Who knew that the best gudeg (unripe jackfruit stew) joint in Jakarta can be found in Gandaria?

While the ambiance of Chinese New Year feels strong as we enjoy barongsai ( lion) dances or enter the city’s brightly decorated shopping malls, the warm, intimate celebration of the festivity actually happens at the dining table.

Located not far from 7/11 Radio Dalam, Sate Padang Salero Ajo is typically packed with customers as the afternoon makes way for the evening.

Jakarta is home to a multitude of snacks that are worth a try. Besides the popular kerak telor (spicy omelette), there is also kue ape (soft-centered crispy pancake).

Culinary expert William Wongso, as reported by kompas.com, says the foods that are served during Chinese New Year celebrations have to represent various elements, such as aquatic and two-legged and four-legged terrestrial animals. Below are some of examples.

When I popped by on a Sunday afternoon, Bakso Bakwan Malang Cak Su Kumis Rawamangun was crammed with punters having lunch, while a long snaking queue had formed in front of the counter where customers could choose various fritters and steamed treats.

Chinese New Year is one of the most-celebrated events for the ethnic-Chinese community in Indonesia. To welcome the occasion, Jakarta's modern Chinese restaurants have geared up with several promotions.

A reunion dinner is an important occasion for Chinese families. Held on the eve of Chinese New Year, the dinner is mandatory for all family members, as it may be the only annual gathering opportunity.

First opened on Dec. 28 last year, Pingoo restaurant in Neo Soho shopping mall, West Jakarta, caught the public’s attention due to the appearance of live penguins inside the eatery's aquarium display.

If there’s one type of restaurant where rules matter, it’s a sushi bar.

Cinere is renowned not only for being a cozy place to live filled with trees and greenery but also for its many fine restaurants. Among them is Bakmi Villa – a no-frills bakmi (noodles) joint found within the Villa Cinere Mas housing area. 

Where would you find a good sloppy joe sandwich in Jakarta?

“Sop Konro Bawakaraeng! It might not be a familiar name to visitors, but the locals consider its sup konro the best in Makassar”, my local driver explained when I asked him for the best place in town for a bowl of sup konro.

A traditional culinary center popularly known as “Lapo”, which means “eateries" in the Batak language, on Jl. Lapangan Tembak Senayan, South Jakarta, will cease operations soon.

In general, martabak telur (stuffed fried pancake) is consumed with a watery dark-colored vinegar sauce mixed with slices of cucumber and bird’s eye chili. However, I chanced upon a rather different variation of this delicacy when I popped by Martabak Kari H. Abdoel Razak in Cideng on Jl. Biak, Central Jakarta.

Here are five traditional Indonesian cakes that would be ideal for an afternoon snack with family and friends, which you can find in Jakarta and beyond.

For a drink with only two ingredients, the martini inspires a disproportional level of disagreement.

Jakartans from all walks of life should be more than familiar with Soto Ceker Pak Gendut. Most people come here because it is open until the wee hours—from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. The opportunity to sample a warm and flavorful soup at midnight is a temptation that is simply too difficult to resist, which explains why this place gets even more crowded after the sun checks out for the day.

Not long ago, my culinary adventures took me to Pasar Baru, which is home to one of the most popular nasi uduk places in town: Nasi Uduk Kota Intan.

A village in Tapin regency, South Kalimantan, is now home to the hottest chili in the country.

If you’ve ever wondered what whiskey tastes like with some coffee, Jack Daniel’s is one step ahead of you with this whiskey-infused coffee.

Besides being a breakfast staple, bubur ayam is just as perfect as a meal after the sun setting—especially for those looking to eat something light. The following are seven bubur joints that we recommend you try at nighttime.

There are restaurants out there that require you to go the extra mile just to sample its food. One fine example is Bakmi Karet Krekot Pasar Baru.

Time to get on board with gruits.

The frenetic atmosphere of Jl. Sabang in Central Jakarta as the day turns to night can only leave you shaking your head in disbelief, what with the busy traffic along with the rows of pushcarts and tented warung that fill up both sides of the street. A sought-after eating spot on this bustling street that could never be accused of lacking in customers is Sate Lamongan Jaya Agung.

Some of you Jakartans may either have heard of Konro Karebosi or have had a taste of it at one of its branches up in Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta. One of the most celebrated restaurants in Makassar in South Sulawesi, its beef ribs are much loved by the locals. I grabbed the opportunity to enjoy its signature dish, where the story of Konro Karebosi all began.

We all agree that 2016 has been a delicious year for the capital’s gastronauts, yet some players in the industry feel that the excitement has been nothing more than oral imagination. When doom seems to have swept away some of the city's culinary avenues, we can be comforted by the openings of new restaurants throughout the capital. 

There’s no denying the fact that warung Tegal—shortened as “warteg” (a food stall that specifically serves Javanese food)—is big with those who are looking for an affordable yet filling meal. The variety of dishes at its disposal could cater to the preferences of many, while it also serves kerupuk (crackers) and an array of beverages. However, are you familiar with its origins?

A rare scene occurred during the first plenary Cabinet meeting of 2017 at Bogor Palace, West Java, as several street food vendors gathered in the palace backyard to serve lunch to those in attendance on Wednesday.

Let us begin 2017 with deep gratitude for how remarkable 2016 has been. Myriads of both imaginative restaurants and mouth-watering dining establishments have opened, scattered across this developing megacity: from the latest offspring of celebrated restaurant groups to newborn babies of fresh, new players in the Jakarta dining scene.  So what does 2017 have to offer to the dining scene in Jakarta and abroad?