there is a lively dining scene in Jakarta and expatriates are foreign to it. French, German, Italian, German, Australian expatriates working in kitchens across town, sharing the same passion for food in what can sometimes be a difficult environment. Sophie Chavanel visited seven expatriate chefs in their kitchens for how they ended up in Jakarta and what makes each restaurant stand out from the crowd.
Restaurant Mamma Rosy
Age: 66
Nationality: Italian
Offered in Jakarta: 2013
what brought you here
My son Daniel lived Jakarta for many? years now. One day I told him I wanted the family to be together again. He came with the idea of a restaurant. At first I was staying only for a few months to teach my recipes and train staff, but I decided to stay.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find
Marsala, a sweet Italian wine ?; it is simply impossible to find here.
recommendation of the Head?
Everything pesto, which is freshly prepared every two or three days, with basil leaves carefully selected Bandung.
If you have not yet Mamma Rosy, stop what you are doing and go! It is absolutely delicious and in my opinion one of the best Italian restaurants in Jakarta. Our range of burrata served with pesto and spices; Salmon Carpaccio with lemon, black pepper and marjoram served with chunks of fresh tomatoes and goat cheese; pesto lasagna with bescamellia and parmesan cheese; and pizza with gorgonzola cheese and bacon was delicious. The wine list offers a good selection of good Italian wine at fair prices. You can sit on the cool terrace overlooking the main street of Kemang, near a soothing fountain, or inside in the air conditioning. If you sit near the kitchen, you'll probably be able to take a look at Mamma Rosy work away. But Mamma Rosy is a family affair and you will also meet his son Daniel, his daughter Stefania and son-Rodolpho, who will all welcome you as if you were part of the family. Exactly what we expect from an Italian trattoria!
Jl. Kemang Raya no. 58
62 (0) 21 71791592
www.mammarosy.com
options: Die Stube
Age: 49
Nationality: german
Offered in Jakarta 2012
what led you to Jakarta?
After eight years in Bali, I was looking for a new challenge.
Where did you work before?
Kori Restaurant Bar in Kuta.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find?
Quark, is a cheese from Germany that we use for cooking.
recommendation of the Head?
Roast pork knuckles, but make sure you order in advance. This beautiful German delicacy takes three hours to prepare.
He grinned very Ungerman that Chef Ralf welcomes us to Die Stube, a traditional German pub nestled in a small alley at the entrance of Kemang. Everything in this Bavarian restaurant makes you feel as if you entered "Little Germany" in the middle of Jakarta. The facade of the Tudor-inspired building, large tables of wooden picnic inside, authentic menu and selection of German beer is similar to what you find in any classic pub in Germany, and is all about meat! The spaetzle and roasted potatoes are very tasty. I also recommend the dish of homemade sausages to share. Die Stube is a noisy and lively place where expats and Indonesians, regular customers and curious beginners mingle. Be prepared to share your table and meet new friends! A great place to gather with a large group of people for watching sports or for a family dinner.
Plaza Bisnis Kemang 1
Jl. Kemang Raya no. 2
62 (21) 71793486
www.diestube.co.id
options: Cassis
Nationality: French
Offered in Jakarta: 2013
what led you to Jakarta
Adventure.
Where were you before Cassis
I am the owner of a restaurant in France:. The Coriander (1 Michelin star)
What is the most difficult ingredient to find
There is not a single ingredient but different ingredients: one day it is available, the next it is gone.
recommendation of the Head?
The tasting menu that changes every month you can taste a little of everything.
chef Jerome Lawrence is a culinary artist passionate friendly Arles, in southern France. After working in world class restaurants and opening his own, he needed a different kind of adventure, he decided to move to Jakarta with his family. From his native Provence region, he brought light French cuisine in Cassis, with fresh fish, seafood, delicate meat and is particularly fond of shaved truffles. If you are not tempted by the tasting menu, I recommend the white asparagus veloute , ricotta and goat cheese and black cod fried, vegetable truffle Blanquette , pea snow and arugula. The deserts are fantastic. Cassis is a chic French restaurant. The decor is refined and service exceeds what you can find in many restaurants in Jakarta. For a romantic evening.
Jl. Kh. Mas Mansyur No.24
62 (21) 57941500
www.cassis-gourmand.com
options: KOI
Age: 54
Nationality: Belgian
proposed Jakarta: 1999
What Jakarta you?
A friend asked me to come there over 15 years and I have been since.
Where were you before KOI?
I managed my own restaurant in Belgium.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find?
A beautiful quail.
recommendation of the Head?
Classic duck confit.
Chief Benoit Claeys Jakarta adopted as his second home there over 15 years and is now a part of it. It is well known among the expat community attending both Kois: Koi Koi Mahakam and Kemang. We met at Koi Kemang, where he greeted us with a strong handshake and laughter. Koi is a casual, trendy bistro with chalkboard menus on the walls and a European brasserie style. The place is always busy, so reservations are highly recommended, but you can always find a seat at the bar or on the terrace. The menu is a hybrid, offering food of French bistro and Asian dishes. I recommend the 'Minute' smoked salmon salad and beef tartare. For breakfast, lunch, dinner with family or friends, with or without children-KOI has a little something for everyone.
KOI Kemang Jl Kemang Raya no.. 72
KOI Mahakam Jl Mahakam I no.. 2
62 (21) 57941500
www.koiindonesia.com
options: Turkuaz
Nationality: Turkish
Moved to Jakarta: 1999
what led you to Jakarta
I had the opportunity to Indonesia there are more than 15 years now? To introduce Turkish cuisine in Jakarta. Since then, I have had the incredible opportunity to cook for high profile people such as ambassadors, ministers and presidents of Indonesia and finally realize a dream of mine to open my own restaurant.
Where were you before Turkuaz?
I run four restaurants in Singapore with my father.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find?
Most of the ingredients are available in Jakarta. However, we import key ingredients such as tahini directly from Turkey.
The recommendation of the chief?
Signature Chef Dishes Lamb Shank. It is an original recipe from my village, timber overnight in the oven, lamb shank house dried herbs and spices tender.
Turkuaz is one of the favorite places expatriates in Jakarta. Chief Zorlu and his wife Yanti were on the nose on several things; the restaurant is very nice, the location is great, the food is really authentic and the service, which is normally the bane restaurant owners in Jakarta, is good! I like Bademli Balik , pan-grilled dover sole fillet with roasted almonds and paprika trio and mezze classic board, consisting of hummus, babaganush, cucumber, tomato and walnut salad with pomegranate sauce extra virgin olive oil, spinach, cheese borkek , and bread. There is no visit to Turkey without baklava and baklava Turkuaz alone worth the trip!
Jl. Gunawarman no. 32
62 (21) 7279 5846
www.turkuazrst.com
restaurant: Hacienda
Age: 36
Nationality Mexican
proposed Jakarta: 2007
what you brought to Jakarta
I am married to an Indonesian woman and I had the opportunity to join Hacienda as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in 2009.
Where were you before Hacienda?
Before coming to Jakarta, I was working as a chef and manager in various restaurants in Mexico and the United States.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find in Jakarta?
dried corn meal peppers.
recommendation of the Head?
Tacos al Pastor.
Hacienda Mexican restaurant is not your generic neighborhood. The atmosphere of this restaurant is friendly and the quality of ingredients brings a completely different level. Chief Gerardo brought its unique knowledge city of Morelia in Mexico and has created a menu that will surprise any palate. I recommend starting with the sharing table side guacamole, which is made in front of you with the lawyers carefully chosen and tomatoes, fresh herbs and chili spices. For mains, I second leader Gerardo and recommends any pepper pasilla , imported from Mexico. Quesadillas with your filling of choice accompanied by homemade guacamole and pico de gallo and sour cream are a must. The desserts are not my favorite, but it's not why you go to Hacienda. Happy hour is
Plaza Senayan Arcadia X-105, Jl New Delhi
62 (21) 57901469
Street Gallery, Pondok Indah Mall 1 st floor
62 (21) 29529719
www.haciendajakarta.com
Age: 42
Nationality: Spanish
Offered in Jakarta: 2010
Where have you worked before here?
Thailand. I work in 11 countries.
What led you to Jakarta?
I worked in Bali 10 years ago. I already knew Indonesia very well and I look forward to returning.
What is the most difficult ingredient to find here in Jakarta?
Saffron.
Chief 's recommendation?
squid in black ink.
Plan B is a cool, laid back Spanish Bistro located in Senayan, in an interesting block where there are sidewalks and major streets. The concept is young and fresh; seats are covered with jeans and walls with newspapers. The menu is simple and offers typical Spanish food: tapas and paellas . I loved eggs and chicken croquettes, the broken egg with chorizo beef, potatoes and sauce with red chilli and shrimp sauteed with garlic and parsley. But the best thing about Plan B is the friendly owners who take the time to greet each guest and make sure everything is to their liking. The best thing about Plan B, but not least, is the right list and reasonably priced wine. The recommendation of the sommelier: Paternina Banda Roja Reserva 2008 - purely for Rp.400,000 delicious! Another pro is that the dining room is non-smoking and there is a cute little patio outside.
Rukan Permata Senayan
Jl. Tentara Pelajar Blok D22
62 (21) 57940821
www.planbspanishresto.com