It’s a known fact that dedicated sushi bars tend to be quite exclusive, led by experienced sushi masters who have trained with the best, and with guest lists that are hard to get onto. But South Jakarta’s Kohai is changing that narrative and proving that high-quality sushi can be accessible in terms of pricing and inclusivity.
The vibe: With its calming wood accents and polaroids of loyal customers, Kohai has a warm and inviting feel that adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
The food: While you can order sushi, rice dishes, and sides a la carte, the omakase is the highlight. Consisting of 13 dishes, the menu combines imported and locally-sourced seafood that has been slightly tweaked to please the Indonesian palate while staying true to its Japanese roots. A standout is the maguro akami, which uses lean tuna sourced from Maluku, but has been given an Indonesian-style crispy garlic confit topping.
The drinks: The non-alcoholic drinks menu offers artisan Japanese teas and mocktails.
Time Out tip: It’s worth checking out Kohai’s Instagram before visiting, as they often have seasonal offers and special menus.