You know you’re in good hands at Junsei with chefs Aman Lakhiani and Zach Farr at the helm. First opened in London in 2021, Junsei’s entire ethos is about letting natural flavours shine through traditional cooking techniques and minimal seasonings. Now, the izakaya is giving Jakarta a taste of what made the London venue so popular.
The vibe: Minimalist but warmly lit, the venue is chic and modern, while the bar and open-deck nights draw Jakarta’s hippest crowds.
The food: Mirroring the menu at the London branch, the food here revolves around a neck-to-tail approach that puts less popular parts of the chicken in the spotlight, so don’t be surprised to see gizzard and feet on the menu. Meats here are grilled over white Binchōtan charcoal or Japanese oak, which highlights the various textures and flavours. In addition to yakitori, Junsei also offers small plates, seafood, and rice dishes.
The drinks: In addition to your classic cocktails and sake, signature drinks feature savoury Japanese ingredients like togarashi powder and katsuobushi (bonito flakes) for an umami hit.
Time Out tip: Sit at the counter for a view of the grilling in action.