Samara Kitchen - Web site:
Samara Kitchen
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This restaurant truly delivers an authentic taste of Indonesia! Whenever I feel homesick, it will definitely be my go-to place. My personal favorites are the Tahu Isi (stuffed tofu) and both the chicken and beef satay. If you get the chance, make sure to order the Martabak Manis a day ahead of time!
I discovered this restaurant while looking for Malaysian cuisine nearby. My go-to place in Markham is known for its Malay Thai dishes, so I decided to give this one a try. I ordered the Pad Thai—not traditional Malaysian fare, but a commonly available dish that allows for a fair comparison with others. The Pad Thai was okay, but it didn't quite match my favorite version from Markham. It was a bit too greasy for my liking and lacked the spice I usually enjoy. When I went to pay, they offered me a packet of hot sauce, which I declined, but I ended up using my own hot sauce at home. I plan to come back to try their Malaysian dishes since I noticed their menu features very little overlap with my usual favorite. This gives their offerings an opportunity to shine on their own rather than being directly compared. Overall, I deem it a pleasant find.
This restaurant is truly a hidden gem! It was our first time experiencing authentic Indonesian cuisine, and we were extremely impressed. We ordered the Mi Goreng and Beef Rendang after getting some recommendations from the owner. The Mi Goreng was massive and incredibly flavorful — definitely the highlight of our meal. The Beef Rendang was also fantastic, with a unique taste that combined elements of spicy yet light curry with the flavors of soy sauce-braised Korean Galbijim beef. The side of jalapeños and kale added an intriguing twist! If I had to offer a critique, I would say that the garlic rice could use a bit more seasoning. We dined in for lunch; the restaurant has just two small tables, and the service was prompt. While it might not be the most visually enticing place, the “hole in the wall” atmosphere adds to its authenticity. Overall, given the price, flavor, authenticity, and portion sizes, I highly recommend trying this spot!
I had a pleasant experience with the food. One dish I especially enjoyed was their nasi goreng ayam, which came in generous portions. However, I found that there wasn’t enough chicken mixed in; I had to sift through the rice to find the pieces, which were somewhat overshadowed by the rice. Despite that, it was flavorful, and you could tell it was freshly prepared. The chicken satay was tasty, though the sizes of the skewers varied significantly—some were quite small, while others were a nice size. The peanut sauce that came with it was excellent. The roti canai was mediocre; it tasted similar to frozen versions, but I did appreciate the sauce that accompanied it. I would definitely return to explore more options, especially since there are not many Indonesian restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area. They also have a selection of imported snacks and beverages from Indonesia.
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