Smooch, Jakarta

The Indonesian folk have taken to yoghurt like nerds to new technology.



But in a country where there’s generally a person to do the job for you, you pay for the privilege to serve yourself.



Yes it really is unlimited, but realistically limited to how tall you want to spiral that yoghurt in the cup, weighed and priced accordingly. Sprinkle on unhealthy Asian favourite toppings such as jellies, candies, jams. Exotic fruits for those feeling a wee bit guilty.


3 / 5 yums!

Food Lourve, Jakarta

Grand Indonesia’s Food Lourve provides a good induction system for the Indonesian uninitiated by taking a collection of street style food vendors, throwing in a few Japanese and Korean joints, putting a bow tie on each and plonking them into a nice little food court.



Java Kitchen’s offerings were decent, although as with most bain marie ayam gorengs they dried out for a full jaw workout.

Still though, you could have hours of fun trying to find something decent in here.

2.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? Jl. MH.Thamrin 28-30, Plaza Indonesia level 3 no.91, Jakarta Capital Region 10350, Indonesia

Café Batavia, Jakarta

They say no trip to Batavia, the old Dutch quarter of Jakarta, is not complete without a nostalgic visit to the old Café Batavia. Beautifully maintained, it’s all 1930s luxury class.

The menu probably hasn’t been updated much either, and it shows in the execution.



Batavia club sandwich: finely shredded lettuce smothered in a creamy dressing isn’t enough to counter the dry bread.



Smoked salmon and hollandaise.



Pancakes.

I’d say this place is more of a tourist trap. Better for a chilled out drink than sustenance.


2.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? Jalan Taman Fatahilah, Jakarta 11110, Indonesia
What? Around AUD $10-15

Kitchenette, Jakarta

Geez these people behind the Social House are good. They are at it again with Kitchenette, a cute café that’s like a French country kitchen.

Crepes are the speciality here, with a reasonable list of savoury and sweet. Those who don’t like really really thin pancakes shouldn’t fear, as with all Social House ventures they like to cater for the fussy and have Italian, Spanish and Asian on the menu in large or sharing portions.



Homemade Lemonade



Meatballs Spanish style that I’m told is Uncle Raul’s recipe. I prefer a tomato sauce over the cream to match better with the chorizo.



Nachos



Fries



Theodore Crepe: slices of sirloin steak topped with mozzarella cheese, spicy ratatouille, black pepper sauce.



Spiced Chicken Wings: a window to weight gain.

No surprises Kitchenette is quality.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? Jalan Muhammad Husni Thamrin Kav. 28-30. Jakarta
What? Around AUD $10-15

KFC, Jakarta

A sweet, tomato sauce like chicken mince bolognaise available for a limited time only. Just stick to the marylands that everyone’s used to.

1.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? Various
What? Small AUD $0.80

Sate Khas Senayan, Jakarta

It might be a franchise, but there’s a few of them around for a reason for it. Cause it’s good. And when you see plenty of locals leave with a smile on their face, it’s gotta be alright.



Mmmmmm satay: that satay sauce is a silky, peanut butter, lifted by the kecap manis



Nasi goreng



Mee goreng



Ayam Goreng

An extensive, safe menu that’s foreign-stomach friendly, a daily visit would not be unreasonably.

4/ 5 yums!
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Where? Citywalk Sudirman, Ground Floor No. 19 – 20. Jl. KH. Mas Mansyur No. 121, Karet. Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Total meals around AUD $10 per person

Red Pepper, Jakarta

Cheap food court Indonesia. Might put the fear of food passing through one end and out the other but it’s all good.



Stodgy satay sauce not my style without that good nutty taste and more like a Japanese curry roux.


2 / 5 yums!
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Where? Plaza Indonesia, Jl MH Thamrin Kav 28-30, Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Satays AUD $4

The Lunch Room, Jakarta

Good looking in house lunch rooms in the office buildings of Australia aren’t entirely common.



Ayam Penyet: smashed fried chicken with a flavoursome sambal is delicious.



Mee Goreng

Basic Indonesian or some international stuff such as Korean bulgogi, bibimbap or teriyaki don for a bit of a change up that’s very friendly for the Western stomach.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? ANZ Tower 25fl. Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 33A Jakarta, Indonesia
What? AUD $3-6

J.CO Donuts & Coffee, Jakarta

Krispy Kreme ain’t got nothing on these daggy named creations that rely heavily on glossy icing to catch the eye. Jacky Chunk, Avocado DiCaprio. You get the picture.



But where J.Co is far superior is just the range of flavours (Oreo, green tea, avocado to name a few), the softness of the donuts even after they’ve been out for a while, and that you just want to go back for another one after. That one more could have you ready for the Biggest Loser though.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? ? Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28 – 30, Jakarta, Indonesia; various others
What? Less than AUD $1

BreadTalk, Jakarta

It’s fair enough that Breadtop has not copied the name. It’s stupid. But lets not judge a store by it’s name. Because if you did, you’d be missing out on all the sugary baked dough goodness.



This bread certainly won’t help with your weight problems. The flavours aren’t too ridiculous, but the sweet stuff is where it gets visually and orally appealing.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? Various
What? AUD $1-3

Sari Ratu, Jakarta

If you haven’t tried padang food and don’t want to run the salmonella gauntlet on the streets of Jakarta, then Sari Ratu will break you into the wonderful cusine.



You pretty much sit down, and waiters will attack your table with a variety of dishes. Typically spicy food, you only eat what you want, and the number of dishes touched gets counted on the bill.

The food could have been better but hey, style over substance. Having the menu at your table… love it.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28 – 30, Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Dishes around AUD $3-10