Visiting the outlet at Tanjong Pagar on 23 Nov 2021 with a little apprehensive notion that most indonesian restaurants have much less expected service
(not sure if it is because of our native or that is not just a thing with indo restaurants in Singapore). In any case, we came because we wanted to try
some food that we get used to, though not that we miss it, it's just kind familiar taste (we are indeed more used to local food with - some people say - 'bland'
taste which my family, who's been living in Singapore for 16 years, refuse to accept. In any case, we do not be on any side, once in a blue moon,
taking Indonesian food in Singapore is fine, especially because of the 'adjusted' spices, toward local taste-bud :)
Surprisingly this branch of IndoChili has one lady who surprised us with nice and friendly gesture since we stood waiting outside the restaurant.
Almost 2pm, lots of tables had not been cleaned yet, we did not know one part of the restaurant will be closed (lit off), probably staff will have a break before
serving dinner? not sure. Anyway, the lady requested us to sit a little outside, which I and family did not accept well the place of the table and I asked
her, 'is there any table inside?' and she quickly said 'oh many are not cleaned yet' & pointed her finger to the part which I was not aware it will be closed,
she said again 'and that part, the light will be off soon'. In our hearts, why so? just clean up the table and why you turn off the light? without knowing
that probably they will have a break. Soon I realized, the lady by the name DOREEN was the only one does the cleaning!
She did heed my request and while we sat outside, she kept saying, 'I give you this table', pointing to a table located inside although not the ones
further inside that will be closed. Afterwards, she served us well, being so nice and friendly. Besides, when we made payment, we asked whether the food
is cooked with MSG and she succesfully convinced us that it is not, btu beyond that, we believe it is a true statement. We kind of dislike Indonesian food
due to its strong spices + commonly with lots of MSG, because the spices themselves will have already enhance the taste and why need to add MSG to enhance
it again? Anyway, not IndoChili I guess, their food is typical Indonesian food but with good variations (we had: Lontong Cap Goh Meh, Soto Ayam Lamongan,
Bakwan Jagung, and of course kerupuk which was complementary but we bought 4 package more, since it is without MSG too:)
We are going back there again soon for dinner, but the one attracts us the most is the service for sure which at least debunk my apprehensiveness at the
beginning. We do not ask to be served as 'somebody', but a good service will definitely bring good sales, even the product may not be as perfect, which is
not the case either for IndoChili. Once again, I & family would like to commend Doreen for her dedication working in this place, going through the low season
during pandemic whereby many other restaurants are struggling, but she is still with IndoChili, though quite a hard work to be on her own during busy time
on the day we came, but she mentioned that she has been with the company for some years (5? if I remember correctly) and she served us with great
attitude and not only us, she did it to other patrons as far as we could notice. She was also with another staff, Zaf (if we caught the name correctly).
We appreciate their service, that although the branch was about to close for a short break, our order was in order, beside one orange juice which was supposed
to be hot, but it wasn't a biggie. As I mentioned, service always comes the top when we look for a place to eat, regardless the over-the-top taste of the
food, if the service is "CMI" (can not make it), we often never come back, unless some friends invite us or we have no other choice.
Kudos to Doreen and the team! She indeed deserves a raise or at least appreciation from the owner :)
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