There are more than a dozen of restaurants in IDD serving various cuisines, from Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, to Western; each offering its own delicacies that include main courses, appetizers, desserts and beverages. The big names like Bakmi GM, Cawan Putih, GIOI and the viral Oyster Dealer are here, yet we pick seven chefs from different restaurants to gain insights on how they engineer their menus.
STORY BY Barbara Hahijary | PHOTOS BY IDD
Bandar Djakarta
The most famous seafood chain, Bandar Djakarta is here with its famous fish market concept at which people can enjoy the delicacy of fresh seafood with live cooking attraction. This establishment is also equipped with main hall, VIP rooms, and alfresco dining venue that fit for a family gathering, a business lunch or dinner, and networking events.
The corporate chef of Bandar Djakarta, Lukman Budiman shared, “More and more customers are looking for healthier food options, which can be easily gained with super fresh materials that we always have here. The all- time favourites include boiled shrimp, deep-fried squid, and steamed fish along with mango chili dip and shrimp chili paste.”
Restoran Medan Baru
The culinary authenticities of Medan, Malay and Aceh at Restoran Medan Baru not only spoil our palate but also make diners want to come back for more. The wide range of tasty menu includes Ayam Pop, Sop Kambing, Rendang and the restaurant’s famous fish head curry. These gourmet meals made with rich in spices and prolonged cooking procedure.
Chef Ibrahim explained, “Recently people have gained preference on unique culinary experience, sustainability and consciousness of healthy food. Thankfully I have all the access needed on recipes and knowledge on Sumatran food and its highly cultural cooking technique. It helps us provide food recommendation, recipe adjustment and nutritional advice.”
Bipang Ambawang
Foodies seeking genuinely delectable meals from West Kalimantan should look no further than Bipang Ambawang, which serves grilled free-range pork and fern soup from his homeland. All ingredients are imported directly every day before being cooked for 12 hours. There are certain procedures with checkpoints to ensure consistent quality.
“The kitchen team has perfected the traditional recipe from our hometown and adjusted the portion into smaller serving sizes to fit the dining style in Jakarta,“ Deky Junaedi, the restaurant’s director and co- owner, affirmed, adding that “apart from featuring our menu offerings, we aim to promote the Dayak culture. That’s why we feature sape players to serenade the guests.”
May Star
The founder of May Star, Jason Chin, has 45-years of experience under his belt. He started operating the restaurant 18 years ago, rooted in Cantonese food and occasionally tastes of Hakka, Sichuan and Teochew. The signatures on the menu include Steamed Fish, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall Soup and Indonesia’s first May Star Roasted Golden Pig. They offer special menu on Chinese festivals especially in celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Jason shared, “We pay great attention to raw ingredients. We prefer locally sourced despite also importing the high-quality ones from abroad to craft delicious and well-presented dishes. On the whole, our locals are on par with top notch services from our expat chefs and managers.”
Sushi Mashi
Festive food is very well elaborated at Sushi Mashi, featuring a delectable array of Japanese dishes for an unparalleled culinary experience. The menu lists such palatable items as Toro Carpaccio, Salmon Belly Carpaccio, Negi Toro Tacos with Uni, Prawn Salad, Squid Ink Pasta Uni Sauce, Kabuto Beef with Egg, and Ultimate Truffle Gyudon as well as refreshing desserts like Hokkaido Pudding Caramel and Warabi Mochi.
Chef Anggi Widodo explained, “The setting of the restaurant boasts kids-friendliness for families and friends seeking a memorable celebration.” The menu complements contemporary elegant décor. The interior exudes zen garden-like with touches of green and wooden elements whilst the cosy nuance is adorned with prime translucent stone.
Burger Time by Kem Chicks
The legacy of business superstar Bob Sadino lives on the Bob’s Patty. It is a heritage recipe by the lifestyle icon himself, primarily serving homemade burger patty and fresh country sausage. It is part of his innovative strategy and commitment for the customers to enjoy gourmet meals crafted with Kem Chicks’ own produce. Chef Theresia Rini Susanti explained, “We have added more items on the menu, such as pasta, pastries, sandwiches, dish platter with seafood, vegetables, fruits and various types of cheese. Our experienced kitchen brigade ensures our meals are affordable, tasty and homey.”
One Fifteenth Coffee
Opened its doors since 2012, One Fifteenth Coffee is among the first establishments in Jakarta’s specialty- coffee scene. It is a great hangout known for serving great coffee with the highest quality beans. In 2017, the Japanese chef Hikaru Take joined the team to revamp the food menu and help transforming into bistro- restaurant concept with exceptional coffee offerings. The founder Nathalia Gunawan asserted, “All the items on the menu are delectably crafted to achieve a balance of flavours, texture, and presentation. People come here for artisan coffee and handcrafted food like Pempek, Tekwan, Avocado Toast, and Shakshuka.”
More mouthwatering menus are respectively served at Thirty Bumbu by Chop Buntut, Gudeg Mercon, Rasa Kenangan, Pempek Cawan Putih and Ohayo. Go for refreshment at Sweet Day, Scoop Gelateria, BELLISSIMORE Ice Cream & Gelato/Teazzi, and Verde Café @ chantique. Sip your coffee at Bleum Coffee, MANA Level Up, or Kopi Buluh. Bon appetite!