Bahasa l English I have to admit, I haven’t been writing articles here as often lately. I guess it’s understandable, considering the recent surge of restaurants and cafés coming up with all sorts of innovative concepts, from creative interiors and hearty main courses to elaborate desserts.  But if you look a little closer, despite all the different concepts and aesthetics, many of the menus are actually quite similar. Jakarta’s dining scene is still largely dominated by Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Korean cuisines, while French, Spanish, Latin American, Indian, and Middle Eastern restaurants remain relatively uncommon.  The same goes for desserts. There are countless bakeries, pastry shops, and cafés offering endless varieties of sweet treats. The names may sound more creative and sophisticated these days, but once you look at the actual ingredients and concepts, many of them are surprisingly alike. Basically, combining one type of sugar with another and giving...

Bahasa l English Le Comptoir adds another highlight to Jakarta’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Officially opening in May 2026 at Plaza Indonesia,  one of the capital’s most prestigious shopping destinations, the restaurant brings a refined selection of French and European cuisine to the heart of the city. From relaxed all-day dining to premium steak offerings, Le Comptoir delivers an elegant yet approachable culinary experience for Jakarta diners. Upon entering Le Comptoir, guests are welcomed by an elegant European-inspired interior that exudes timeless sophistication. Classic details such as curated paintings and sparkling crystal chandeliers elevate the refined atmosphere throughout the front area. The restaurant also features a refrigerated display of premium dry-aged meats, a stylish bar at the end of the dining area, a semi-outdoor smoking section, and an exclusive VIP room for private gatherings. With its spacious layout and generous seating capacity, Le Comptoir is also we...

Bahasa l English Some of you may have heard the term “Itameshi,” a Japanese slang combining “Ita” (Italian) and “Meshi” (food). It refers to a fusion of Italian cuisine and Japanese cooking techniques, or sometimes the other way around. Fusion cuisine itself has become increasingly popular, but it’s not as simple as it seems. Beyond high-quality ingredients and technical skill, a chef must deeply understand the characteristics of each cuisine to create balance without one flavor overpowering the other. That’s what makes Itameshi particularly challenging: the chef needs to master both Italian and Japanese ingredients, as well as their respective techniques. From my experience at Japanese fusion restaurants in Jakarta, however, the results often lean too heavily toward bold, savory flavors. Dishes can feel over-seasoned, sometimes even overly spicy like local Indonesian food, or weighed down by excessively creamy sauces, especially in pasta. This time, I had the opportunity to experien...