Abunawas - Middle Eastern Restaurant - Kemang - Jakarta

Abunawas is my favourite middle eastern restaurant in Jakarta. I couldn't find any flaw in terms of quality, selections, service, ambience, consistency and of course the price. I have visited this restaurant several times and never got let down. So... what's not to like?

Anyone would think that because it's located in Kemang - Jakarta expats quarter, this restaurant would be expensive. You would be surprised to know that it's not at all pricey. With an average IDR 200,000 ($20) for two pax, you will leave the premises with happy tummy, that's a good deal, right?!

With that kind of price range, what I normally order is lamb sambosa, muqabalat mushakal (small) - selection of hummus, tabullah, mutabal served with fresh bread, then followed by lamb or chicken biryani or mandhi and sometimes some kebab. For dessert, I would go for cream caramial with adhani tea or marakesh tea (mint tea). That, to me is a decent 3 courses meal that easily fill up two persons. 

Abunawas is apparently have another site in Matraman, which I haven't been to. A little bit out of the way from where I live. But I am quite sure that the quality would be just as good. 

At the time of writing this blog, the official website of Abunawas is unavailable. But if you need more convincing before paying a visit, you can check out reviews on Zomato. 

One downturn about this restaurant for some people, it's the fact that they don't serve alcohol. I am not complaining, there are plenty of bars nearby that you can drop by before or after the meal if you must. 

Abunawas is open from 9 AM (Yes! That early.) until 11.30 PM, free parking too... Well, a couple thousand tip for the security would be very much appreciated, but it's not compulsory. So, what are you waiting for? 

Try the private room upstairs if you fancy experiencing authentic middle eastern dining, on the carpeted floor that is.. It's quite convenient actually, you can always lay down if you had too much to eat :D

Abunawas - Middle Eastern Restaurant
Jalan Kemang Utara No. 15 Jakarta Selatan
Phone: +62 21 717 94 691
Opening hours: 9 AM - 11.30 PM
www.abunawasresto.com 

3 Wise Monkeys - Senopati - Jakarta

I consider myself to be a tea person. Based on the fact that I can consume good tea cup after cup during the day. But unfortunately, there are so few great tea houses in Jakarta if I can compare to London, for example (not a fair comparison, but anyway..). Coffee is a more trendy thing to have these days. I have notice some many cool coffee houses popping up every day. It's an exaggeration, but you know what I mean... So, I determine to try those hip coffee houses at least once a week. 

The best place to start in South Jakarta of course it would be Senopati. I am quite familiar with the area so I know what to expect and many places there that I have visited but haven't had the chance to write about it. I will catch up .. I promise you. 

Driving passed Senopati, I started to enter the beginning of Jalan Suryo. I immediately spotted a new place that I almost missed. At first I thought it's a coffee house, but the security told me it's a Japanese  restaurant. A little bit baffled, but I pulled over anyway. A Japanese restaurant called '3 Wise Monkeys' .. wouldn't you be baffled too? 

First thing that I saw as soon as entered the venue was pastry corner with piles after piles of naughty stuff... Yes, I categorised rich chocolate cake, danish pastry and the rest as naughty stuff because they are hard to resist. They kind of got me addicted.. 

Oh well... I think I can leave the pastry corner for a little bit, while I check on the menu. Based on the menu it is a Japanese restaurant. I should have been convinced easily by the fact there is a Sushi cabinet and some Japanese decoration here and there, but to me it's kind of un-traditional. Maybe it was meant to be like that, out of the box concept. Ok.. let's get on with the food. 

As I have had lunch earlier that day and hoping to try out some coffee, I did not expect to have another meal, but I can't turn down the opportunity to taste good sushi. So I picked Californian Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll, miso soup and of course lots of hot ocha to make me slightly less guilty after devouring so much food in one day. 

I have to admit, both sushi rolls were surprisingly good. Not exactly mind-blowing, but they're more than just decent. Made with good quality ingredients without trying to cut corner like most so-called sushi bars. It's not drenched in a lot of mayo too, which I do like. I love the fact that I could taste  the ingredients on every single bite of it. Even the nori was fresh and crisp too. 

I was playing it safe, it's true. To test wether or not a place is a good Japanese restaurant requires more than that. But to me, because it's a safe option, anybody should make it right. If it turned out bad I know I would not go there again. Hope you agree with me on that.. 

The miso soup was equally good. A little bit different to what I am used as they added some mushroom next to seaweed and silk tofu. It's actually worked. 

Now I got to the point that I was about to explode but, I couldn't help to try those naughty stuff I have mentioned earlier. I went all out, took a slice of chocolate cake. It's so rich it's unbelievable. But what I liked best was the fact it wasn't crazily sweet. So I could keep tucking in. The texture was perfect, it's moist with a little crunch on the top. I could taste the dark chocolate, which is a bit bitter but balance the sweetness of the cake itself. I'm in heaven. 

I must have looked like a ball at the end of the meal. Struggling to get in to the car and drive home :)

But it was all worth it as the prices are pocket friendly too.. Mission accomplished. 

3 Wise Monkeys

Jl. Suryo No. 26 Jakarta Selatan

Phone: +62 21 2912 6528

Opening hour: 11 AM - 12 PM

www.3wisemonkeys.co.id

Anatolia - Turkish Restaurant, Jakarta

Anatolia is one of our favourite Turkish restaurants in Jakarta. We just love they way it's done. Nothing pretentious about it. The dimmed lighting, interior details and of course the authenticity of the food, they just compliment each other to bring a piece of Turkey to Jakarta. Anatolia is part of Nomi Inc, F&B company that runs Maroush at The Crown Plaza Hotel and Front Page at Plaza Gani Djemat specialised in Turkish, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

We have been to Anatolia on several occasions, casual dinner and also during a networking event where buffet were served instead of a la carte. 

We haven't got disappointed by either. Don't get distracted by the exterior look during the day, it does look a bit shabby we must admit, and it may appear not open for business at all.. But it does 

though.. Just push the door and let the culinary journey begins. 

We started with the selection of dip such as Hummus and Babaganuc with puffed up bread fresh from the oven and the menthe (mint tea) on the side, what could be better than that. 

Then we went for something a little bit challenging as we have not have a clue of the dish is going to turn out. The description for Manti is home made pastry filled with spiced minced lamb and served with yoghurt garlic sauce and buttered dry chilli. 

Enough with the savouries, we managed to spare some space for sweets (of course!), so we ordered baklava (very predictable dessert but we could not do without) and kuru kayishi tatlisi (dried apricot soaked in home made syrup and stuffed with walnuts, cream and grated pistachio. Delicious! Either or both desserts would satisfy anyone's craving for sugary treats.

Service may be a little slow, but who wants to rush in this little gem. We would have tried other delicacies had our stomach allows it. Some other time then... 

In terms of pricing, taking into account of the location, venue itself and quality of food, we consider it as reasonably good value for money. Nothing over the top. 

Anatolia - Authentic Turkish Restaurant
Jalan Kemang Raya 110A
South Jakarta
Phone: +62 21 7194 658
Opening hours: Daily 11.30 - 14.30 and 18.00 - 22.30