter

  • Beef-Mushroom Omelette Platter

  • Beef Egg Platter

Then you can choose one of the following breakfast items for free:

  • Oreo Jack

  • Hot Bread Pudding Chocolate

  • Chocolate Toast

  • Cheesegg Calizza

  • Chicken Porridge

  • Sunny Side Up

  • Dilmah Peach Tea

  • Vietnamese Coffee

Toast Lovers, Rejoice!

If you love having toast for breakfast, Pizza Hut has a few tasty options too:

  • Smoked Beef Toast – filled with smoked beef and cheese, topped with tartar sauce on French toast

  • Tuna Toast – tuna mixed with Italian herbs and coated in garlic butter sauce

  • Chocolate Toast – custard filling blended with rich chocolate syrup

And if pastries, pasta, or even fruit are more your thing don’t worry, Pizza Hut has those too. Everything is nutritious, well-presented, and perfect for a satisfying breakfast.

So, are you tempted?
Come and enjoy breakfast at Pizza Hut!

The other day, I came across a TikTok video by a user named @AmericanTurk, who showed off his fancy solo dinner at a high-end restaurant in New York City. His video tittle “POV. Solo Fine Dining at an Exclusive Restaurant” What caught my attention wasn’t the food itself  though yes, it looked great but the price tag. He spent $300 (about 3.3 million Rupiah) for one meal… and he was dining alone.

As an Indonesian, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of mixed emotions watching that clip. My immediate thought? “That’s what most people in my country earn in a month.”

Yes, you read that right. The average monthly salary for many Indonesians is around $300 USD, sometimes even less. That amount can cover groceries, bills, school expenses, and daily needs for an entire family of three or more for weeks. So seeing someone spend it in less than an hour on a solo dinner felt... honestly, a bit crazy to me.









I’m not saying people shouldn’t enjoy their money. If you work hard and want to treat yourself, go for it. I respect that. But there’s something about flaunting it on social media especially in a world where so many people are struggling that just feels a little tone-deaf.

Was the video meant to inspire others? Or was it more about showing off a lifestyle that most people will never afford? It’s hard to tell. But one thing’s for sure it made me reflect deeply on the huge economic gap between different parts of the world.

In Indonesia, many families budget carefully each day just to make ends meet. Every rupiah matters. We compare prices, plan meals, and make sacrifices. So seeing someone casually drop millions of rupiah on a single meal and treat it like no big deal comes off as a little offensive and even disturbing.

I’m not here to judge the person in the video. Maybe he’s from a wealthy family. Maybe he saved up for that experience. That’s his right. But from a Southeast Asian point of view, I just want to say: $300 is a big deal here. It’s not something we throw around lightly. It's what many of us live on.

So if you’re a content creator out there sharing luxurious moments like this maybe think twice. Not everyone watching is from Manhattan. Some of us are from Pontianak, or Jakarta, or Surabaya. Some of us are watching from small homes, budgeting every meal, and wondering if we’ll have enough for next week.

Viewer discretion is advised. That’s all I’m saying.

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Remember when Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe, was everywhere? Sprinkling salt like a magician, flexing in tight white tees, and slicing golden tomahawk steaks at your favorite celebrity’s table? Yeah, those days were wild. But if you’ve been wondering what happened to him lately, you’re not alone.

Here’s a quick update on the rise, stall, and pivot of Salt Bae and his restaurant empire.





Big Dreams in the U.S. But Not for Long
Salt Bae’s flashy Nusr-Et steakhouse chain once had a big presence in the United States. From Miami to Beverly Hills, his restaurants attracted influencers, football stars, and curious foodies. But in 2025, that all changed. Locations in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Beverly Hills all quietly shut down. As of now, only New York City and Miami are still open.

Why the sudden exit? Overpriced steaks (some over $200), stiff service charges, and mixed food reviews didn’t help. Customers started calling it overrated. One former diner even called the experience “insane” on Reddit and not in a good way

You may also read  Salt Bae - The Kardarshian Steak.


Dubai Still Rules
While his U.S. ventures took a hit, Salt Bae’s Dubai location is still going strong. He personally called it his most important and most profitable restaurant. Clearly, the Gulf region still loves the Salt Bae vibe gold steaks and all.

Shifting the Spotlight: Europe & the Middle East
Salt Bae isn’t giving up. He’s just switching lanes. His next big moves include Mexico City, Rome, Ibiza, and maybe even Monaco. He’s also eyeing spots in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Mecca, and even NEOM, the futuristic mega-city. Interestingly, he recently shut down his Riyadh branch, but says even bigger plans are on the way in the Middle East.

Still Viral But Not Always in a Good Way
Salt Bae still pops up online but not always for steak-slinging. A viral video from Munich in 2025 showed him being escorted away from a Champions League celebration. Many thought he was kicked out of a party, but he denied it. He’s had a few PR hiccups like this over the past year, and it’s starting to chip away at the cool, smooth image he once had.

The Verdict?
So, is Salt Bae done? Not quite. He’s just shifting gears. The U.S. might have grown tired of his glittery gimmicks, but the Middle East and Europe still want more. Dubai remains his stronghold, and with 40 global locations in his sights, he’s far from giving up.

But let’s be honest the magic of that viral 2017 salt sprinkle has faded a bit. Whether or not he can reinvent himself beyond the meme remains to be seen

What do you think\

is Salt Bae still a culinary icon or just a faded meme?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share this post if it made you hungry or nostalgic



A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia
Remember that guy who sprinkled salt like he was casting a magical steak spell? Yep, that’s Salt Bae real name Nusret Gökçe  and while his fame once sizzled hotter than his grills, these days? It’s cooling off, fast.

It all started in 2017, when Salt Bae posted a short video called Ottoman Steak. With dramatic flair, he sliced up a giant steak like a butcher ballerina and finished it with a theatrical pinch of salt letting it cascade down his bent elbow like culinary confetti. That’s the moment the internet went wild. The meme was born. He became “Salt Bae,” and everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to eat at his restaurants.

This image is couesy from Besr Of Famous People


But here’s where it gets juicy.
Salt Bae took that viral fame and turned it into a global empire of flashy Nusr-Et steakhouses. Think gold-covered tomahawk steaks, marble counters, and servers slicing meat tableside like ninja chefs. It was less “fine dining” and more food as theater. And it worked  for a while.

Soon though, cracks started showing. Diners began complaining about ridiculously high prices and underwhelming food. A bill from one London location went viral for totaling £37,000 yes, for steak and sides! As more guests shared their not-so-impressed experiences, the glitter started to fade.

Then came the lawsuits. In 2018, four former employees from Salt Bae’s New York restaurant accused him of stealing tips and failing to pay proper wages. That’s a big no-no in the U.S. restaurant world. And though it didn’t blow up as loud as his salt move, it definitely damaged his credibility behind the scenes.


" Salt Bae’s most expensive steak is the Golden Tomahawk, priced between $1,000 and $1,500 USD, depending on the location. It’s a large tomahawk cut coated in 24-karat edible gold leaf more for flash than flavor.

Served with dramatic flair, it became infamous after London diners posted viral bills topping £37,000. Critics called it a “money flex,” but fans paid for the luxury and the Instagram moment.

Despite the backlash, it symbolized Salt Bae’s brand: style over substance. This gold steak is less about taste and more about show, turning a sprinkle of salt into a global luxury dining stunt".



Let’s not forget his awkward public appearances. After Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, Salt Bae somehow ended up on the field, grabbing the trophy (which only winners and heads of state are allowed to touch) and awkwardly pulling Messi into selfies. The internet cringed. Even worse? In 2023, he was reportedly kicked out of a Champions League after-party for crashing it without an invite.

All this drama led people to start calling him the "Kardashian of Steak." Why? Because, like the Kardashians, Salt Bae’s fame is all about style over substance. He built his empire on a viral pose, social media glitz, and luxury vibes not necessarily world-class cooking. His Instagram is full of slick poses, celebrity dinners, and gold meat. But when you strip away the show, what’s left?

Now, many of his U.S. restaurants have closed, and he’s refocusing internationally. But it’s clear the internet’s favorite steak guy is no longer the flavor of the month. Still, you gotta give the guy credit: he turned a single salt sprinkle into a global brand. That’s talent even if it didn’t stay medium-rare forever.



A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

I am so sorry if I am not able to describe precisely just like a native English. I am just telling you about what I have got from a friend of mine who have just returned from his family visit in the Netherlands. 

ou wanna know what it was? I’m really sorry if I can’t describe things as clearly or precisely as a native English speaker. I just wanted to share something exciting that I got from a friend who recently returned from a trip to the Netherlands. Want to know what it was? Cup-a-Soup!

OMG, I’m still having trouble describing how it tastes and feels! But before I go further, let me tell you a little about what my friend brought me.

My good friend, Robert Iskandar, had just come back from visiting his sister in the Netherlands about a month ago. He brought back several sachets of Cup-a-Soup and gave some to me. These are exactly like the ones you can probably find photos of online. I won’t go into detail explaining what Cup-a-Soup is you can easily look it up yourself.

Today, I just want to share my personal experience of trying the different flavors he gave me.


My First Taste of Dutch Cup-a-Soup: An Unexpected Delight
Dutch Cup-a-Soup sachets in various flavors from the Netherlands

My First Taste of Dutch Cup-a-Soup: An Unexpected Delight
Its written in Dutch.  I have no idea



"When I try to prepare a glass of the Cup A Soup and saw the preparation to serve in Dutch. Beats me.  Its so creamy, and tasty. Pouring hot water and enjoy in the afternoon. Its a good sign of beautiful day. "



Lost in Translation (Literally)
Unfortunately, all the information printed on the back and front of the Cup-a-Soup packaging was written in Dutch so I had no idea how to properly prepare a cup of it. I had to figure it out myself through trial and error!

From what I can tell, it’s similar to the instant soup powders that come in various flavors and are popular worldwide. You just tear the sachet, pour the powder into a cup, add hot water, stir, and you’re done! Super convenient and perfect for a quick snack or light meal.

Here in Indonesia, the most common brand that offers this kind of soup is Knorr. You can find flavors like: Mixed Vegetable, Sweet Corn, Tomato Chatpata, Cream of Corn


My Favorite: Champignon (Cream of Mushroom)
Among all the flavors I tried, my absolute favorite was Champignon, also known as Cream of Mushroom Soup. It was creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfyingespecially when the weather was cool or rainy.

Cup-a-Soup is a lifesaver for busy people who want something warm and tasty but don’t have the time (or energy) to cook. No stove, no mess just a cup, hot water, and one soup sachet. That’s it!


A Humble (and Funny) Request
If you're reading this and happen to live in a place where Cup-a-Soup is easy to find, would you mind sending a few sachets to me? I know it’s a bit hilarious since we don’t know each other but I really love Cup-a-Soup and I can't find this Dutch version here in Indonesia.

Here’s my address if you feel generous or curious enough to send a packet or two my way:

Asep Haryono
Komplek Duta Bandara Permai
Jalan Supadio, Ahmad Yani 2
Kabupaten Kubu Raya
Kalimantan Barat
Indonesia

Email : cepot71@gmail.com
WhasApp : +6208977749155
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/asep.haryono


Thank you for reading my little story!

Even if no one sends me anything, I’m happy just to share my love for this warm, tasty delight from the Netherlands.





If you haven’t heard about shawarma yet, you’re in for a tasty surprise! Shawarma is one of those dishes that has quietly become a global favorite and once you try it, you’ll see why. It’s basically a savory, juicy, and flavorful wrap that’s perfect for a quick meal or a casual snack.

So, what exactly is shawarma? Imagine thin slices of meat usually chicken, beef, lamb, or even turkey stacked on a tall spit and slowly roasted. As the meat cooks, it’s shaved off fresh and wrapped in soft pita bread or flatbread, along with a bunch of tasty toppings and sauces. The magic is in the marinade and the way it cooks: the meat stays juicy, tender, and packed with spices.

Close-up of a delicious Middle Eastern shawarma wrap with fresh salad and fries
Close-up of a delicious Middle Eastern shawarma wrap with fresh salad and fries



One of the best parts about shawarma is how customizable it is. You can add fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and pickles to give it a nice crunch. Then, there’s the sauce usually garlic sauce or tahini which adds creaminess and a little zing. Some places even throw in fries inside the wrap for an extra crispy bite. Sounds like a dream, right?

Shawarma is n ot just delicious it’s also super convenient. Street vendors and food trucks serve it all over the world, making it a popular choice for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s perfect if you’re on the go but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or quality.

What I love most about shawarma is how it brings people together. It’s a dish that’s shared in markets, festivals, and casual hangouts kind of like a universal comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to experience Middle Eastern flavors without needing to cook a complicated meal.

If you haven’t tried shawarma yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Whether from a local food truck, a Middle Eastern restaurant, or even making it at home, it’s a delicious journey for your taste buds. And trust me once you have that first bite, shawarma might just become your new favorite go-to meal.


Summarise
Shawarma and kebab are both beloved Middle Eastern dishes, but they differ in preparation and presentation. Shawarma is made by stacking marinated meat often chicken, beef, or lamb—on a vertical rotisserie, where it's slowly roasted and shaved into thin slices. It's typically served in pita wraps with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.

Kebab, on the other hand, refers to grilled or skewered meat either cubed or minced cooked over an open flame. Varieties like shish kebab and kofta kebab are commonly served with rice or flatbread. While shawarma offers bold spices and juicy layers, kebabs are simpler, smoky, and often served on plates.


"Even though shawarma and lumpia look kinda similar, their tastes are pretty different. For native Indonesians, shawarma tastes less seasoned  kinda plain and a bit bland. Plus, the skin isn’t as crispy as lumpia’s".



When you take a bite, shawarma’s skin feels a bit soft. Another thing that sets it apart from lumpia is that shawarma usually comes with a salad of bell peppers, purple cabbage, and French fries. Now, kebab is another popular Middle Eastern food made from meat like chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey.

The meat slices are mixed with veggies and spices, then served with mayo and wrapped in tortilla skin. That’s the big difference: kebab uses tortilla, while shawarma uses bread. Middle Eastern wraps have a unique vibe that everyone should try at least once!.

Have you tried shawarma or kebab before?
Share your favorite wrap in the comments below



Bandara Supadio Pontianak From Bali With Love Selfie Dengan Selebritis
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