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5 Indonesian restaurants to impress your foreign friends
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While you are ogling the Lara Djonggrang's interesting surroundings, taste authentic Indonesian dishes such as Sate Ayam Warok Pamanku (chicken satay) and the selections included in Nasi Campur Kepulauan (mixed rice). (Tugu Group/-)
L
ooking for some inspiration while welcoming foreign friends to town or simply seeking to splurge while dining in impressive traditional surroundings? Consider these five interesting options.
Bunga Rampai
Built in a newly renovated Dutch house, Bunga Rampai takes you back to historical Batavia during the colonial period. Adorned with richly elegant interior features, the restaurant has three floors with different atmospheres – the third level is particularly unique with its green house-themed interior.
As for the menu, expect to devour a vast array of Indonesian cuisine such as tum ayam (minced chicken with vegetables) and nasi Bali (Balinese mixed rice) served with three different sambal (chili sauces). The prices of the dishes start at Rp 30,000 (US$2.25).
Location: Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 35, Menteng, Central Jakarta
Indulge in serenity as you enter as this place offering traditional architecture and a calming atmosphere. Plataran Dharmawangsa also has an outdoor seating area to bring patrons closer to its beautiful garden.
As the design suggests, local dishes are provided with signatures including dendeng saus madu (beef jerky with honey sauce) and bebek geal-geol (a duck dish) with prices starting at Rp 35,000. Those staying healthy can also opt for brown rice instead of white.
Location: Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya No. 6, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Prepare to feast like a king as you enter this restaurant, which resembles a luxurious palace. The building itself has a long history related to the arts, as it was built for the Fine Arts Circle of the Dutch East Indies when it opened in 1914. Many nostalgic items are kept here including Chinese-influenced decorations that provide the ambiance.
Dishes from all over the archipelago are the restaurant's main attraction, with some twists here and there to make the taste the house's own. For first-timers, try the tender Sesatee Zoetelief of Pak Paheeng Solo (grilled tenderloin satays) and the seasoned Rundvlees Kleine Aardappelen Rendang (tender beef slow-cooked in coconut milk). A bar and wine list are available. Prices start at Rp 35,000 per dish.
Location: Jl. Teuku Umar No. 1, Menteng, Central Jakarta
An ethnic feel and homey wooden furniture are ready to warmly welcome you at this restaurant. Specializing in local cuisine and seafood dishes with prices starting at Rp 40,000, Seribu Rasa offers both Indonesian and Southeast Asian recipes.
Spend time to try the crispy yet tender Black Pepper Squid Malioboro and the spicy Gulai Fish-head Tasik.
Location: Jl. Haji Agus Salim 128, Menteng, Central Jakarta
From the outside, this restaurant may seem like a spooky house – complete with very large trees at the front. But venture inside and let the mystical and dark ambiance surprise you, particularly when you see a large statue of Lara Djonggrang, the famous female legend (read the menu's description if you are not familiar with her).
While you are ogling the interesting surroundings, taste authentic Indonesian dishes such as Sate Ayam Warok Pamanku (chicken satay) and the selections included in Nasi Campur Kepulauan (mixed rice). The dishes start at Rp 35,000.
Location: Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 4, Menteng, Central Jakarta
