RAMENGVRL

Jakarta

Probably the closest literal definition of “hole in the wall”. It’s in the 3rd (or 4th?) floor of a shady looking old building in South Jakarta. The elevator looks kinda eerie too, but they have one of the best goma (sesame) ramen in town in my opinion, and they have tons of Japanese magazines too.

Actually owned by a friend, but these words are all mine. It’s become one of the hottest “unknown” bars in Jakarta since the pandemic, funny enough. It has a very “weeb” vibe (the walls are donned in anime posters—mostly One Piece) and they serve umeshu (Japanese plum wine), highball, and soju too. Fun fact: you can queue a song on Youtube via their computer, one thing tho: it’s gotta be Japan-related (be it AKB48, or Sailor Moon opening song, or YOASOBI). If you play Simple Plan be sure you’re gonna get apprehended. And this is literally written in one of their posters.

Not really a “hole in the wall” coz everybody knows this already, but that’s exactly why it’s a great visit—it’s one of the safest bet in Blok M whole area (it’s like Jakarta’s own Little Tokyo) for great izakaya style menu. Every seat is separated by this wood partition and some kind of noren
(fabric dividers) so you get that sense of privacy (unless your neighbors are pretty loud).

If you want cheap no fuss but authentic sushi, go here. The place is quite small and to be honest it doesn’t look very convincing, but trusssst the food’s good, and i’m not just talking about sushi (although I gotta give credit to the THICK cut of the salmon sashimi—that’s rare here). Try their yasai hot plate. Yasai = vegetables. It’s SO good, which is surprising for a person like me.

Not many know about this, but this is the best karaoke place if you’re specifically looking for Japanese songs (from the obvious ones to the anime openings to the more “obscure”). Not only those from Japan but from China and Korea too. If you’re worried they don’t have the song, you
can just message them on Facebook prior to your visit and they’ll add it. Omotenashi game on point.

Not exactly hole in the wall but people might forget that THIS is the spot if you’re looking for grocery shopping, but make it Japan. They have almost everything, like cheap sushi, shoyu sauce, even that special sauce you use to make homemade chawan mushi. I usually just go for the sweets—Japanese sweets are on a different level.

Usually when people want a “Harajuku haircut” they’d go to a on-brand Japanese salon, but I—after many failed attempts at many salons—personally only trust Rey (@reyhairstylist) in W2 Salon. He studied in Japan and I think Taiwan too and had really honed his skill until he can take over his family salon, but apart from that he’s also in tune with the hottest “Asian hairstyle” (for lack of better word) and is also a weeb himself. If you love One Piece or play Phoenix Wright you’re gonna have a blast talking with him.

A Guide To Jakarta’s Best Ramen With RAMENGVRL

Located in the busy food street of Mangga Besar, this family-owned stall that has been around since 1958 is what you might want to call legendary. The fried chicken recipe and coconut rice is truly a heavenly combo. Don’t forget to dip your chicken in their tangy sambal consisting of peanut sauce – it will elevate the flavour of the fried chicken!

This fried chicken comes in an eccentric green bowl paired with an eccentric flavour that comes from a mixture of garlic, chilli, tomatoes and tauco (fermented soybean paste best known for Indonesian cuisine). Pak Jaya came from Brebes, Central Java, and tried this recipe in his exploration outside the common ayam goreng recipe across Jakarta.

Our parents ate here with their friends; we ate here with our parents when we were little, and now we’d go here to eat fried chicken with our friends. Ayam Goreng Berkah is one of the legendary food establishments from the 1960s in the vibrant area of Blok M, South Jakarta. Come here with friends and share one or two whole chickens.

This style of fried chicken comes from the westernmost province of Indonesia, called Aceh. Small cuts of chicken fried until it’s very crispy on the outside, yet soft and juicy inside. Ayam Tangkap is fried with daun kari, pandan and bay leaves, giving this fried chicken dish a distinct aroma with a peppery kick in every bite.

Originating from West Sumatra, you can enjoy ayam pop (seasoned chicken boiled in coconut water and garlic). But this time, you can enjoy the fried version in Jl Jaksa, Kebon Sirih – the famous tourist street.

Where to Find the Best Indonesian Fried Chicken in Jakarta

Afgan

Hutan Kota by Plataran is one of the well-recognized restaurant and hotel chains that serves the authentic Indonesian culinary experience. The place was delicately designed for both indoor and outdoor areas with a high-end Indonesian ambiance. They serve authentic Indonesian cuisine which complements your whole Indonesian dining experience and educates yourself about Indonesian heritage.


I personally love the vibe of the place, it’s definitely suited for both dinner and brunch. Located in Sequis tower in the central of Jakarta, Roma serves the best Italian food in town. Starts from the pizzas to the kinds of pasta that are very delightful. The Pachheri with beef sausage, arugula, and light cream sauce is definitely addictive.

If an amazing city view is something that you would consider in selecting a place to dine, Alto is definitely a place to go. It is located on top of the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. Get ready to be mesmerized by one of Jakarta’s best views while enjoying exquisite food and cocktails. 


If you’re looking for different taste buds of national food in Indonesia, this place will suit your palate perfectly. Considering West Sumatran food was famously voted as the best food in the world through their rich spices and distinct taste. FYI, West Sumatera is where my family from.


My place to go for a casual lunch or dinner located in the heart of Jakarta’s Central Business District. It is very famous among expatriates due to its prime location. They serve American-Italian cuisine that is never gone wrong. From Wagyu rib eye, Goose ravioli, and of course the distinctive Bistecca alla Fiorentina.


I have always been a fan of Japanese cuisine, especially yakiniku. In my opinion, this place really serves the best Japanese yakiniku in Jakarta. They only serve the best quality of Japanese meat, which plays a big part in an excellent yakiniku experience. The food is also complemented by a modern take of Japanese interior design.  


Pierre reminds you of the whole picture of Paris vividly. The nuance of the place gives you a French ambiance that completes your cuisine dining experience. Dacquoise Aux Noisettes is definitely my go-to main menu, accompanied by their exquisite wine selections. Closing it off with their perfectly baked Crème Brule. 


Exploring The Best of Jakarta's Restaurants with Afgan

Located at the parking lot of a mini market, this place serves you ketoprak – vegetables, rice cakes, tofu and rice noodle drenched with peanut sauce. To top everything, pick one: salted duck eggs, sunny side up or omelette – your choice!

This rice porridge place is located next to my past office. Whenever I needed that extra kick of carbs, I would go here before work. I also love to talk with Bang Udin, who happens to be a paralympic athlete in archery. When you eat here, don’t forget to ask for extra crackers!

A breakfast spot in the middle of Jakarta’s business district that can make you feel like you’re transported to a tranquil place with their fried chive noodles cooked in a wok, paired with fried meatballs.

In a country full of Soto, this one is a taste of Surabaya, a city in East Java that you can enjoy in Jakarta. A piping hot bowl of chicken soup filled with slices of chicken, egg, rice noodle and shreds of cabbage. Located just behind the city’s bustling business district, you will experience eating soto with office workers.

Rice cooked with coconut milk. You will be faced with an endless option of toppings. From soy-glazed tempe orek, fried omelette with green onions to potato fritters; I usually get two to three different toppings to try, but you’re more than welcome to get more!

An explosion of spice and herbs that I always crave when I need something to wake me up in the morning. It’s rice cakes poured with light vegetable curry, topped with eggs, crispy potato bits, shrimp crackers and shredded coconut. Not to mention the clam skewers that you can add as extra.

This is a quite personal spot I used to go to with my family! One of the legendary dishes originated from Solo: rice cooked with coconut milk with spicy chayote vegetables, chicken and steamed eggs served on banana leaves.

Noodles with boiled chicken. Sounds simple, but it’s always the simple things that are the most difficult. Their broth is some of the most flavourful broth I’ve ever tasted. Perfect for one of those cold and gloomy mornings.