Marugame Udon, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

What this restaurant reminded me of was Mappen here in Brisbane. So, when we decided to eat here, I was intrigued and was very interested in trying and how it would match with the ones I've tried in Aussie. A very similar concept is used such as the food selection and the way you pick your own Tempura and having free tempura flakes and chopped spring onions available. The only difference was that in Indonesia, since everyone loves their chilli and spicy food (except me that is..), they also have finely chopped red chilli to allow for those spicy eaters to be able to adjust their own spiciness level and add chilli to their own dishes.

'Ontama Udon' (IDR40k = ~AUD$4) is one of their classic serving their Udon with Bukake Dashi broth with your choice of the broth being warm or cold. It is then topped with spring onions and half boiled egg as well as a scoop of tempura flakes.

'Tori Baitan Udon' (IDR45k = ~AUD$4.5) is quite different in a way that instead of using Bukake dashi broth or pork broth, it uses Chicken broth which surprisingly was quite thick and creamy which I wasn't expecting. Topped with 3 pieces of chicken meatballs as well as spring onions. These chicken meatballs simply reminded me of Bakso, the traditional Indonesian Meatballs but these were smoother and tender in terms of exterior which means that they used more cornflour or flour to make them.

The meatballs itself was flavoursome, working well with the creamy chicken broth. It will suit any chicken lovers definitely. The chicken broth was quite salty but not overly salty but the fact that the chicken meatballs had some sweetness in it, there was balance between the two.

As for the Tempuras, you simply pick the ones you want and place it on your plate and when you are finished choosing what you would like, the person in the counter will simply add up what you have on your plate and add the prices of each Tempura with your Noodle or Rice dish. As for us, we didn't want to order too much as we didn't want to get too full afterwards. With around 10 kinds of different Tempura available, it will suit anyone who wants vegetables or beef or chicken etc. They do differentiate the usual regular Tempura selections with their Premium selections. 

From L to R as follows; Kakiage, Beef Croquette and Ebi Tempura.

'Kakiage' (IDR11k = ~AUD$1.1) which is a deep fried vegetables tempura shaped into a ball for easy grabbing as well as shaping it into a bunch. Though it can get abit hard when you do try to bite into it. Having a mixture of carrots and onions as well as some greens, it allows you to feel somewhat healthy eating fried food. Don't forget to dip it into your soy sauce dipping sauce. 'Beef Croquette' (IDR12k = ~AUD$1.2) is different than what the usual potato croquette or crab croquette you would get in other Japanese restaurants. This was a croquette filled with beef which I found to be quite delicious as well although it matched better with the original and plain Udon and not too much of the Tori Baitan Udon since that itself already had a strong chicken flavour. The croquette was nicely cooked and was very hot when we grabbed them to our plates. It definitely would suit better with a less thick and less creamier broth udon as it is quite heavy by its own. 'Ebi Tempura' (IDR15k = ~AUD$1.5) is always something you will be able to find in most Japanese restaurants, if not, all restaurants. The overall taste was okay, just the typical Shrimp Tempura.

Again, similar concept with after you have finished eating, you are told to return your used trays to the designated area. I think these kind of self-service restaurants allows diners to have a sense of cleanliness as well as a common sense giving a helping hand to the society. Of course, there will be waiters to clean your table or to wipe any access or mess but then, it is nice to see that maybe the Indonesian community are able to learn a thing or two in regards to etiquette, cleanliness and respecting workers. As most other countries may be very familiar with this concept as an everyday thing, in Indonesia, many are spoilt with the help when it comes to eating or service as it very uncommon for diners to have to take back their used bowls or trays.

Bakmi GM, Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, Indonesia

Being one of the most popular Indonesian noodle outlet, dating back from 1959 has continuously dishing out consistent noodle dishes which until now has not lost its taste and history. They do offer non-noodle dishes such as Smoked Chicken rice or Chicken and Mushroom rice etc. Though their most popular dish would be their Fried noodles with various toppings depending on what you choose. While waiting for a flight in Jakarta, I decided to have a quick meal before taking off and what better place to have a quick meal than here.. Note that this is a delayed post as now the new Terminal has been rebuilt and replaced entirely.

'Special Bakmi GM Pangsit Goreng (Special Fried Noodles GM Fried Wonton)' (IDR28.182k = ~AUD$2.8) with 'Ice Tea' (IDR5.909k = ~AUD$0.59) was what I had which also included a wonton soup. This particular dish had egg noodles slightly drizzled with sesame oil topped with veges and pan fried chicken and mushrooms and since I ordered the combo with the Fried Wonton, I received 2 pieces of them. You can order just the original noodle dish or any other dishes and add extra fried wontons or boiled wontons or beef balls etc on the side. Usually if you do come and dine here in a group, it is usually better that way as you do get more value for your buck if you just order a side of Fried Wontons as you get a few pieces per serving. 

Yes, it is a very simple noodle dish but when you do mix it altogether, you realise that sometimes the most simple things in life are just simply the nicest. The combination of the soy based pan fried chicken and mushrooms blended in well with the egg noodles. Remember to pour some of the wonton soup into the noodle bowl to give it that extra saucyness, absorbing the broth as well as it allows the sesame oil as well as the leftover soy from the chicken and mushrooms to combine to make a base that has more of a punch and of course, makes the egg noodles less dry.

Bistro Baron, Plaza Indonesia, Thamrin, Jakarta, Indonesia

Bistro Baron in Plaza Indonesia has been serving up classic French bistro dishes in a casual yet cosy setting. With the always so bustling and busy PI Mall, it never cease to amaze me how many of the restaurants gets filled so easily and yet even if you book in advance, you don't know if you may or may not be able to get a seat especially during peak hours or Friday nights and weekends. However, if you do feel like eating homestyle and bistro French dishes, do give here a try. They have a wide variety of dishes on offer on their menu though not too extensive until it will take you a long time to figure out what you would like. Serving from Breakfast to Dinner, they also offer High Tea for those wanting to have a nice afternoon tea.

Having seatings both indoor and outdoor allows diners to choose which area of the restaurant would suit them. We opt for outdoor seating as the weather wasn't too humid nor too hot. The only problem that I would have to point out here in this restaurant is that the lack of waiter's attentiveness to diners as it takes a while to try and get the waiters' attention as well as trying to call a waiter to your table. Some shouting or having to find a waiter yourself may be needed which is dissapointing and plus, it was a quiet evening when we wer there so it should've been easier but instead, it wasn't. I started with 'Lychee Ice Tea' (IDR38k = ~AUD$3.8) which was not too bad though it was a tad too sweet for me however after asking for a few lemon wedges on the side, squeezing them into the drink did make the lychee ice tea much better.

'Pommes Frites Truffee' (IDR75k = ~AUD$7.5) is a side where everyone can simply enjoy. Truffle oil scented french fries with grated parmesan served with a side of aioli sauce. To be honest, I did not really get much of the truffle oil scent and I felt that they were quite stingy with the grated parmesan as usually, there would be more. Crispy fries, yes but overall, it was just okay.

'Aglio Olio' (IDR115k = ~AUD$11.5) is a classic pasta dish where you can get in most Italian restaurants though the main differences would be how they present it, what its ingredients and condiments is included and the combination of each of the elements. In Bistro Baron, they serve their Aglio Olio with a choice of Smoked Duck or Chicken or Tuna in which we chose their Classic, which was the Smoked Duck. Spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, fresh chilli, rocket leaves and shaved parmesan is simple but already, it actually packs many flavours in just one simple dish.

Aglio Olio is always a nice simple pasta dish to have when you're not wanting that heavy creamy flavour nor the strong tomato sauce. What I quite liked about this was that although only olive oil, chilli and garlic was the base of the dish, it had flavour and strength which should not be overpowered in which it wasn't. The rocket leaves and grated parmesan added the crunch and the smoked duck, although it was only four thin slices (which they could've added a bit more to be honest), overall it was a pleasant and fresh dish to have.

'Bistro Baron Burger' (IDR105k = ~AUD$10.5) is Bistro Baron's signature burger in which you realise after reading its name. Usually signature dishes tend to either go two ways, one, it may be considered one of the best dishes from the menu or if it is just meh, meaning it's just a fluke or rather. Bistro Baron's Burger consisted of a homemade Angus beef patty, mesclun, tomato, onion with a seeded mustard sauce and Gratinated Raclette Cheese. The burger also came with a side of french fries though not topped with truffle oil scent or grated parmesan, only a sprinkle of parsley leaves.

What I have to compliment would be the presentation of the neat Bistro Baron burger as well as the grill marks on top of the soft brioche buns. I personally love slightly grilled soft brioche buns for burgers as I am not a big fan of those hard and dry burger buns where it just makes you enjoy only the filling but not the outer side as well. The brioche buns weren't too big nor too small, the grill marks made the brioche buns have that slightly toasted texture as well as crunch. When you slice it in half, you are able to see the burger's inside being carefully stacked which we as eaters can appreciate although in the end, whilst eating it, it may be messy in the end anyway.

The Angus beef patty was made well, full of flavour and juicy. It is hard sometimes finding a nice homemade beef patty which can be juicy and not dry as most homemade patties can easily be. Although a very simple burger as you may just call it a cheeseburger as it didn't have more twitches here and there and any add-ons but just simple. The crispy mesclun and the freshly sliced tomato created your healthy and crispy texture for the burger. The seeded mustard sauce was very light but gave the burger that hint of tangyness as well as creamy taste. Overall, a wonderful yet very simplistic burger well thought out and presented.

Ikkudo Ichi, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Ikkudo Ichi is one of the many Ramen places you can dine at Grand Indonesia Mall in Jakarta. It is quite a small area inside but fits a decent amount of diners, though you might have to wait for a bit sometimes when they do have a queue. I would say though overall that the ramen here reminded me of the ramen back here, but it just had a more Street and casual feeling..

As you can see, the restaurant itself is quite small and we arrived here after work quite early so it wasn't right on dinner time allowing us to get our table quickly and by the time we finished eating, there were so many diners coming in. When  we sat down, we were offered drinks and we ordered both a 'Hot Ocha' and 'Cold Ocha' (Both at IDR9,8rb - AUD$0.98). It's nice to see when Japanese restaurants serves their green tea using real tea leaves, and not just tea bags.. Quite dissapointing if they do. Gladly, they used real tea leaves as you can taste a bit of the residue as you get to the bottom.

'Age Buta Gyoza' (IDR28rb - AUD$2.8) are Deep fried Pork Gyoza in which a portion gets you 6 pieces which I found was a normal amount in Japanese restaurants. It was rather small than I thought it would be but not too much. It was fully deep fried and there are also grilled gyoza if you would like a healthier option on the menu.

I found that just a simple light soy sauce as a sauce was a nice dipping sauce instead of a sweet chilli or a chilli sauce given along with the dumplings. It was very hot when it arrived so be careful when biting into it. The filling was delicious with the pork broth oozing out a bit as you bite through it.

All ramens are served with either chicken or pork charsiu, spring onions, sliced mushrooms and soft boiled golden egg. We both ordered the same which was 'Tori/Buta Signature' (IDR49.8rb - AUD$5) which was their Signature ramen served with either Chicken or Pork Charsiu in which of course, the choice of meat would be obviously Pork Charsiu.

The first thing that you see when you get a big bowl of ramen on your table is its presentation, then you see if the soft boiled egg is done right, then you check if they have given you a sufficient amount of charsiu, then you take a spoonful of the broth, sip and taste it, try their ramen noodles... then judge and comment.. well, that's the way I eat my ramen usually. Soft boiled eggs were cooked nicely, the broth reminded me of your Tonkotsu base but it seemed to be a bit thicker compared to the lighter version. Full of flavour, the seasoning and spices has been balanced out well, the ramen noodles were chewy and cooked through well.

One of the best thing you get here where you won't get anywhere else (even in Aussie, I haven't been to a Ramen place where they would offer this..) is that they serve you fresh garlic along with a wooden skewer and a garlic press. Why? So that for those garlic lovers, like myself... is able to mince your own garlic whilst inserting it into your ramen, as much or as little as you would like. What a fun but also very garlicky way to eat your ramen. Although not all ramen is good with garlic, or may not suit it as well as it being how it should be, having a few garlic cloves is always so gooodd I reckon.. And yes, with just being the two of us dining, we did finish the whole garlic portion given in the bowl.

One of the nicest, humblest Japanese Ramen places to dine at, I would come back here again and try their other Ramen.. Maybe their Curry ramen or their Tsukemen..

Mie Keriting P. Siantar, Pluit, Jakarta

The word Mie Keriting simply means Curly Noodles when literally translated into English. Here at Mie Keriting P. Siantar, a classic and old noodle shop offersa humble menu of various dishes with its main being their Classic Curly Noodles. Although it is quite far from the CBD, I would recommend it to anyone who would like to try an old classic Chinese Indonesian dish. I should say that the recipe has been brought down from generations as it has been opened since 1954.

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Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Imperial Treasure Chinese restaurant is located in Plaza Indonesia offering a wide variety of Chinese dishes. Signature dishes such as La Mian and Xiao Long Bao is a huge hit for diners but overall, whether it may be their appetizers, seafood, soup or even their desserts, they are delicious with full of flavour allowing you to order dishes to share in the middle of the table with your families and friends.

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Soup Restaurant, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Soup Restaurant in Plaza Indonesia is one of the must go restaurants I guess when you're here. It may not be one of the best known Chinese restaurant as there are many competitions around but I feel that they have character and good service which is always a tick when you enter to dine. Having the influence of Chinatown in the 1930s, the Samsui Lady would look forward to her daily ritual of a simple meal with her sisters from her hometown which made it a treasured moment to remember. Her legacy passes on leading Soup Restaurant to have the Samsui heritage, bringing their heirloom recipes of authentic Chinese Heritage Cuisine which takes you back in time..

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Pizza e Birra, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

Pizza e Birra is a casual and relaxing dining eatery serving gourmet pizzas and popular classic comfort food. Having both traditional Italian and non Italian, it will allow everyone to have a try at different pizzas and suit your tastebuds.. If you wanna have a few drinks, then go ahead, their beer selection is not too bad so whether it may be your lunch break or meeting up with friends, this place is sure to be a casual but fun dining area for you guys.

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Kkuldak, Grand Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia

I've walked past this shop numerous times but never really got my head turning for it, other than I realised there was always a line which I usually can't be bothered to wait for.. However, since my sister recommended it to me one day and told me to try it when I have time, so, I did. We were quite full from lunch, wanting to go for dinner but since the time was still quite early plus we were quite bored of walking and shopping around, we decided to just try it as I mentioned it to him as we walked past it..

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JJ Royal Brasserie, Lotte Shopping Avenue, Jakarta

JJ Royal Brasserie opened in 2013 and I did come in 2014, but had trouble locating my photos after a problem with my HD. However, finally I found it and here it is. Although it's late, I do apologize but I'm pretty sure their menu hasn't really changed as much nor has its locations. So, a little starter about JJ Royal Brasserie.. Located in Lotte Shopping Avenue aka. Ciputra World in Jakarta, managed by the Foodie Habit Group, it has caught people's eye by its elegant but playful interior. I do have a thing about mix matching too much colours and different designs, interior wise and also art wise in one room, though some people may say it is quite daring and may be seen different from the eyes of everyone.

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