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For culinary enthusiasts, especially those with a taste for fine dining, the name Akira Back is instantly recognizable. An internationally acclaimed celebrity chef, he has built a global restaurant empire with locations in major cities around the world, including Jakarta, Indonesia.
One of his most renowned concepts is AB Steak, a modern Korean steakhouse that presents an exclusive menu inspired by traditional Korean flavors. Guests are welcomed by a striking center bar framed by grand pillars, leading into a spacious dining area with ample seating, private VIP rooms, and a magnificent live stage that elevates the overall dining experience.
This afternoon, I had the opportunity to try the Premium Woomakase set menu, a thoughtfully curated six-course experience that begins with a starter and a banchan platter, followed by three premium cuts of steak, including A5 Wagyu, a choice of carbohydrate, and a dessert to finish. This set menu is available for both lunch and dinner.
The Wagyu Pizza is a must-try appetizer and one of the restaurant’s signature creations, known worldwide. Similar to Akira Back’s famous Tuna Pizza, it features a thin, crispy tortilla base topped with delicate slices of raw Wagyu, fresh microgreens, and generous shavings of truffle.
Another highlight is the Tuna Tataki, beautifully presented with a touch of soft, aromatic kizami wasabi and complemented by the bright umami of ponzu sauce, an elegant dish that instantly whets the appetite.
The experience continues with a playful reveal: a box resembling a jewelry case opens to unveil the Galbi Taco, offering light, crunchy bites filled with juicy, well-marinated beef. And of course, the meal is perfectly rounded out by an assortment of banchan platters served as flavorful side dishes.
Before the steak course, the meal begins with Jigae, featuring Doenjang Jigae, a thick, hearty soybean stew rich in flavor, filled with vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and tender slices of beef. This is followed by the Yuja Salad, “yuja,” the Korean citrus similar to Japanese yuzu, a simple yet refreshing dish that cleanses the palate.
Then comes the highlight of the experience: three Chef’s Choice steaks. In this set, I enjoyed a complete selection of A5 Wagyu beef, picanha, and galbi marinated beef. With the meticulous standards of the Akira Back team, every cut is expertly prepared, leaving little doubt about the quality and craftsmanship behind each dish.
For the carbohydrate course, there are two options: Bibimbap, a classic rice dish, or Bibim Guksu, a refreshing cold noodle dish. I personally preferred the Bibim Guksu, with its smooth balance of sweet and spicy gochujang flavors, while the bibimbap delivers a richer, more pronounced sweetness.
To finish, guests can choose between two desserts: a classic tiramisu or Hanwoo, a charming cow-shaped cheesecake served with banana miso compote that adds a uniquely sweet and aromatic touch.
Woomakase is available for both lunch and dinner, though reservations are highly recommended for this exclusive set menu. There are two options, Woomakase starting from IDR 1.2 million and Premium Woomakase IDR 1.8 million; the difference is the higher price featuring A5 Wagyu beef, with tax and service charges not included.
This dining experience truly lives up to high-end standards. While the six-course journey may take over an hour, the highlight is the grilled steak, served fresh and directly at your table for maximum enjoyment. So, are you tempted to give it a try?
Yovent, is a full-time content writer and social media influencer who loves to travel overseas with high passion and enthusiasm to explore the world of gourmand. Living in Jakarta with the diversity of cultures, foods, trends, and lifestyles gives him much inspiration to create the stories. Blogging since 2014, with more than 5 years of experience, he has a good capacity to work in food writing & photography.
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