After a long day of fasting, iftar (breaking the fast meal at dusk) is the most anticipated time of the day for Muslims.

Those seeking local foods may want to visit Menteng in Central Jakarta. Menteng is recognized as a luxurious residential area in the capital and is home to several of Jakarta’s finest Indonesian restaurants.

Here’s our list of recommended places for iftar in Menteng.  

Kaum Jakarta

Kaum Jakarta offers refined versions of local dishes. (Kaum Jakarta/File)

After opening two outlets in Bali and Hong Kong, Kaum finally made its way to the capital. Officially opened last week, the new kid on the block has gained popularity among food lovers. Though Kaum Jakarta has yet to offer Ramadhan’s specials, guests can enjoy the eatery’s signatures dishes, such as lumpia basah Bandung (veggie wrap a la Bandung), bebek betutu (Balinese slow-cooked duck), gulai udang Aceh (prawns cooked in Acehnese style curry) and kue lumpur bubur ketan hitam (mud cakes served with sticky black rice porridge).

Kaum Jakarta also offers a space for private events. Dubbed Colonial House, the private dining area can accommodate 30 to 50 people.

Where: Jl. Dr. Kusuma Atmaja No. 77-79

Plataran Menteng

Iftar corner is available at Plataran Menteng during Ramadhan.(Plataran Menteng/File)

Occupying a three-story Dutch Colonial house, Plataran Menteng is a newly opened restaurant located in the area. For Ramadhan, Plataran Menteng is offering a special menu featuring Al Hambra (goat curry served with roti canai), kebuli (spiced rice) with chicken and paella with chicken with prices starting from Rp 215,000++ (US$16.14). In addition to the special Ramadhan menu, guests can also enjoy complimentary iftar corner, which serves five selected traditional sweets. Private rooms are available for those wanting to have more intimate gatherings.

Where: Jl. H. O. S Cokroaminoto No. 42

Read also: Introducing the new communal dining style 'liwetan'

Seribu Rasa

Private rooms at Seribu Rasa Menteng. (Seribu Rasa/File)

Situated in Jl. H. Agus Salim, Seribu Rasa is a popular spot for gatherings as they provide private rooms for nine to 20 people. Those wanting to break the fast with their loved ones may want to try the set menus with prices starting from Rp 1,500,000 for five people. The packages include Seribu Rasa’s signature dishes, such as fried chicken mango sauce, dendeng balado dua rasa (fried beef cooked in two flavors), dried scallop string bean and more.  

Where: Jl. H. Agus Salim, No. 128

Tesate Menteng

For Ramadhan, Tesate is offering four special iftar treats, namely wedang secang (traditional drink), bongko kopyor (traditional dessert made from coconut milk), nasi kebuli ayam (spiced rice served with chicken) and nasi kebuli kambing (spiced rice served with mutton).(Sari Rasa Group's website/File)

Tucked inside Jl. Sam Ratulangi, Tesate is one of the upscale Indonesian restaurants in Menteng. For Ramadhan, the restaurant is offering four special iftar treats, namely wedang secang (traditional drink), bongko kopyor (traditional dessert made from coconut milk), nasi kebuli ayam (spiced rice served with chicken) and nasi kebuli kambing (spiced rice served with mutton). The restaurant is also equipped with private rooms for 10 and 20 people with a minimum charge starting at Rp 1,000,000.

Where: Jl. Sam Ratulangi, No. 39

Lara Djonggrang

Lara Djonggrang is known for its interesting design, which, somewhat, resembles a spooky house.(Tugu Group/-)

Located in Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro, Lara Djonggrang is known for its interesting design, which, somewhat, resembles a spooky house. For this Ramadhan, the restaurant has geared up with iftar’s set menus with price starting from Rp 275,000++ per person. The set menus include warm and cold tajil (sugary snacks and drinks consumed to break the fast), soup, main courses, rice and desserts.

Lara Djonggrang has private rooms that can accommodate eight to 30 people with a minimum charge starting at Rp 2,000,000. (asw)

Where: Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro, No. 4