When you’re working in a foreign country, far from home, it’s natural to miss the flavours you grew up with. Which is why I make it a point to ask expat friends what their go-to place is whenever they crave something homely, because the spots they recommend are usually authentic.

Such is the case with Warung Soto Lamongan (Wasola), which an Indonesian friend picked out for lunch after a basketball game. It’s a relatively hidden spot nestled within an old mixed-use flat called Wisma Sabarudin, which apparently had quite a notorious past as a drug den. Since the restaurant opened, however, it has helped to change that image – and now there are several other businesses on the ground floor, including a launderette.

As the restaurant name suggests, Warong Soto Lamongan specialises in soto (Indonesian chicken soup, widely considered to be its national dish) – specifically soto lamongan, a variant from the Lamongan Regency in East Java.

Different regions have their own versions of soto, and this one features a stronger flavour thanks to the addition of koya (a powdered condiment made from crushed garlic and ground prawn crackers). Here, rice is also added into the soup, but you can request for it to be served separately.

Another crowd favourite is the Bakso, ie beef meatballs. Unlike Western-style meatballs, bakso usually has a springy texture as the meat is washed with water, mixed with cornstarch, and then kneaded into a bouncy, ultra smooth paste.

There are a few bakso options to choose from at Wasola, including Bakso Berurat (tendon beef balls – pictured above), Bakso Telur (which has a whole egg stuffed within), and Bakso Beranak (a giant meatball with mini meatballs inside).

The beef balls were bouncy to the bite, albeit on the salty side, while the soup was flavourful with strong hints of garlic and the natural sweetness of cabbage. Rice vermicilli rounded it off with some carbs. My only qualm is that the portion was small – I found myself feeling hungry quickly afterwards.

To wash everything down, I got a vibrantly pink glass of Sirap Bandung (which is, funnily enough, not from Bandung in Indonesia, but Singapore).

Aside from soto and bakso, Warung Solo Lamongan also offers Masakan Jawa Timur (East Javanese cuisine), with dishes like Ayam Penyet (“smashed” fried chicken with rice), bebek penyet (duck), sate, rawon (beef soup cooked with keluak, or pangium), Mangut (fish cooked in coconut milk and spices), and more.

The thing I like about dining here is the vibe – it’s simple, canteen-like, no frills, but clean and cosy enough for a meal. In fact, it looks and feels exactly like a warung (eatery) in Indonesia – and you can also get some Indonesian snacks from the counter before you leave. Service is fast and friendly, and most importantly, the food prices are wallet-friendly (about RM10 – 13).

WARUNG SOTO LAMONGAN

30-3, Jalan Raja Alang Chow Kit, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

• Phone: 018-205 8016
• Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (closed Mondays)

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