Cafe Sambal
Sambal embraces and surpasses all the cliches of a chic Beijing eatery -- a cozy courtyard house decorated with antique and modern furnishings, a sophisticated boss, relaxed service, and a well-balanced wine list. And then there's the food, prepared by a charming chef from Kuala Lumpur. You'll need to call a day in advance for the superb double-braised Australian lobster innyonyasauce, or the incredibly fresh chili curry crab, served on a bed of curry leaves, dried shrimp, and chili paste. Try the fried four-sided bean with cashew nut sauce, or the yoghurt-based mutton curry. Don't miss the signature dish, Kapitan chicken, a mildly spicy dish with a nutty aftertaste, said to have been invented when Chinese migrants reached Penang during the Ming dynasty. Thekuih dadar, shredded coconut fried with palm sugar and wrapped in a padang leaf roll, is delectable.
| Cuisine | Malaysian | ||
| Hours | Daily 12:30pm till late | ||
| Address | Doufu Chi Hutong 43 | ||
| Location | Back Lakes & Dong Cheng | ||
| Transportation | Metro: Gu Lou (217, exit B). Walk south along Jiu Gulou Dajie, it's near the corner of the 5th street on left, marked by a red lantern | ||
| Reservations | Reservations recommended for dinner | ||
| Phone | 010/6400-4875 | ||
| Prices | Meal for 2 ¥250-¥400 ($31-$50) | ||
| Credit Cards | AE, DC, MC, V | ||