Another month, another Hot New Tables! This month we discover our new favourite Japanese restaurant, a casual dim sum spot, the latest CBD hangout, a healthy smoothie bar, and a cozy coffee house. Here are this month’s welcome additions to Jakarta’s food scene.
OKU
Newsflash: we’ve just found our new favourite Japanese restaurant in town! OKU is a casual fine-dining eatery that has been open for less than a month, and already reservations are hard to come by. Chef Kazumasa Yazawa, protégée of renowned Chef Tetsuya Wakuda, runs the kitchens at Kempinski’s newest dining spot, presenting a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. We recommend going as a group so you can taste bits of all their small plates to start; do not forget to order the addicting chicken karage…you’ll see what we mean after just one bite.
OKU, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Central Jakarta. p. +62 21 2358 3896. Follow @okujakarta on Instagram.
Chamber Foods and Spirits
Looking for the latest after work hang out? Chamber Foods and Spirits is a cozy eatery slash whiskey bar that has just opened up in the CBD. The restaurant has Great Gatsby-esque feels with its grandeur crystal chandeliers, dark leather seats, and oak walls. The food offerings here are your standard fusion, ranging from Mexican quesadillas to Manadonese nasi campur.
Chamber Foods and Spirits, Pacific Place Mall, Ground Floor, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, SCBD, South Jakarta. p. +62 21 57973128. Follow @chamberjkt on Instagram.
Djule Kofi
Jakarta’s caffeine fiends will definitely know the man behind Ombe Koffie. Djule Kofi is the sister cafe to the popular North Jakarta coffee house, meaning that you no longer have to flock up North to get a taste. Tucked away in the busy throngs of the Pasar Blok M area (which seems to be becoming quite the coffee haven), Djule Kofi serves the same excellent brews that Ombe Koffie does. Grab a seat by the window for some great views.
Djule Kofi, Jl. Melawai Raya No. 6, South Jakarta. Follow @djule.kofi on Instagram.
Berrywell
Health nuts, here’s another healthy breakfast bowl bar to make your Instagram feeds prettier. Located in the basement of Fairgrounds, Berrywell serves up delicious smoothie bowls to fill you up post-workout. The minimalist health bar offers a range of energy boosting breakfast bowls packed with super foods like acai, chia seeds and dragonfruit – your body will love you for it.
Berrywell, Fairgrounds SCBD Lot. 14, Jl. Jendral Sudirman, SCBD, South Jakarta. p. +62 21 5140 0088. Follow @berrywelljkt on Instagram.
Little Ming
Little Ming is a modern take on the standard casual Chinese restaurant. The sister restaurant to next-door’s Ming Village serves up dim sum of all the usual suspects, but it’s their adorable presentation of desserts that have caught our eye. Must-tries include their Pa Pa Pao, three colourful mini paos filled with salted egg, matcha and ogura paste; and their Zumi Pao, deep fried paos shaped like a porcupine!
Little Ming, Senayan City, Third Floor, South Jakarta. p. +62 21 7278 1627. Follow @littleming.id on Instagram.