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...

Bahasa l English The Michelin Guide is widely recognized, especially within the high-end dining world. Although Jakarta has yet to be included in its listings, the city is home to several notable fine dining establishments, including Crown by Kirk Westaway. But who is he? Kirk Westaway is a British chef best known for leading the 2 Michelin-starred JAAN by Kirk Westaway in Singapore. The hotel’s newest restaurant concept is set to launch around mid-2025. Located on the 22nd floor, it offers sweeping views of Jakarta from above. The elegant interior features rich, dark tones and soaring ceilings, creating a distinctly majestic ambiance. At the heart of the bar stands a sheep statue, an element often found in British architectural design, symbolizing fertility and the abundance of a farming nature. Meanwhile, the plush sofa seating enhances the space with a sense of comfort and relaxed sophistication. While the restaurant typically offers a set menu, I opted to try a selection of à la...

Bahasa l English 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 ABSteak, at Senayan City shopping mall, 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 av...

Bahasa l English Jakarta’s food scene is a non-stop thrill ride, always buzzing, always surprising, with new sweet and savory temptations popping up every week. Viral snacks? They disappear in a blink, especially with young crowds flocking around. And yes, Blok M is still the “kingdom” for anyone chasing fun bites. But this time, I wandered a bit beyond the familiar chaos. Just a 10-minute walk from the MRT, with the city breeze as company, led me to Daribu, the newcomer everyone’s been talking about. Its name? A playful twist on “(Dari) From (Bu) Busan.” Though still new in Jakarta, Daribu has quickly built a reputation strong enough to make people line up. Each time I visit, the scene never changes, always lively, never quiet, and filled with aromas that easily test anyone’s self-control. Judging by the crowds, it’s clear this bakery has a charm that’s hard to resist. Daribu’s interior leans into a clean, minimalist style with earthy tones—white, gray, and subtle retro accents on th...

Bahasa l English Fine dining in Jakarta, yes, this is the place. Wabisabi, a renowned Japanese-inspired restaurant located in one of Jakarta’s premium districts surrounded by offices, restaurants, and bars, introduces a special Autumn Grand Omakase this season. The menu celebrates the essence of autumn through a nine-course dining experience, featuring seasonal ingredients such as persimmons, plums, and premium seafood like hamachi and madai. Let’s take a closer look at this exquisite seasonal journey. 1. Hassun The first course, Hassun a beautifully arranged set of appetizers similar to canapés or amuse-bouche features Maguro Persimmon, Ume Tartelette, C & C & C, and Wagyu Yukhoe. This selection presents a vibrant medley of flavors and textures, with each bite offering its own unique character. A delightful opening that instantly sparks excitement for what’s to come. 2. Tsukuri Moving on to the sashimi courses, the menu presents Hamachi and Madai, each offering its own distin...