Can rice really be crazy? Or make one crazy?
Well, rice is just rice. We eat it everyday. There is almost nothing special about it. For us, it's the side dishes that make it special, and thus often makes the name.
Out of creativity and probably for marketing gimmick, a number of new or modified rice dish recipes have now been called with a variety of names here, including "nasi gila" and "nasi edan". "Nasi" is the Indonesian word for cooked rice. And "gila" or "edan" means crazy.
How crazy are these new/modified rice dish recipes?
Out of curiosity, I tried this and what is claimed to be the one and only "Warung Nasi Edan" (literally: crazy rice shop) in Bandung. Located on Jalan Cikapundung (Street) and open only during the day, this simple and unassuming roadside shop has attracted quite a bit of attention for its name.
As I said, there's nothing special about the rice. But the ingredients, taste and texture of the side dish is, I think, quite unique. It tastes somewhat like Malay curry, but somewhat also a bit sweet and chilly-hot. The shop's owner, Haryanto, says that he concocted the recipe from 11 different spices.
Since words cannot accurately describe taste, and since taste itself is experience-bound, I think the best way to really know how this recipe tastes is to try it yourself. Some may like it. Some may not. For me, it's okay. Nothing to be crazy about. I must warn you though that I'm not a culinary expert.
Oh! I visited Bandung last June! Nice place! And I really loved your cuisine! Mmmmmmm :)
ReplyDeleteNasi Gila, Keripik Setan, what else? I personally do not agree that food has to be named in such a way to attractk people's attention. Not creative at all. I'm not a culinary expert either, it's either 'enak' and 'kurang enak', but I'm trying my best: nasi, timun, kripik tempe, sambal and main lauk with secret recipes. Thanks, you have succesfully made me homesick :).
ReplyDeleteSalam, Henny.
One more thing, you 'forgot' to include 'Minuman Edan', :)). Does it really exist?
ReplyDeleteYou have crazy rice, we have crazy maki! I like these fusion cuisines!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that your rice as a side dishes is just like our bread. It makes part of our reciprocal food culture.
ReplyDeleteThis one recipe, whatever it is called, seems good. I would try if I had the opportunity. But I don't believe we could find this Indonesian food, here.
We have a lot of businesses in Australia that throw the word "crazy" about for the sake of advertising. I don't think it usually has a lot to do with the products (can a deck chair be crazy?).
ReplyDeleteIt does look somewhat tasty, though - crazy or not!
Well it LOOKS yummy. I"d be willing to try it!
ReplyDeleteV
Crazy rice shop, that tickled me. I'd eat there for the name alone. Rice like, pasta and noodles I just love for as you say the side dishes that accompany them.
ReplyDeleteI think this is what makes it a joy to eat. I like your post about crazy rice. I like fried rice.
ReplyDeleteGobsmacks
Hope all is fine for you Eki, since you doesn't post for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it seems so crazy and maybe little bit spicy, but most people in Bandung like it. Oh ya,how are you Pak? I wait your next posting...hope you can share the life of Bandung in its daily basis again...
ReplyDeleteI love rice I would eat it every day love this photo!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEki, every now and then I come here and can't get some of the photos to load. Has anyone else had the same problem?
ReplyDeletehow we wish we can taste it?!!
ReplyDelete