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Jakpost guide to Pluit
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Taman Waduk Pluit (Pluit Reservoir City Park) is open 24 hours a day. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
P
antai Indah Kapuk (PIK) in North Jakarta has been recognized as one of Jakarta's hippest culinary districts. However, prior to PIK's existence, Pluit, a residential area located near to PIK, was known as the go-to place for those wanting Medan-style Chinese food.
Although Pluit is not as hip as PIK, the area has its own charm, inviting Jakartans to continuously visit the area.
Those wanting to know more about Pluit may have a look at the list below.
How to get there
Despite the fact that Pluit houses big shopping malls, such as Emporium Mall and Baywalk Mall, the area is not public transportation-friendly.
It is recommended to take private vehicles, taxis or ride-hailing and on-demand transportation services, such as GO-JEK, Uber or Grab, to get to Pluit.
However, those keen to brave the area by public transportation may hop on the TransJakarta Pinang Ranti-Pluit route.
What to wear
Since Pluit is a residential area, t-shirts, shorts and casual slippers are acceptable while dining in the restaurants or visiting the malls.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Pantai Indah Kapuk
What to do
Pluit is a considerably large neighborhood. Those wanting to breathe some sea air may visit Baywalk Mall on Jl. Pluit Karang Ayu. Situated on Jakarta's waterfront, visitors can enjoy the sea view while shopping.
Meanwhile, those wanting to burn some calories can check Taman Waduk Pluit (Pluit Reservoir City Park) on Jl. Pluit Timur Raya. Open 24 hours a day, the park is equipped with a jogging track and an outdoor gym, allowing visitors to exercise while enjoying the view.
What to buy
Pluit is a home to several shopping malls, namely Pluit Village, Pluit Junction, Emporium Mall and Baywalk Mall.
Currently, Emporium Mall is the most crowded mall in the area, especially during the weekend. Amid the popular brands in Emporium Mall, the shopping center is also a home to Texworld Haute Couture Fabrics. Located on the first floor, the shop is popular among local fashion designers, as it offers haute couture fabrics.
Outside the shopping malls, visitors will discover Indonesiamemancing.com’s shop on Jl. Pluit Sakti Raya. As its name in Indonesian implies, the shop sells fishing equipment, varying from fishing reels, bait to fishing apparel.
Read also: Jakpost guide to Jl. Boulevard Raya, Kelapa Gading
What to eat
For decades, Jl, Pluit Sakti has been recognized as a go-to place for those wanting to eat Chinese food from Medan.
On the short stretch of the road, foodies will find stand-alone restaurants serving various dishes from Medan, such as bihun bebek, bakmi pangsit Siantar and kari bihun.
Bihun bebek (rice vermicelli topped with duck meat) is available at Bihun Bebek 75. Here, the dish is served with herbal soup, making it a must-try food during the rainy season or when you are feeling under the weather.
Those looking for bakmi pangsit Siantar (Siantar-style noodles topped with red barbeque pork) may check Bakmi Awai. The chewy noodles are similar to those available in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra.
As for kari bihun (rice vermicelli in curry soup), the dish is available at Tabona restaurant. The eatery, which originated in Medan, is popular among foodies. Indonesian novelist-slash-food writer Laksmi Pamunjtak once wrote that if time would only allow her to eat just one meal in Medan, then she would choose Tabona. Luckily, the branch on Jl. Pluit Sakit serves similar quality meals to the one in Medan.
In addition to these restaurants, Jl. Pluit Sakti also has a food court that offers soto Medan udang galah (Medan-style coconut milk soup served with giant freshwater prawns) and Acehnese es campur jelly (jelly served with shaved ice and syrup).
On the other side of Pluit, food enthusiasts can also enjoy a seaside dining experience in Seafood City Bandar Djakarta at Baywalk Mall. Offering a traditional fish market experience, the restaurant serves a myriad of seafood, including ikan bakar sambal matah (grilled fish in a Balinese-style chopped chili), calamari, crab and lobsters.
Moreover, Baywalk Mall also houses other restaurants, such as Bebek Tepi Sawah and Nama Sushi by Sushi Masa.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable clothing as the weather is dry and humid.
- During the rainy season, avoid Taman Waduk Pluit, as the park is not equipped with a shelter to keep you dry.
- Since many eateries serve pork-based dishes, Muslims should check the menu prior to visiting. (asw)
