Indonesian Gem on the Costa Rican Pacific Coast
I found this gem of Indonesian Food in the town of Ojochal, on the south Pacific Coast of Costa Rica,about 15 kilometers from the surf destination of Dominical. Getting there is an easy and very scenic 3 hour ride from the capital city of San José, going through typical towns, up a 10,000 ft mountain range, across coffee plantations and down to the beach.
Ylang Ylang is owned by a Dutch couple who immigrated two years ago, after deciding to move from the Netherlands to warmer climates. It is situated sufficiently up a hill to enjoy a great view of the ocean, yet close enough to get the soothing sounds of the surf breaking below. The ambience is totally tropical, and open to the ocean breeze. The restaurant is maned by its two owners, Caroline and Hans so it is very intimate, all food is cooked by Caroline, and served home style by Hans. The menu offers two different pris fix options for two, and a choice of desserts.
- We chose the Java menu, which includes a Daging Rendag-chopped spicy beef boiled in coconut milk with exotic herbs, Ajam Gomeh-chopped chicken breast with coconut and spices, vegetables, steamed rice and Sambal.
The ocean is close enough to hear the soothing sounds of the surf below
Written by afilloy
Alejandro turned his passion for travel, food, and the tropics into the growing site of TropicsGourmet.