Zagat Guide - Aceh Edition (Part 1 of Many)

Pizza House serves up decent pan, thin and cheese crusted pizza. Similar to what you'd find at Pizza Hut. Beef pepperoni substitutes for the non-Halal regular peps."Texas Style" is "chunky chicken and pineapple with spicy sauce" and the oddest topping consists of pepper sauce with beef burger and corn. A large pizza is about $6 (size is equivalent to a small in the US). The joint also comes with a simple salad bar - the only one in Aceh. Lasagna and other basic pasta dishes are also on the menu. Beverage wise, can't go wrong with the cappuccino dingin (iced cap). Delivery available to those lacking transport.

Imperial Kitchen is the best place in town for a good solid meal. Every dish is unique and the quality is consistent. The menu is rather interactive. You pick the key ingredient and a method of cooking. You always know you will get a good dinner here. For appetizer, the lumpia udang (shrimp eggrolls) are delicately wrapped in a tofu wrapper. Beef stir fry with dried chili and cashew is another highlight. In the soup department, my personal favorite is the seafood hot and sour soup. A limited dim sim menu is also available. Reservations are recommended or you'll be fighting over a table with all the other expats in town. You're guaranteed to recognized at least 3 other fellow diners.

Alla Turca is the newest restaurant geared towards the expat/NGO community. This 2-storey Turkish joint is tastefully decorated and the Turkish folk music playing in the background adds to the ambiance. It gets the thumbs up for the best dining environment in Banda. Menu choices are limited to 2 soups, 4 entrees and 3 salads. No dessert. The rice has a nice touch of butter and the kofte kebabs are tender and well seasoned (but not as good as the Turkish rice and kebab made by Can Can). American prices, entrees range from $8-$10 per person. Soups $3-4, and Salads $3-5.