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| The Chameleon restaurant
“Wickedly delicious food”
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Tucked between the river and Temple Bar, the Chameleon
restaurant is a quietly acclaimed prizewinning eatery. I admit on first seeing the
restaurant’s exterior, I thought its heavy frontage with dimly lit interior,
and leafy window dressing, had more in common with the ‘smoke’ houses of Amsterdam. As it turns out, the Chameleon has an Opium
Room, where diners can sit on brocade cushions at low tables but the
similarities stop there, no illicit goods on sale here only wickedly delicious food.
The Chameleon reclaimed the ‘Bridgestone Best Restaurant in
Ireland’ prize 2012, and its’ numerous awards decorate the restaurant entrance.
Once inside you are greeted with rich coloured walls, a dark wooden interior
with warm flickering candles and soothing music.
The restaurant specialises in contemporary Indonesian food,
which is served in a unique way, instead of serving a main dish or a number of
courses, your meal comprises of a selection of small portions served at the
same time. This serving practice is called rijst-tafel
or rice table, adopted from the Dutch, who colonised the islands.
At first, the menu may appear a little cryptic but the restaurant
staff are always happy to explain the menus, which offer 6 to 8 dishes, divided
into meat, fish and vegetarian options. Guests ordering from a meat dish menu can
expect a combination chicken satay, cucumber and mango salad, sweet chilli
squid rings and more. The fish menu includes black tiger prawns with chillies,
shallots and pineapple, and the vegetarian, sweet potato spring rolls with
coriander and spicy mango dip.
The mixture of spices and flavourings results in each bite containing
a delightful explosion of tastes, which are not overpowering or hot, but are
harmonious combinations of complementary foods and seasonings. Your taste
experience is enhanced further, with a selection of condiments and jasmine rice
served with each dish. Your table is dressed with a food warmer by friendly and
approachable staff, and there is a selection of modest to expensive wines available.
The overall dining experience is best promoted as a couple’s indulgence or
girlie treat, and one you shouldn’t miss.
