The northern half of the road is tucked in a leafy, well-to-do neighborhood filled with food stalls and restaurants that mostly serve the surrounding residential area. There are also several standout eateries that are worth visiting for those who live outside Pejompongan. 

How to get there 

Palmerah train station is located approximately a 15-minute walk from Jl. Pejompongan Raya. The station is a stop along the Maja line, or also Parung Panjang and Serpong - which are essentially the same line but with different route lengths. Passengers on the Bogor-Kampung Bandan line can change trains at Tanah Abang station. 

But be aware that the sidewalk stretching from Palmerah station to Pejompongan is currently under construction. Travelers may want to consider continuing their journey by taxi or ride-hailing service. 

A new four-wheeled taxi, called the Bajaj Qute, is to replace the old three-wheeled bajaj and bemo in Jakarta. (JP/hol)

Once in Pejompongan, there are also small four-wheeled taxis called Bajaj Qute, which operate as the updated version of the bemo, which are no longer allowed to operate in Jakarta. The Bajaj Qute, however, only travel around the Pejompongan area and as far as neighboring Jl. Bendungan Hilir. A trip costs approximately Rp 20,000 (US$1.45) and can fit up to three passengers. 

Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Bendungan Hilir

What to wear

As it is a residential area with relaxed eateries, casual clothes are suitable for exploring Jl. Pejompongan Raya. Wear sandals or comfortable shoes to walk in. 

Casual clothes are appropriate to hang-out in casual cafes. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

What to eat 

Tucked in a corner just behind the main road is Sate Djono Jogya Pejompongan, which has gained popularity among locals for serving delectable goat-based dishes. 

Sate kambing is a popular dish at Sate Djono Jogya Pejompongan. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari) 

Sate kambing (goat skewers) and kambing soup (goat soup) are among the most popular dishes at the restaurant. Sate Djono also serves refreshing coconut beverages, while their orange coconut drink is a generous serving that comes with a heap of coconut flesh. A serving of sate kambing with lontong (rice cakes) costs Rp 78,000, while an orange coconut drink is Rp 15,000. 

Around the corner from Jl. Pejompongan Raya, is another popular eatery called Bebek BKB (Bebek Kepahiang Babase). As its name suggests, 'bebek' meaning duck, the restaurant's highlighted dish is fried duck doused in black sauce. 

 

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The duck is cooked thoroughly to give it a tender texture and flavored with various herbs and spices. A fried duck combo dish, which comes with rice, fried tempe (fermented soy bean) and green chili costs just below Rp 40,000. The restaurant also serves sweets and snacks, such as es pisang ungu (purple banana ice) and various sweet-flavored toasties.

Those who are not particularly looking for a proper meal could head to Khayal Coffee Studio, a cozy café located inside the LeGreen Suite Pejompongan accommodation building.

Drinks at Khayal Coffee Studio in Pejompongan. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Its signature drink is the es kopi susu Khayal, which is iced coffee with milk and sweetened with palm sugar, a typical coffee beverage that has gained popularity in Jakarta recently. Those feeling adventurous could also try their es kopi susu pisang (banana flavored iced coffee). 

Not in the mood for coffee? Khayal also serves other drinks, such as iced chocolate and green tea latte. Prices range from Rp 13,000 for an espresso.  

Read also: Jakpost guide to Rawa Belong

Where to stay 

Pejompongan is located near Gelora Bung Karno stadium (GBK), and a short drive from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle, a shopping precinct that is home to the Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia shopping centers. 

With its strategic location and ample budget accommodation, Pejompongan is a great alternative area for those visiting central Jakarta to stay in. 

Sawana Suites is located in the Pejompongan area. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

Among the choices include LeGreen Suite, which has several branches in the area, including LeGreen Suite Senayan and LeGreen Suite Pejompongan. Nearby, there is also Sawana Suites located on Jl. Danau Limboto, just a hop and a skip from Jl. Pejompongan Raya. 

Tips

• In the evening, food stalls line the street along the residential end of Jl. Pejompongan Raya. 
• While in the area, take the time to visit nearby Jl. Bendungan Hilir, which is also lined with places to eat. (mut)