The ultimate guide to Jakarta

Jakarta’s answer to Bangsar, Kemang is teeming with hip restaurants and trendy nightclubs, but nothing sets our pulses racing in this gentrified neighbourhood like Common People Eatery & Bar(Plaza Bisnis Kemang I, Jalan Kemang Raya 2, Jakarta. +62 21 718 1843, commonpeople.co.id). Unlike its Pulp hit namesake, there’s nothing ‘slumming’ about this classy dining space, which has earned rave reviews for its delectable brunch menu and tantalising porcine dishes since opening its doors in late 2012. The must-try caramelised pork belly, with stewed red cabbage and roasted baby potatoes in apple cinnamon, is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the tangy grilled shrimp salad and reinvigorating smoothies deserve mentions as well.

For affordable Dutch-inspired treats and coffee, you can’t go wrong with new café on the block Goedkoop (Jalan Bendungan Hilir Raya 62, Jakarta. +62 21 573 4430, goedkoopjkt.com). Housed in the administrative village affectionately known as Ben Hil, this charming warung kopi specialises in apple caramel pannekoek (very roti canai-meets-French toast) and local chocolate wafer snack Beng Benginfused frappe. If your sweet tooth remains unsatisfied, chocolate specialist Pipiltin Cocoa (Jalan Barito 2, 5 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. +62 21 7280 0011, pipiltincocoa.com) should be the next port of call. The Indonesia Chocolate Cup 2013 gold medal winner (no joke) crafts inventive self-produced desserts using locally sourced cocoa beans. We recommend Tabanan Chocolate 70%, a sophisticated concoction comprising spiced creameaux, chocolate pearl and dehydrated chocolate mousse, and the addictive pure chocolate drink.

Away from the glitz and glamour commonly associated with the more affluent city centre and CBD enclaves is dingy supper spot Warung Sate & Sop Kambing M Sani (Pasar Tanah Abang, Jalan KH Fakhruddin, Tanah Abang, Jakarta Pusat). Located in a makeshift tent, the secluded stall has made a name for itself over the years with steaming bowls of hearty and peppery lamb soup. The succulent lamb satay with thick peanut sauce is equally well-liked here. 

And for every mamak in KL, there’s a nasi padang restaurant in Jakarta. Natrabu (29A Jalan KH Agus Salim, Jakarta Pusat. +62 21 3193 5668), which once boasted a Malaysian presence in the early 2000s, is one of the oldest and most consistent nasi padang restaurants in town. Having served its first signature ayam pop in 1967, the modest original outlet’s low-key vibe, coupled with the friendly wait-staff’s traditional Minang attire, certainly provides a quaint alternative to Jakarta’s many posh eateries.