Immigrant, Jakarta

There’s a feel of the ridiculously good looking at the Immigrant. There’s an epic piece of wavy steel that hovers overhead giving off a futuristic yet 1920s gangster art deco vibe.


Freaky fries, great taste: fried whitebait fish, chilli and bell peppers



The fish is good.


Seafood risotto



Sweet Potato gnocchi, basil pesto, pine nut, parmesan and sauce pomodoro: vegetartian gourmet.



Dark chocolate mud cark



Mango Bavarios with cream and white chocolate

Worth the visa application to migrate? Successful with the ambiance, definitely for a drink, give the undercooked steaks a miss.

3 / 5 yums!
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Where? Plaza Indonesia 6th floor #E02-03, Jalan M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30. Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Around $30 mains

Sushi Tei, Jakarta

Should I have done that extra push up? Do I have too much gloss on? I’d be pretty self conscious too, being paraded around like pieces of meat to multiple sets of hungry eyes while beady eyed. Those poor plates of sushi and sashimi…



It’s all quality at the classed up Sushi Tei that does the basics very well, from the sushi train to the dons and udons.

A satisfied stomach seems to eliminate any feelings of sympathy.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? # 1-102 A & C - Jl. M.H.. Thamrin Kav 28-30, Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Plates around AUD $3-5

Social House, Jakarta

I could live in the perpetual lazy Sunday chill out vibe that’s so interwoven into the Social House lawn-party-yet-so-suitable-night-time-boogie dress. Groovy beats, the soothing lighting and foliage, brings it all together as the perfect place to wind down and relax.



Salmon and Tuna Sashimi



Fried eggplant: just looking at it makes my heart stop.


Wagyu Beef Burger: it’s the onion rings, fried eggplant and creamy Social House special sauce that takes this two bun meal to another level. You know you want it.



Half chicken flavoured with herbs.



Lamb shank braised in a red curry, with lemongrass and garlic potato mash: East meets West with awesome, tender results.



Social House Lasagne: rich, twisted with beef ragout, turkey ham, spicy beef salumi, boiled egg.




Do you like desserts? You will now.



Banana Tarte Tatin: drain my stomach, I want another.

Armed with an awesome all day menu, this place makes me very sociable. How much for part ownership?

4.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? Grand Indonesia, East Mall, 1st Floor, Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta, Indonesia
What? Entrees AUD $5-10, Mains AUD $15–30

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

Va Bene Pizzeria, Docklands

Feels like it could be a pumping bar, but instead you’ll find simple, tasty Italian, at a reasonable price on a prime Dockland’s strip.



Thin crust pizzas with nice toppings.



Rigatoni and meatballs: can’t go wrong.


3 / 5 yums!
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Where? T10 Shed 9 Central Pier 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC
What? Around $15-20

Pho Chu The, Richmond

Normally you’d expect the numbers on the menu to go into the 100s at your typical Vietnamese joint. But at this place it’s all about the pho. Chicken or beef. Simple. Magnificant, rich soup noodle done right.



Pho: OHHHHH YEAH.



Three Colour Drink



Penny Wort Drink

A top pho choice.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 270 Victoria Street, Richmond, VIC
What? Around $10

Mei Jing Chinese Restaurant, Wantirna

A different name, refreshed modern Chinese furnishings and great yum cha has Mei Jing stepping up the game after taking over from the old Superstar.



Look out Doncaster.


3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 703 Boronia Rd, Wantirna, VIC
What? Yum cha around $20