Travel Guide: Exploring Jakarta’s Culinary Scene in Celebration of the City’s Birthday
“Jakarta is the display of Indonesia’s culinary scene,” food writer Kevindra Soemantri said in an interview with Plus Jakarta. Beyond the facade of a metropolis, Jakarta stores various palates in its every corner. All new concepts, new establishments, and new tastes circle back to Jakarta — a true melting pot, the city has embraced a wide spectrum of diverse cultures.
Honoring the 497th anniversary of Jakarta on June 22, EnVi invites you on a journey to explore the city’s food scene. Read on for culinary recommendations and tips on how to get the most out of Jakarta’s ever-evolving gourmet!
Bubur Ayam Mangga Besar’s Comforting Spoonfuls
Bubur ayam, or chicken congee, is considered a staple comfort food that can be found everywhere in Jakarta, from street vendors to upscale restaurants. Bubur Ayam Mangga Besar is located in a haven for Chinese food enthusiasts, and is considered a legendary spot. The establishment has been around since 1999 and rarely goes a day without seeing customers.
Made from white rice, babur ayam is served plain in a bowl, while the toppings are served separately. A variety of toppings are available, ranging from boiled chicken or liver to gizzard or century eggs. Each topping adds a different flavor and texture to the porridge, making the meal both fun and tasty.
The restaurant exudes a simple and rustic ambiance, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. The decor is modest, with an emphasis on creating comfort and a homey feel that invites guests to relax and savor their food. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, the warmth and hospitality of Bubur Ayam Mangga Besar make it a delightful place to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal.
Nostalgic Delights Await at Kedai Tjikini
Amidst the bustling city of Jakarta, the serene ambiance of Kedai Tjikini stands out. The moment you step into Kedai Tjikini, the familiar scents and tunes of old Indonesian songs instantly transport you to the past. Like visiting a grandparent’s home, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vintage interiors.
Since its establishment, the café, founded by Dharmawan Handonowarih, Heni Wiradimadja, Enrico Halim, and Leo Fabian, has aimed to cultivate a welcoming “home” for all. Fittingly, its menu features a selection of home-cooked dishes and traditional snacks that many Indonesians grow up with, such as sayur lodeh, bubur kacang hijau, pisang goreng, and more.
Take a Slurp at Bakmi Aboen
Apart from being known as a bustling marketplace, Pasar Baru also holds culinary delights, especially for noodle lovers. Hidden within one of the alleyways of Gang Kelinci lies a place that has been a favorite among noodle enthusiasts since the 1960s: Bakmi Aboen.
The word “mie” comes from the Chinese “mian,” meaning noodles. As noodles spread across Asia, they adapted to local tastes and became a staple in Indonesian cuisine. One popular form is bakmi, a flavorful dish loved by many Indonesians comprising Chinese-style wheat noodles with vegetables, meat, and savory sauces.
Upon entering Bakmi Aboen, the continuous sizzling from the gas stove indicates nonstop activity. The bakmi babi spesial (special pork noodles) has a rich yet smooth pork broth aroma. The noodles are soft and blend perfectly with the pork oil and toppings, creating a harmonious flavor. From the food to the atmosphere, Bakmi Aboen checks all the boxes that many people seek in a classic street food destination.
ESA Explores the Culinary Tapestry of Jakarta
The name “esa,” meaning “one” or “singular” in Sanskrit, reflects ESA as the owners’ first venture. ESA represents “New Jakarta Cuisine,” a style influenced by the city’s diverse and cosmopolitan character, mirroring the multicultural backgrounds of Chef Aditya and many Jakartans.
ESA’s inaugural menu, “Season Heritage,” does not focus on traditional or old-fashioned concepts. Instead, it highlights the diverse ethnic and culinary influences experienced by the chef and founders as Jakarta residents. For instance, their foie gras parfait combines Chinese, Sundanese, and French flavors, offering a unique culinary experience.
Chef Aditya Muskita emphasizes the beauty of sharing food, a staple in Asian culinary traditions. ESA merges this with the course menu concept of high-end restaurants, providing a fresh dining experience where food is served for sharing in a sequence from appetizers to petit fours.
Parakarta Brings Out Intimacy In Drinking Coffee
Slow coffee bars in Indonesia are really having their moment right now. Parakarta, a roastery and slow bar located in Kemang, South Jakarta, brings intimacy to the table.
The shop is small, with a capacity of less than 10 people, but captures the essence of intimacy. Founded by Widyadarma Abi Setiawan, it emphasizes the importance of the small space in fostering a sense of community and allowing strangers to form bonds easily. The slow bar’s focus on manual brewing and transparent roasting process have made it a standout in the city’s coffee scene.
When ordering, visitors are given information about the coffee bean offerings. Whether customers want a fruity or a honey taste, the baristas act as thorough guides. Parakarta’s own roastery showcases various beans, including East Manglayang from West Java which has a citrus, berries, and brown sugar taste and Flores Sunrise from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara which has a sweet chocolate and almond taste. It even has an elaborate explanation for each bean, so no worries about being confused!
Everything is Nusantara at Lokaholik
Avant-garde concept Nusantara (former term for Indonesia) themed bar Lokaholik opened its doors in 2022. Located in the center of Jakarta’s pop culture district, Blok M serves local Indonesian alcohol, which has received more attention in recent years.
Cap Tikus, Arak Bali (Balinese arrack), and Kura Kura craft beer are some of the beverages offered here. In addition, there are signature cocktails such as Cipinang, a tropical taste of jackfruit and avocado, and Lokapon, a mixture of coconut and pandan that creates the sweet taste of klepon.
Lokaholik features a cozy and well-lit interior with wood accents and rattan windows, nurturing a welcoming environment. The bar’s decorations and vinyl music foster a nostalgic atmosphere that connects customers with Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. The building’s wooden windows that open to the view of Blok M are perhaps its most iconic element.
Rumah Makan Sepakat, A Living Legend
Since 1967, Rumah Makan Sepakat, a Padang restaurant, has housed itself in Mayestik, South Jakarta. Indonesians and Minangkabau cuisine are inseparable, even in Jakarta, where the most popular lunch choice is reportedly nasi padang. Even with countless lunch options, many people circle back to this comforting dish.
The restaurant was founded by H. Sofidar St. Mudo and Hj. Syamsidar, a husband-and-wife duo who moved from West Sumatra to Jakarta. Their best-selling item, gulai gajeboh (beef brisket of cow hump, cooked in a sour tamarind chili fish curry), is always sold out. Gulai gajeboh itself is a specialty menu in Minang cuisine, meaning that not every Padang restaurant serves it. The restaurant’s other side dishes are also must-tries, so be sure to visit!
Nothing Personal Unlocks Unique Dessert Experience
Nothing Personal captures customers’ attention with a transformative dessert experience at any time during its unusual opening hours: 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Owned by Sharon Claresta, Nothing Personal fuses homemade tastes into desserts with coffee beverages on the side. Nothing Personal’s desserts are unlike usual treats — they are infused with the herbs and spices of other cuisines.
The shop has a unique red-hued facade. Although it may be bold, Nothing Personal is made a comfortable haunt thanks to its muted lighting. Even more unique about the shop is its location: the garage of a pleasantly old-fashioned house. If you are looking for a pleasant, post-midnight ambiance, visit Nothing Personal.
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