Photo: Nadia Vetta Hamid for Coconuts Media" width="100%" />
Since the COVID-19 hit Indonesia in March of last year, those whose professions were impacted by the pandemic resorted to home-based F&B business to keep themselves afloat. As time went by, these pandemic-era F&B businesses have set new culinary trends such as 1-liter es kopi, Korean garlic bread, and baked spaghetti AKA spaghetti brûlée.
Similarly, a home-based brand named Nasgero became popular for its twist on a quintessential Indonesian dish, nasi goreng (fried rice). Nasgero was established in the middle of last year by DJ Gerry Zulchairy AKA Gero. The brand, which stands for Nasi Goreng Gero, has become synonymous with its logo, which bears a photo of the man himself as well as the “Sejak Corona 2020” (Since Corona 2020) tagline.
Before you ask: yes, Nasgero has also been promoted on @garagarakarantina, the online catalogue for local F&B brands that emerged during the quarantine.
Also Read — Because of Quarantine: @garagarakarantina is the online catalogue for local F&B brands emerging during pandemic
Nasgero specializes in nasi goreng rempah (spiced fried rice), and the fact that it uses fluffy long grain basmati rice is already a plus in our book. You can choose between its signature dish Nasgero Sirloin (IDR55,000/US$3.90), or you can opt for Nasgero Ayam (IDR38,000/US$2.70) and Nasgero Ayam Kulit (IDR45,000/US$3.19) — the latter of which comes with fried chicken skin.
Each serving comes with pickled shallot and bird’s eye chili, emping (slightly bitter cracker made of melinjo nuts), and a runny sunny side up. Though one might associate spices with burning sensations on the tongue, Nasgero’s are not that spicy, especially if you’re used to the rich flavors in Indonesian cuisine.
As for the proteins, we felt that the sirloin cubes are easy to chew while the chicken complemented the overall spiciness well. The nasi goreng itself is already tasty enough to eat on its own, but try having it with all the extras and condiments to make a harmonious explosion of flavor in your mouth. The portion size is just adequate and won’t make you feel too stuffed, which might owe to the relatively lean property of the basmati rice.
After having ordered Nasgero’s fried rice a couple of times in a week, we’re now sure that it deserves the hype it’s been getting.
FIND IT
Nasgero
Based in Cilandak, South Jakarta
Open: 10am-10pm, daily
Order via GoFood, Grabfood, or Whatsapp
Phone: +62 813 8744 7161
