Koffie Warung Tinggi d/h Tek Soen Hoo

Koffie Warung Tinggi is a new established coffee shop, located in the corner of 5th floor West Mall, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town. I don't usually wander around the 5th floor of the mall, so I did not notice until few fellow food bloggers made it on their blog. I was more than curious to try. See, I'm a sucker for coffee, so it's like a must to visit new coffee shops. Of course, I took my mom, the coffee connoisseur to also try this newbie with me.

To my surprise, the tag shows that it was established in 1878, while I just notice the name recently. That's when my mom said, "Oh, I know this place. It used to be very famous for selling coffee beans in Hayam Wuruk area.. Oh there you go, it was known as Tek Soen Hoo." Now I see. It started in 1878 when Tek Soen Hoo was just a modest convenient store in Hayam Wuruk area, and how it developed into a coffee brand supplier to Indonesia's best hotels and supermarkets. And in 2013, a modern coffee house is established by OPCO Group. 

It was a long story of a coffee shop, claimed to be the first in Jakarta. I love the historical touch of this shop already. I'm cheap, eh? Well, Koffie Warung Tinggi, of course, sells mainly Indonesian local coffee, coffee companions and heavy bites. Since I had my lunch, I decided to try their coffee and bought martabak to balance my bitter coffee. So here's our coffee break.

long black 8oz (22k)

cappuccino 8oz (30k)

martabak manis plain (15k) with nutella (20k)

My mom fell in love with their long black as it was bitter with low acidity just the way she liked it. She said it was most certainly the best cup of coffee she ever had. See, she loves her coffee black. I also llove my cappuccino so much, it was smooth, creamy and topped with just enough foam. No sugar added as the companion is the sweet martabak topped with nutella jam. This martabak topped with nutella jam has been really famous throughout Jakarta. Warung Tinggi's version was delightful. I love the soft texture of martabak and oh those melted nutella jam. What's not to love? The butter was just enough not to make it too oily and ruin the whole plate.

Overall, I had a really pleasant coffee break at Koffie Warung Tinggi. I must admit that cup of cappuccino definitely has won my heart. Definitely going to return to this historical coffee shop.

the leftovers.. nothing!

Until then, cheers!

Koffie Warung Tinggi d/h Tek Soen Hoo
Grand Indonesia Shopping Town

West Mall 5th fl.
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1

Central Jakarta 10310

Ph.: 6221 - 2358 0311/2
website | twitter

Ismaya Catering Cafe

Ismaya Catering Cafe is a concept store brought to you by the famous Ismaya group. Established in 2009, Ismaya Catering Co has been one trusted catering service in Jakarta. Famous for bringing a unique, fresh concept of a cafe, Ismaya definitely nailed it again. I love the brown-red ambiance with dimmed lights and casual atmosphere of this cafe. Here's a sneak peek of what the cafe looks like.

 

On Feb 28, 2013, Ismaya Catering Cafe launched new menus to satisfy Jakartans' appetite and crave for good food. Easy bites, heavy bites, sweets or just cold drinks, the choice is yours. Let's start, shall we?

Nachos with Beef Chili Con Carne (45k)

The classic nachos topped with beef chili con carne, jalapeno slices and served with tomato salsa, sour cream and guacamole. It's a classic Mexican dish, which has been really famous throughout the world. I love Ismaya's version of it, the nachos were crispy and crunchy, and the beef chili were generous. Do not be afraid as it was not too spicy, so you can eat them and not having your stomach hurt. The tomato salsa was another hit, sweet-sour tomato dices were perfect as the nachos dip. The other two dips were just okay for me. I do think it looked really pretty, don't you agree?

Mexican Cheese Quesadilla (48k)

Another famous Mexican dish, tortilla skin filled with mushrooms, pepper, onion, coriander leaf and melting cheese, topped with jalapeno and red chili slices, served with tomato salasa, sour cream and guacamole. Ismaya's version of quesadilla is vegetarian version, so you'll find no meat there. A good choice for you, who is on a diet. I love how light this dish was, which made it a perfect starter, just enough to tease your taste buds.

Nasi Goreng Kecombrang (45k)

Moving on to the heavy bites, first we are served with nasi goreng kecombrang. Kecombrang or 'torch ginger' is one of Indonesian traditional spices, usually used as chili mixture, to create a unique taste. The taste was rather indescribable, as you need to experience it yourself. I think it's a bit spicy with a really strong both smell and taste. I have to say that I love how the kecombrang taste among the fried rice and chicken chunks, though I don't think it will be everyone's favorite. Served with sunny side up egg with runny center and pickles, I am missing kerupuk to make it more Indonesian. Be careful that there are chili chopped mixed in the fried rice as I find it a nice surprise. The rice used, however, was too mushy as it was newly cooked rice, while the thumb rule for cooking fried rice is to use yesterday's rice to create the perfect texture.

Soto Tangkar with Jasmine Rice (45k)

Soto originated from Jakarta, cooked with coconut milk, filled with beef dices, potato, carrots and lots of shallots, served with warm white rice and emping. The soto was too salty, even after eating it together with the white rice. Fortunately, sweet soy sauce came to rescue the day. After adding few drops of sweet soy sauce, a spoon of chili and lime juice, the soto tasted so much better, spicier and tastier.

Singkong Belanda (32k)

Fried cassava chunks with caramel sauce and grated cheddar cheese. Served hot, it was Indonesian meets Western kind of sweets. I love the soft texture of cassava, mixed with sweet caramel and salty cheese. Personally I think it's perfect for a coffee companion.

Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream (40k)

One of the most famous dessert in the whole world, warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, presented beautifully with fresh strawberry and chocolate sauce. This dish was too common, that I do not taste any difference compare to others. Unfortunately, our chocolate cake that night did not have that oozing chocolate sauce, which made it kinda lose the true meaning of molten chocolate cake.

Red Melon Berry Refresher (35k)

A drink made of watermelon and strawberry will never go wrong. Both taste strong, without overpowering each other. 

Virgin Apple Mojito (35k)

My favorite apple mojito, made from green apple slices and lots of mint leaves added with lime juice. I love how refreshing this drink was. Love the sour green apples and this is my thirst quencher.

Overall, a nice dinner at Ismaya Catering Cafe. So much in love with their cafe looks and delicious food. Gonna come back soon. :)

Ismaya Catering Cafe

Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall

5th fl, unit ED2-12A West Mall

Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1

Central Jakarta

Ph.: 6221 - 2358 1157

website | twitter | instagram

Ayam Suwir Si Kentung

Jakarta has been one hell of a busy city.. We, Jakartans, are challenged to juggle between our jobs, hobby and sneaking some gym time to maintain our health.. Not to add the horrible traffic we had to face every day.. Each day we are required to get up earlier just to avoid those time-consuming journey from home to office.. And I think it's my main reason that I cannot prepare my home-made lunch.. I have woke up too early and I cannot afford an earlier schedule to sneak in the lunch preparation.. Excuse, you may say, but I bet I'm not alone haha..

To my difficult situation, I was introduced to Ayam Suwir Si Kentung, ready-to-eat, freshly cooked shredded chicken packed in 250gr plastic bag, cost only for 30k each plus delivery fee.. It's enough for four meals of a single person.. 

Now what is in those plastic bag? Like I've mentioned above, it's filled with 250gr of spiced, cooked ready-to-eat shredded chicken, available in original and spicy flavor.. All you have to do is put them up in the microwave or heat them up on the stove for a while.. Serve them on top of hot steamed rice.. And voila.. Your lunch is ready! Life is so much simpler now.. I can easily brought the package and steamed rice to office then heat them up in office's microwave..

How about the taste, you ask? Well, it's delicious! I am a fan of their original flavor.. The spicy one was really giving kick to your tongue.. You can see chili chunks here and there.. So for you, who do not fancy spicy food, please have their original ones.. Moreover,the fact that it's shredded chicken, makes it easier for me to eat with no dirty hands involved..

I had a nice, healthy lunch with Ayam Suwir Si Kentung.. Do not worry about the hygiene and freshness of the chicken as they were cooked right before delivered to your door.. Good food, great taste and smart price are the perfect combination for a hearty lunch.. I heart you :)

Ayam Suwir Si Kentung

Facebook | Twitter

Ph.: 62852 8226 4560

Blackberry PIN: 293515DA

Milan

Milan is a humble eatery selling authentic Bangka cuisine.. It's located in a home/office in Greenville, West Jakarta, very near to my house.. There's nothing special about the look of the eatery, simple with basic furniture.. The main attraction here is simply their authentic Bangka cuisine, which has been acknowledge by Mr. Maknyus (read: Bondan Winarno) himself.. Due to its near location to Palembang, cuisine from Bangka are somehow similar with those originated from Palembang.. Despite the similarity, both dishes offered a unique taste in each own way.. 

I went there with my mom for a Saturday lunch and she is a huge fan of Bangka cuisine.. So I just sit nicely watching her making all of our orders, impulsively.. Here's a list of what we were eating that afternoon:

1. Lakso 6k
This one is Bangka style laksa, consisted of rice noodles drenched in fish broth and coconut milk.. The portion was quite small but I guessed it shown in the price tag.. This dish was very unique and unlike any other.. The rice noodles was tasteless, so you have to eat it together with the broth.. The broth was delicious, tasty and light.. One thing I really like is the soup was not fishy at all.. I love the strong taste of fresh shredded fish, see those yellow powder on top of the rice noodles? That's the shredded fish I'm talking about.. Add their special chili if you like a kick of spiciness..

2. Pempek Bangka (4k for pempek lenjer, 5k for fish skin cake and 7k for pempek kapal selam)
Pempek is one of the most recognized dish from southern Sumatera.. The most popular is those originated from Palembang.. However, pempek from Bangka is definitely stealing the attention as well.. FYI, the main difference between pempek from Bangka and Palembang is in the vinegar.. Pempek from Bangka is served with spicy-sour red vinegar, made from tauco (fermented soybeans), terasi (shrimp paste) and lots of chili.. While pempek from Palembang is served with sweeter brown vinegar, dominated by palm sugar.. Milan's pempek were delicious! Strong fish taste, mixed with the sour-spicy vinegar, it was just heavenly! I really love how the fish taste stood out, and not overpowered by the flour mix.. Yums!

3. Tahu Kok 20k
Popular dish from Bangka, tahu kok or thew fu kok is made from fried tofu filled with fish, then served in a fish broth along with fish balls and fish fingers.. Milan's tahu kok is a good example of how delicious a simple dish can be.. The broth smelled really good and tasted delicate.. The fish used were very fresh, leaving a nice, clean taste.. It's humble yet very refreshing.. Love it!

4. Es Kacang Merah 25k
Generous red beans cooked in sugar, drenched in coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, syrup and shaved ice.. A menu you must not miss.. The red beans were drenched in water overnight to get the soft texture of the red beans, then add sugar and a pinch of salt to get their best flavor..

Milan

Greenville AW/2

West Jakarta

Ph.: 6221 5696 8128/9429 4757

Warung Wong Solo

Today, I'm taking you to experience Mid-Javanese cuisine brought nicely by Warung Wong Solo.. This small eatery, located in Serpong area, serves cuisine originated from Solo, Central Java.. The eatery was very simple, a home/office turned into a -hopefully- decent restaurant, filled with basic chairs and tables.. 

On every table, you will find a small tray filled with tempe and tahu bacem 2k each, which looked very appetizing.. See those brown color, it was the result of boiling tempe and tahu along with spices and palm sugar, creating a sweet and savory taste.. Yums! A good sign for their upcoming main courses.. That day we ordered nasi liwet biasa 15k, nasi langgi 19k and kupat tahu biasa 12k.. 

Nasi liwet is traditional Javanese rice dish cooked in coconut milk and chicken broth, then served with chicken cooked in coconut milk, telor pindang and labu siam.. Personally, I think a good nasi liwet lies in the rice taste and this one was fragrant perfect.. The condiments were another treats.. I loved my labu siam which was perfectly cooked in coconut milk broth, creating a unique and addictive taste..

Nasi langgi is also traditional Javanese rice dish, cooked in coconut milk, but served with different condiments, this one had spicy potato chips, telur pindang, sambal ati and gepuk (shredded beef patty).. This is my companion's pick and I only taste a little bit of it.. He said it was just mediocre and wished he had ordered the nasi liwet instead.. I gave credit to the spicy potato chips though, they were delicious!

Kupat tahu is another traditional dish consisted of ketupat, fried tofu, cabbage, beansprout, peanuts and bakwan (fried veggies patty), drenched in sweet-sour-spicy sauce.. The sauce tasted similar to pempek sauce.. This was maknyus *quoting the famous Pak Bondan*.. Loving every bit of this dish.. The hot, newly fried tofu and bakwan somehow went really well with that brown sauce.. It was unique and definitely not something you would find commonly..

I guessed I did have a nice lunch experiencing those Javanese cuisine.. Definitely will come back for more thanks to the yummy dishes and smart prices.. 

Warung Wong Solo

Jl. Boulevard AA4 no. 28-30

Gading Serpong
Tangerang

Kembang Tandjung

one of the hardest decision during working days would be deciding where to have lunch.. yes, that's exactly our problem.. with our office located in casablanca area, our eating area choices are very limited, we cannot go too far due to the heavy traffic.. so we managed to find this little gem in Sampoerna Strategic Square, Kembang Tandjung.. selling Indonesian cuisine which can never go wrong and beautifully decorated in wooden furniture, this is a small and very comfortable eatery..

we ordered the classic Indonesian street food, fried rice - nasi goreng (Rp23,000) and fried noodle - mie goreng (Rp23,000), added with stri-fried mushrooms - tumis jamur (Rp15,000).. unexpectedly, all the food tasted really good! similar to the original street food, only I can trust their hygiene.. the fried rice, which we ordered spicy, was excellent with a generous portion.. the noodle tasted almost the same, but we had it less spicy.. the stir-fried mushrooms was another smart choice.. mixed of oyster mushrooms (jamur tiram), jelly ears (jamur kuping) and baby corns, topped with fried shallots.. all the mushrooms were fresh and crunchy with not too overpowering seasoning.. love it!

the star of our lunch, however, went to fermented cassava cake - kue tape singkong (Rp15,000).. it was similar to baked fermented cassava topped with chocolate sprinkles, cheese and brown sugar, garnished with fresh strawberry and served with liquid caramel sugar.. I love everything about this dish! I am such a sucker for baked fermented cassava.. nomnomnom..

overall, a nice eatery with very affordable price and delicious cuisine.. I love every menu we had and love the cozy atmosphere as well..

Kembang Tandjung

Sampoerna Strategic Square LG-24

Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 45-46

Madame Lily

hello there.. it's been three months.. THREE MONTHS since my last post.. I owe you all an apology, fellow readers.. busy was the main an excuse but I did have several other things to be taken care of.. promise that I will write more often and hopefully I can juggle my professional, personal and food life :) in the mean time, here's a super late post..

passing Plaza Indonesia quite often, I have always been curious about this Victorian style restaurant, beautifully decorated in silver, grey and white.. somehow, I get a sense that this eatery is quite promising.. luckily, I have my office mates who were just as curious as I was.. so one night, after office ended, we went there simply to have a quality time.. thank God, the traffic was quite friendly that we were able to reach Plaza Indonesia within only 30 minutes.. this was an achievement, remembering that our office is located in the Jakarta's worst traffic area.. 

well, since it was a weekday, the mall was almost empty.. I love the feeling of empty malls, it's like we owned the whole building.. we managed to get a nice table in the corner of the restaurant, just right for us to update gossips, talk about the future and of course, share the laughter.. the menu was dominated with Indonesian cuisine with some hints of international cuisine.. below are those things we finally decided to have that night..

iced peach tea (Rp35,500)

caesar salad (Rp60,000)

mie ayam bakso pangsit (Rp60,000)

tahu telor (Rp40,000)

mac and cheese (Rp75,000)

the most eye-catching thing about the menu is the price charged.. well, quite a high price for Indonesian cuisine.. the iced peach tea was very refreshing with chopped peach though I wished there's more to it.. the glass was very thin that it barely quench my thirst.. the mie ayam was really nice, the noodle was al dente, a very nice texture, I must admit.. the condiments, on the other hand, was just average.. personally, it was overpriced and I don't think I would pay such a price for a portion of mie ayam.. my tahu telor tasted a bit different from other tahu telor I have ever tasted.. I do not know how to describe it, but it tasted more like tofu pancake though it was actually delicious.. I love the petis so much, the star of the dish.. the two international food we ordered, caesar salad and mac and cheese tasted really average.. they were good, but quite forgettable..

so overall, I do think that Madame Lily offered a really nice ambiance and atmosphere with very beautiful decoration.. the food was just average though.. I would probably consider to come back only for their desserts and drinks then stay hours for quality time with my friends, after having dinner some place else :)

Madame Lily

Plaza Indonesia L4 #019

Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 28-30

Ph.: +6221 2992 3868

Fax: +6221 2992 3858

www.madame-lily.com