Another great recommendation from Tita Noreen! We usually take visiting guests to TeSate, Seribu Rasa, Sate Khas Senayan or Mera Delima. It’s no wonder that this resto is ranked #22 out of 508 restaurants in Jakarta.
This beautiful resto is tucked away in a parking lot on a building along Sudriman. The interiors were beautiful and indeed it was successful in “reviving the nostalgic colonial past” in such a tasteful manner that even to my minimalist aesthetics were so pleasing to the eye.
There are 3 dining areas in Kembang Goela. We were first led to one that had MASSIVE tables (not pictured) and since there was just 3 of us, we asked for a smaller table.
There was a buffet set up in the main dining area, perhaps for a buffet that evening.
We were led to smaller room with appropriately smaller tables. I just loved the simple centerpiece that provided a splash of color among all the earth and wood tones.
THE FOOD
GOOD TO NOTE:
Everything was mildly spicy. I specifically requested the waitstaff’s recommendations of dishes that arenot spicy because I know my in-laws are not used to it. Despite their reassurance that it was “not spicy at all,” my FIL was sweating through the meal. I just made sure to remove all the red chilies before putting anything in my mouth. “Not spicy or mildly spicy” for an Indonesian is mighty spicy for a typical Filipino who is not accustomed to Indonesian cuisine. Despite the spicy kick and sweating, my in-laws loved it!
Here’s what we ordered:
Shrimp Kerupuk small (Kerupuk Udang Kecil) Rp 8,500. Next time I want the bigger one1
Chicken Satay (Satay Ayam) Rp 47,500. Always a winner, but next time I recommend asking for kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) to go with the peanut sauce.
Beef Rendang (Rendang Uni Ida) Rp 90,000. Normally we (MIL & I) don’t like rendang but this was good!
Fried Gurame (Ikan Gurame Goreng) Rp 125,000. My father who has a love hate relationship with fish (love for the health factor but hates the taste) really loved this dish! I think it was the best out of everything we ordered. We couldn’t get enough of the crispy toppings! (Egg and tofu is I am not mistaken?)
OTHERS: Rice was 10,000 while coke in can 22,500. All in all we spent Rp 440,ooo or USD 44. Not bad for fine dining. My discriminating in-laws were very happy with the food.
I highly recommend this place if you have any visitors that have sophisticated tastes. According to Tita Noreen this is where ambassadors dine. And I can totally see why! Thanks again Tita Noreen for the great reco as usual!
KEMBANG GOELA
- Plaza Sentral, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 47-48, Jakarta Pusat 12930
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(021)520-5625
Oh, this sounds (and looks) great…I must go! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by and commenting Melany! I can’t wait to see pics on your blog taken with your awesome macro lens! It’s going to be breathtaking as usual!