Aceh, Riau, Medan, Lampung?

I'm working for a month in Sumatra, and probably won't be able to make it to Padang even though I've heard the food is great there!

Any suggestions for good food in Medan, Lampung, Riau, and/or Aceh? I've checked out the Eating Asia blog, but need more options! :)

There's such a dearth of recommendations for these locations that I'm not picky about cuisine, although Indonesian is always great.

Can anyone assist?

Thanks!

raconteuse in China & Southeast Asia

Solo female diner in HK, Singapore & KL

Fantastic tips, everyone - much appreciated!

raconteuse in China & Southeast Asia

Solo female diner in HK, Singapore & KL

Thanks, you two! Very helpful and EXCITING recommendations. These will be printed out and pored over and surely covered with sticky fingerprints.

Food Fascist, I actually just booked a room at Red Palm after seeing your review on Trip Advisor - I'm psyched for having Jalan Alor right around the corner!

raconteuse in China & Southeast Asia

Solo female diner in HK, Singapore & KL

Where would you send a solo female traveler to eat in Hong Kong, Singapore and/or Kuala Lumpur? I'll have three days in HK, one in Singapore, and three in KL - all in early September.

I'm on a budget, though can splash out when necessary. As I've never been to any of these cities before, I want to stick to the local flavors. I'm an adventurous eater, but don't feel like I need to eat odd organs to get the true feel for a cuisine. (Or do I?) ;)

My main concerns: no sketchy neighborhoods after dark, finding places where solo diners are treated with respect (or where they don't care one way or the other how many people are in your party), and that it's not too confusing to get to the restaurant. And it would be great to find places where I can try several small dishes, as I want to get as much variety as possible but hate to waste food!

I've traveled solo overseas before, and I know this is a relatively safe part of the world for solo women, but I just would love to hear where you'd send a female friend!

raconteuse in China & Southeast Asia

* Pinkberry - Marina Del Rey *

I just went to the Marina Del Rey Pinkberry - my first visit to any of their locations. I was skeptical given the unfavorable reviews above, but it was just a block from my hotel and I am a *big* fan of old-school tangy frozen yogurt.

The line was okay when I got there - about six people in front of me, and it moved quickly even though, as mentioned, it's near impossible to see what's in the toppings section before you get to the front. The workers were in their 'teens, and not friendly or unfriendly. I ordered a medium plain yogurt with kiwi, mangoes and pineapple and it was ready in about two minutes. The size seemed generous enough, and you'll be happy to learn that they are scooping the toppings now! They were so liberal that the toppings were actually overflowing.

The fruit and yogurt were both quite good, and I'd polished it off within the one-block walk home. Still, $5 for frozen yogurt is not within my budget on a regular basis. I prefer to visit Shy Giant frozen yogurt where I live: Seattle. Or make it myself with Nancy's plain yogurt and sugar (so simple and inexpensive and TART).

For anyone who hasn't experienced Pinkberry, I'd say give it a shot if it's convenient. Otherwise, there are plennnty of knockoffs, including in Seattle, that taste about the same.

raconteuse in Los Angeles Area

Ethnic food shops in LA

I'm down for anything. I'll buy mystery ingredients and look 'em up when I get home...

Thanks for the great advice, you guys! So, so helpful. (Although my boyfriend might grumble when he sees my ubiquitously food-centric itinerary...) :)

raconteuse in Los Angeles Area