Nasi lemak (P165) is a dish that I think often gets overshadowed by the more popular chicken rice. It's a simple, homey meal based around rice that's sat in coconut milk then steamed. Around it are bits of dilis, peanuts, slices of cucumbers and a generous serving of spicy hot sambal sauce. To make it ever more interesting, there are also a variety of accompaniments to this, like beef rendang or achars (pickles). In Shiok's case, they serve it with good ol' fried chicken. Good call, if you ask me–which patriotic Noypi doesn't love fried chicken? I've often fantasized about Chicken Joy served nasi lemak style! I'm not going to lie and say this is the best nasi lemak I've ever tried–but in a pinch it's filling and will surely sort out the grumbling in your tummy (though a part of me wishes their house-made sambal was a few notches more incendiary).
Char kway teow (P120) is one of the my all time favorite noodle dishes. Flat noodles are wok fried in Hades-like heat, 'til it gets this amazingly smoky flavor that only a well-seasoned wok and fire can achieve. (I like it when it gets a little crispy!) Tossed in a mixture of soy sauce, belachan (shrimp paste) and chilis, CKT should just about smack you in the face with a flavor bomb with each and every tantalizing bite. Shiok's version is topped with shrimp, bean sprouts, and chives and has a kick to it–the biggest kick among all the dishes we got to try. Thankfully not too oily (as a lot of versions I've tried), it was a nice counterpoint to milder flavors of the chicken rice.
A plate of baby bok choy (P65) was a little overcooked (I like mine a little crunchy), roti prata (P55) was just okay, and an ice cold glass of yuan yang (an iced tea/coffee and milk combo, P55) was a tad too sweet (they have Horlicks, though!)–but, as I told my friend who was with me, these are things that are easy to overlook because for the most part the food is of good quality, cooked with honesty and integrity, and give you great value for money – a rarity these days. And yeah, you can totally bring someone here to start your hot date with a bit of sizzle and spice. Go!
RATING: •••• 3.5 out of 5 Spots but can attain a solid 4 when they get their groove.
SHIOK is at 01-05 Fort Forum Bldg, Bonifacio Stopover, 31st & 2nd St., Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (Tel. 466-6291)
Photos by JJ Yulo
