Central Jakarta is home to one of the city’s most exciting and most photographed restaurants. It’s known for its unique design that’s centred on a head-turning water feature, designed by Piter Gan Architect. Get transported to an oasis in Menteng, Jakarta and enjoy authentic Sundanese food at Talaga Sampireun.
STORY BY Barbara Hahijary & Natasha Gan | PHOTOS BY Bagus Tri Laksono
Over the past 10 years, Talaga Sampireun has built an empire of restaurants, growing from one to eight outlets. The brand has been associated with delicious Sundanese fare and architecture that takes inspiration from nature. The Menteng location is no exception. Its Indonesian architecture is characterised by red bricks, natural wood, and lush greens for a resort-like ambiance.
Upon entering Talaga Sampireun Menteng, hungry patrons are greeted at the reception area and welcomed by a four-metre high waterfall flowing into a vast pond stretching over an area of 9,000 sqm. At times, a small wooden boat is seen rowing across the pond with excited customers while they wait for their orders to arrive. You’ll also catch cheerful kids feeding the Koi fishes in the pond.
The Menteng location is the second Talaga Sampireun that architect Piter Gan designed, after the equally popular Bumi Sampireun Vimala Hills Ciawi, which boasts verdant views of Puncak, Bogor. “Both locations have different challenges. In Ciawi, we designed the space with the view of the valley top of mind. At this downtown Jakarta location, we have to be creative and make our own attraction that’s iconic and picture- worthy. That’s why we built the water feature and added plenty of greenery, while ensuring each seating zone has something unique to offer,” explained Piter.
Talaga Sampireun offers a multitude of dining experiences. Walking along the pond to reach your table is only the start of your experience at Talaga Sampireun Menteng. Clients get the option of dining inside a saung (a traditional Sundanese house with an arched roof ) for intimate gatherings, at the spacious main dining area to be close to the water, in an alfresco terrace that gets shade from nearby trees, or in a treehouse by hundred-year-old trees.
The three-storey main dining area is located opposite of the entrance. If you frequent social media, you’ll immediately recognize this highly photographed spot.
The semi-outdoor space has a contemporary tropical vibe; both the mezzanine and the ground levels are designed without walls, harmoniously blending the indoors with the outdoors. Inside, a decorative rattan chandelier hangs from the soaring ceiling, warmly illuminating the space after sundown.
The ground level is reminiscent of a coffee shop, complemented with lounge chairs where one gets a view of Menteng. It extends to a diner-like seating arrangement with booths along the perimeter for all-day casual dining.
The second floor is the perfect spot to enjoy the view of the restaurant’s interior while still being outdoors, but families tend to go for the tree houses that sit one level above. With all real estate, Talaga Sampireun can cater up to 600 guests at a time.
Talaga Sampireun has a variety of Sundanese specialties. The famous honey- roasted shrimp and bamboo-roasted patin are their all-time favourites. Fresh juices and beverages are served to help guests weather the tropical heat. Talaga Sampiruen also offers an extensive dessert menu that includes Es Teler TS, Es Kelapa Sirsak and Es Pisang Ijo. The restaurant is also equipped with a state-of- the-art coffee machine, so coffee enthusiasts can rejoice. Whatever your order is, dining to the sound of flowing water in a serene ambience is the way to go.
The service is also worth mentioning; it’s on par with the phenomenal architecture and food. The staff, decked in Sundanese-inspired uniform, are always around and ready to help. The service also includes a valet for your car so you can skip the hassle of parking and jump straight into enjoying the main course.
With all facilities and services combined, Talaga Sampireun Menteng offers a short getaway like no other. There’s no need to stroll too far from the city centre for delectable food, beautiful surroundings and reliable service. Talaga Sampireun Menteng has it all.
Project Data
TALAGA SAMPIREUN MENTENG
Location (address) : Jl. Prapatan Kwitang No. 12, Jakarta 10410
Site Area: 8,185 sqm
Floor Area: 1,491sqm
Seating Capacity: 850 pax
Architecture & Interior Consultant: PT Piter Gan Architect
Principal Designer: Piter Gan
Interior: Seniman Ruang
Lighting Consultant: Erreluce
Landscape: Talaga Sampireun team
Main Contractor: PT Allegra Mitra Perkasa
Started construction: July 2022
Completed: March 2023