Spice level warning — Soto Ayam is not what I expected

I underestimated Soto Ayam. The sweet-savoury description didn't prepare me for the reality. kecap manis sweet soy brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Indonesian cuisine spans over 17,000 islands with dramatically different regional traditions. The a family feast table setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. kopi tubruk cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.