(Beijing Today)
Updated: 2006-12-05 11:45

Java and Yangon's: two classic Asian cuisines

Indonesian food has long been one of the most popular cuisines in South-East Asia, but despite this, and the huge number of Western expats in Beijing who have also fallen in love with the cuisine, Beijing lacked a genuine Indonesian restaurant until Java and Yangon's opened its doors. Chefs Peter Supratman from Indonesia and Kyaw Lwan Oo from Myanmar work a little culinary magic that will delight Beijingers whether Chinese or expat. Burmese food shares similarities with Indian and Thai cuisine.

The restaurant was the brainchild of British restaurateur Victor Raj, who also owns Victor's Place and Little Italy, both at the Pinnacle Plaza in Shunyi. He married Adee from Myanmar, and so of course knows all about Burmese cuisine.

The prices are modest and tailored to suit your budget. Hugely popular is the weekdays set lunch at 38 yuan per person, 128 yuan for two or three persons, and 228 yuan for four or five persons. The a la carte menu provides a wide variety of dishes.

Where: Sanlitun Xiwujie, Chaoyang (directly behind the German Embassy)
Open: 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-10:30pm
Tel: 8451 7489
Cost: 100 yuan per person

Persian poetry in the kitchen

Rumi, named after the famous mid-13th century poet, is the first restaurant in Beijing to serve authentic Persian cuisine. "I love Rumi’s poetry and have many collections ohis work," says Fariborz Mohebati, the Iranianowner.

Despite honoring a medieval master of words, the Rumi has a strictly modern feel and its decor is crisp and clean.

Persian cuisine is characterized by the use of herbs and other natural fragrances, which are believed beneficial to health. It's a cuisine that prizes sour flavors such as pomegranate, a dried crushed sour red berry, and green herbs.The restaurant is famous for its kabob dishes, also known as Iranian barbecue. "In Iran, people go out to enjoy kabob rather than making it at home, because cooking itis very complicated and you need high quality ingredients," Mohebati said.

The menu focuses on beef, lamb, chicken and fish kabobs. The chicken leg kabob is succulent, tender and juicy, marinated in a mix of saffron and lemon juice. Vegetarians can make a hearty meal with delicious salads.

For dessert, why not try the delicate baklava stuffed with cardamom and walnuts-an absolute delight.

Where: 29 Wuligou, Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang
Open: 11am-11pm
Tel: 8454 3838
Cost: 70-100 yuan per person

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