We’re prefacing this one by saying that ST. ALi has been open for all of a few weeks, and we’ve already been there three times (#sorrynotsorry). Coffee connoisseurs and brunch enthusiasts (us included!) were thrilled to find out that the beloved Melbourne cafe and coffee roaster was opening its first Jakarta branch this year. So when ST. ALi Jakarta finally started serving up their exceptional coffee and great brunch food in their latest Kuningan post, we immediately jumped at the chance to get over there, stat.
Unlike most cafes in Jakarta, there isn’t much room for nongkrong going on at this happening eatery – we were here twice slightly earlier than the workday lunch-hour, and once right on the dot of the Sunday afternoon brunch rush, and each time the place was packed with buzzing brunchers eager to get a taste of arguably Melbourne’s most famous cup of coffee. Don’t let the long restaurant lines dissuade you though, turnover is fast and you’ll be seated in a booth or at the communal tables in no time.
A slider with the ID of 57 doesn't exist.The lines are long for good reason. Their menu is decidedly Melbournian, and caters to those who favor brunch food all the time (that’s us). So far we’ve tried their Sticky Pork Salad (a sizable serving of tangy pork and greens, and was way more sticky pork than actual salad), their Ancient Grain Salad (a dee-lish clean eater’s dream and picture perfect plate of pearl barley, quinoa, cauliflowers, almonds and yoghurt), The World Famous ST ALi Steak Sandwich (a must-try!) and Deadman Waffles (of which we of course switched out the apple crumble and salted caramel for bacon and maple syrup. Zero. Regrets.)
The portions are much more generous than we’re used to here in the Big Durian, but we are not complaining one bit! Giving us a newborn confidence in Jakarta’s rising café culture, their spot on combination of delectable brunch fare and artful coffee brews proves that even overseas ST. ALi manages to stay on top. With stiff competition, here’s to hoping that other cafes in Jakarta will now step up their game.
ST. ALi. Setiabudi Two, Ground Floor, Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Setiabudi, Jakarta. Follow @st_ali on Instagram.