Indonesian street food is a must when visiting Jakarta. Unfortunately there were no food stalls lining the streets in our area. What we found were several huge malls, some even right across from each other! So, instead of braving the streets in search for authentic Indonesian food, we ended up at Pacific Place Mall.
Pacific Place is a luxury mall in Jakarta that has won international awards and with good reason. Manila has its share of luxury malls but after seeing Pacific Place, I could see why it has gained recognition as one of the best malls not only in Indonesia but in Asia.
Pacific Place Mall – Jakarta, Indonesia
Pacific Place Mall – Jakarta, Indonesia
Pacific Place Mall – Jakarta, Indonesia
Kafe Betawi belongs to a chain of Indonesian restaurants serving street style Indonesian food. Its dining outlets can be found scattered across Jakarta’s numerous malls.
Kafe Betawi’s dining outlet in Pacific Place has welcoming white interiors with distinctive Indonesian accents.
Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall – Jakarta, Indonesia
Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall – Jakarta, Indonesia
Once seated, we went over Kafe Betawi’s extensive menu. The waiting staff are not fully conversant in English but this was not a problem at all. Simply point at the photo of the dish or say its number and they will take your order. You can request them to serve the chili on the side as Indonesian cuisine uses a lot of chili in their dishes.
First to arrive was the Es Cendol or Ice Cendol. This famous Indonesian drink is a blend of coconut milk, shaved ice, palm sugar, red beans and cendol (green jelly-like strands).
Ice Cendol at Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall
Nasi Goreng Kambing or Lamb Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish. Nasi Goreng comes in many forms but is basically fried rice mixed with chicken, beef or lamb. It was one filling meal as there was an abundance of lamb fried rice mixed with an egg served sunny side up and prawn crackers.
Nasi Goreng Kambing at Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall
Do you love noodles? Kafe Betawi has Bihun Goreng for you. This noodle dish is similar to our local bihon or sotanghon dish but served with prawn crackers much like the Lamb Nasi Goreng we ordered.
Bihun Goreng at Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall
The Sate Ayam or Chicken Satay we ordered could feed about 3 to 4 persons. It was generously served with peanut sauce and the chicken was tender and well marinated.
Sate Ayam at Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall
Kafe Betawi’s version of the Chicken Curry was really delicious! The curry spice paste was flavorful and the chicken was cooked to perfection. It went very well with a side order of plain rice.
Chicken Curry at Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place Mall
Kafe Betawi, Pacific Place – Jakarta, Indonesia
Overall, our lunch at Kafe Betawi satisfied our curiousity and cravings for Indonesian food at reasonable prices. When in Jakarta, there is no need to scout around the streets for true Indonesian fare as you will surely find it in Kafe Betawi.
Kafe Betawi
4/F Pacific Place Mall,
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53,
Jakarta, Indonesia
Website: https://www.kafebetawi.com/
(Note: Use Google Translate for the English version of this website)
Kafe Betawi: Indonesian Street Food Served in Style at Pacific Place, Jakarta
