Here are several canteens in South Jakarta malls that are worth a try.

Lotte Shopping Avenue

Situated in the bustling office area of Kuningan in South Jakarta, this shopping mall has three canteens, conveniently named Kantin Citra 1, 2 and 3. Kantin Citra 2 in parking area B1, right beside the motorcycle parking section, is clean and air-conditioned. It also has a TV in one corner. All the food sellers list their prices on the front of their stall so patrons can easily make up their minds.

Although all of the dishes are delicious, the must-tries include gado-gado (salad with spicy peanut sauce), ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken) and ayam bakar (grilled chicken), said Andira, 23, an employee who works near the mall.

Starting price: Rp 10,000 (less than US$1)

Where: Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5, Karet Kuningan, Setiabudi, South Jakarta

Customers at Kantin Citra 2 in Lotte Shopping Avenue.(-/Intan Tanjung)

Pacific Place

If you want to grab a quick lunch on the go, you can visit the canteen in the Pacific Place. This mall has three canteens on floors P2, P3 and P4, but the one on P2, though rather small, is more recommended since it is clean and air-conditioned as well as full of food sellers.

Since the place is usually crowded, it is advisable to come before or after the lunch  hour. Among the dishes available bakmi (noodles), bakwan Malang (meatballs in broth), nasi campur (rice with accoutrements) and soto Betawi (Betawi coconut-milk soup). The ayam bakar dish is known for its spicy sambal (chili). However, not all food sellers put their prices on the fronts of their stalls, so you may want to ask before ordering.

Starting price: Rp 10,000

Where: Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53, South Jakarta

Pacific Place mall has a canteen on floor P2 that is suitable for those wanting to grab a quick lunch.(JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

(Read also: The best child-friendly restaurants in Jakarta)

Plaza Senayan

Located behind Plaza Senayan, this canteen is open to those working in Senayan area. If you happen to be inside the mall, you have to walk a little and exit from Gerbang Palem.

The canteen is basically a two-story building with white wall and green roof. It is not air-conditioned, but it is clean and equipped with electric fans. Given the climate, it may feel a little bit humid on the first floor, especially during lunch break when it is packed with customers, so it is advisable to go upstairs and sit on the corner right beside a juice kiosk. Firman, 22, a college student who often visits the canteen, advises the Manadonese foods on the first floor and the refreshing orange juice.

Starting price: Rp 10,000

Where: Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Senayan, South Jakarta

A juice seller at the Plaza Senayan canteen. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)

Plaza Semanggi

Situated in the mall's basement, this canteen is clean and spacious though not air-conditioned. However, a wide variety of foods and beverages can be found here: from somay (fish cakes) and soto (aromatic soup) dishes to nasi goreng (fried rice) and ayam (chicken) dishes. One top hit is the ayam penyet for its savory taste and super spicy sambal.

Unlike other canteens, this eatery also has kiosks that sell books and offer photocopy service. (kes)

Starting price: Rp 10,000

Where: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Kav. 50, South Jakarta

Situated in the basement of Plaza Semangg, this canteen is clean and spacious though not air-conditioned.(JP/Ni Nyoman Wira)