Savor the best of Indonesian fare at Warung Kapitolyo

It all started in a humble stall at the Legazpi Sunday Market.

Imman Decena still remembers how his mom, Louh Doctora-Decena, and his aunt, Tess Doctora, struggled with their sales from their stall. Not a lot of people know about the wonders of Indonesian food then and most Filipinos weren’t as adventurous as they are now when it comes to trying new food.

Nevertheless, his mom and his aunt persevered.

Eight years later, they sell more than 350 packs of Indonesian boxed lunches at the Legazpi Sunday Market and on November 2016, they opened their own restaurant in foodie haven Kapitolyo in Pasig City.

A photo posted by Ching Dee (@iamchingdee) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:35pm PST

“My parents came back to the Philippines when they retired,” Imman shared. “Now, they’re busier than ever.”

After nearly three decades of living in Jakarta, Indonesia, their whole family went back to the Philippines and Louh — oh sorry, Auntie Louh — decided she would like to share the food she made for her three sons so more people will know about the wonderful experience that is Indonesian fare.

A photo posted by Ching Dee (@iamchingdee) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:32pm PST

And Warung Kapitolyo was born.

They found a spacious home not so far from the busier part of Kapitolyo and turned it into a gorgeous Asian home filled with stunning pieces of furniture and décor from their own home. The white walls made every piece of artwork pop and the rich hardwood gave the place that signature warmth that reminds you of home and welcomes you to stay and enjoy and have a great time.

They also have three equally beautiful function rooms good for private parties of 15 to 60 people.

A photo posted by Ching Dee (@iamchingdee) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:36pm PST

Here’s what we had on our first ever visit to Warung Kapitolyo — the first of many food-filled visits.

SATE AYAM
A must-try at Warung Kapitolyo is their Sate Ayam. Grilled chicken skewers marinated and glazed with their lip-smacking peanut sauce. Their peanut sauce is dangerously addictive. It’s savory yet sweet and the smokiness of the grilled chicken adds another layer of flavor in this Indonesian classic.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:50pm PST

BEEF RENDANG
From their humble stall at the Legazpi Sunday Market (LSM), Warung Kapitolyo brought their best-selling Beef Rendang to their flagship restaurant. Today, they offer the traditional beef rendang (just like how it’s done in Jakarta) and their famous version from the LSM. What’s the difference between the two? Well, you have to go and try it for yourself.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 10:55pm PST

BAKMI GORENG
Warung Kapitolyo’s Bakmi Goreng is an instant favorite and it’s easy to see (and taste) why it’s one of their crowd-pleasers. It is sweet, savory, and spicy all at the same time. The noodles were cooked just right, the chunks of beef and liver were perfectly flaky and tender, the still-runny fried egg adds a creaminess to the dish that makes it sooooo morish. The homemade krupuk (shrimp crackers; “kropek” in Manila) also gives it additional texture and flavor. I will definitely come back for more of this.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:09pm PST

NASI GORENG
Indonesian fried rice for the win! Warung Kapitolyo’s Nasi Goreng is the definition of “kanin na, ulam pa“.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:20pm PST

MARTABAK TELUR
THIS is what I came here for. Warung Kapitolyo’s Martabak Telur! The perfectly crispy wrapper envelopes luscious scrambled eggs, onions, leeks, and well-seasoned ground beef. Every bite is a delicious revelation. And just when you thought it can’t get any better, they serve it with spiced vinegar and a side of their homemade sambal. This Martabak Telur is worth the drive.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:27pm PST

MARTABAK MANIS
The other reason why I went all the way to Kapitolyo: Martabak Manis! A favorite street snack from Indonesia, this is like a pancake on steroids. The soft and fluffy cake is smothered with butter, doused with sweetened condensed milk, and showered with shredded cheese. You all know that sweet-and-salty combo is fool-proof. I personally love the crispy outer layer, adding more texture to the dish. As rich as it sounds, it’s actually not that sweet — which means you can eat mooooore.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:39pm PST

ES TELER
Es Teler is Warung Kapitolyo’s answer to the halo-halo. Finely shaved ice with lots of milk hiding slices of avocado and langka (jackfruit) underneath. Perfect for warm days… Or any day, really.

A photo posted by Food Ching Eats (@foodchingeats) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:41pm PST

The food is beyond amazing and Auntie Louh is the aunt we wish we all had. Aside from their fantastic fare, every visit is made even more special by her warm smile and inviting aura. Approach her when you see her and ask for her recommendations. Auntie Louh does not disappoint.

Warung Kapitolyo. 83 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00-9:00pm. 09178009158 / 09175347089.
Warung Warung. Every Sunday, 7:00am-2:30pm. Legazpi Market, Rufino corner Legazpi Street, Makati City.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This article has been edited to correct an error about the Martabak Telur. It is made of ground beef, not ground pork as previously reported. Warung Kapitolyo does not serve pork or lard in any of their dishes. We apologize for the error.