5 Restaurants You Should Try in Cikini

Cikini. What once was an upscale residential area in the Dutch colonial area back in the 1920s has become one of the busiest streets in Menteng area, Jakarta. Lined with historical buildings, offices, and restaurants, Cikini is an interesting neighbourhood to explore on foot on a sunny day. Here are our recommendations of restaurants that you should try in Cikini!

1. Kikugawa

Undoubtedly among the oldest - if not the oldest - Japanese restaurants in Jakarta, Kikugawa has stayed in business since 1969. Forget about those fancy modern Japanese food chains in the mall - Kikugawa is all about simplicity and authenticity. Expect classic Japanese menu set, humble sushi and sashimi, and soft sound of shamisen accompanying your meal.

2. H.E.M.A

For a glimpse of Dutch life in the heart of Jakarta, head to H.E.M.A at Menteng Huis and try one of their Holland Specialities: ‘Holland Kroket’, ‘Hutspot met Klapstuk’, or ’Poffertjes Met Icing Sugar’. Don’t forget to bring along your parents or grandparents; they’ll appreciate the food and the ‘Geef Mij Maar Nasi Goreng’ song playing in the background - guaranteed to stuck in your head for the rest of the day!

3. Vietopia

With a modest white exterior, Vietopia can be tricky to find on the first visit. But once you find it and have a taste of their fragrant Vietnamese Coffee, it suddenly becomes so much easier to find! Complete your lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of beef noodle soup ‘Pho Bo’ and the crunchy ‘Cha Gio’ - fried spring rolls filled with minced chicken.

4. Al Jazeerah

Curious foodies and adventurous carnivores might be interested in trying out ‘Onta Mugalgal’, a camel meat dish served in Al Jazeerah restaurant at Jalan Raden Saleh, Cikini. Famous for its Arabic cuisine, Al Jazeerah is more often than not jam packed with customers, both locals and expatriates. Don’t forget to reserve with us beforehand!

5. Loteng Cikini

Loteng Cikini may seem tiny from the outside, but there’s actually nothing tiny about it except the entrance! Once you step inside the restaurant, the room is pretty big and the food served is oh-so-delicious! Dessert lovers would certainly be interested in trying out their ‘Baba Au Rhum’ and the jiggly ‘Panna Cotta’.

Credits:
Photo and Text by Alexandra Karman