JAKARTA EATS: Cheap Eats at Loobie Lobster

There is a new, super cheap lobster place on Jalan Gunawarman right beside Turkuaz that always has a line of customers on Mondays and Tuesdays. They have a promo where you get TWO lobster and calamari platters with rice and drinks for only 90rb. Its nothing fancy and I would even call it a hole in the wall type of place but for the price and freshness of the seafood, its an amazing deal. Last Monday we came at 430pm and put our name on the waiting list. We had cupcakes at Mini Love Bites and some Turkish hot apple tea at Turquaz.

The interiors are very minimal and not fancy at all. It’s cramped (seats only 20) and a bit warm despite the 2 AC units. But we were there for the super cheap seafood so we didn’t mind so much.

This is what you get for 90rb on Mondays and Tuesdays. 2 half lobster and calamari platters + rice + drinks. Not bad for the price ya? Personally, I would get the whole lobster platter and just go on a non-promo day, if you want to get more lobster meat. But for price this can’t be beat!

We also tried the whole big shrimp platter. This was my favorite and definitely out-shined the lobster. The meat was more tasty and buttery than the lobster. For both the lobsters and the shrimps, we got the spicy garlic marinade, but the shrimp’s taste was definitely more superior (the size is bigger too!). The calamari is fresh, yummy, crunchy and best eaten with a little of the sambal sauce.

I love that they have a twitter promo. If you tweet @loobielobster during your meal, you get a free tiramisu cup. It’s delicious – not too sweet and perfectly creamy. All in all, this is a great place for people working in a nearby area, who are looking for a great lunch deal. I’d take this over McDonalds any day!

TIP: Make sure to go early or you’ll be stuck in line. But waiting while enjoying a cupcake at Mini Love Bites or while having warm apple tea at Turkuaz is not a bad way to wait at all. Just be sure to place your name on the waiting list and give the server your mobile number so they can text you when you’re table is ready.

Again this place is nothing fancy so don’t expect more than a cheap meal. Usually lobster connotes luxury, but this is a place where lobster becomes affordable for all.