Food is Life

source : https://anakjajan.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/featured-13.jpg?w=672&h=372&crop=1

And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for awhile is just bliss.
– J. K. Rowling

Jakarta, the city of never-ending traffic and home of the ubiquitous nasi goreng and bakmie. If you thought that’s all it’s known for, you are sorely mistaken. Hidden in every nook and cranny are swanky cafes that embrace the modernity of the West and yet still strongly retain aspects of Indonesian culture that come together to form a beautiful subculture of its own.

1. THREE BUNS

The industrial warehouse concept seems to characterize much of Indonesia’s cafes and hangout spots these days, possibly owing to the sheer amount of room they have to work with. Creative imagination breathes life into large empty spaces, resulting in breathtaking locations like this one.

The burger you absolutely HAVE to try would have to be the **Piggie Smalls (IDR100,000)**. With twice cooked pork belly, smoked cheese, onions AND a 120g beef patty, embarrassing yourself in front of your date with your messy eating will be the last thing on your mind.

Address: Jalan Senopati No.90, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Contact No.: +62 21 29307780
Website: http://www.threebuns.com/ |
Opening Hours: Mon to Friday 11am to 12am | Sat & Sun 11am to 1am

2. H GOURMET

The decor of this place is so original and different you wouldn’t even think you’re in Jakarta anymore. Wrought iron accents surround the entire cafe that make you feel like you’re in a Parisian cafe enjoying a nice afternoon tea with your friends.

Serving good old American cuisine, this place serves a mean **H Stack burger (IDR115,000)** with a special mint sauce. Meat lovers can even choose to include an additional patty for just IDR35,000!
The **Buffalo’s Method Chicken Wings (IDR65,000)** have a reputation for being some of the best wings around. Marinated with butter with a tinge of fiery Cayenne pepper, it’s definitely worth dirtying your hands for this.

Address: Jalan Gunawarman No. 41, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Contact No.: +62 21 27510167
Website:http://hgroup.id/hgourmetvibes/
Opening Hours: Mon to Thur 12pm to 12am | Fri to Sat 12pm to 3am | Sun 10am to 12am

3. COLETTE & LOLA

Colette & Lola is probably the closest thing you’ll get to a real-life Barbie house. The pastel colours and loud decor give this place an almost artificial feel, almost like you’ve stepped onto the set of a retro 1970s movie. Even their cakes look artificial!

All their cakes look way too good to eat and feature some popular characters like Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. pictured above! Cakes start from a very affordable IDR28,000 with a selection that changes from time to time.
They have two outlets – a big one in Senopati and a smaller shop in Grand Indonesia. In my opinion you should definitely go straight to the one in Senopati for the full Colette & Lola Barbie world experience.

Address: Jl. Senopati Raya No.64, Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Contact No.: +62 21 29007997
Website: https://www.colettelola.com/
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

4. AMBER

This multi-level boutique is truly an all-in-one stop with a pastry shop on the first floor, a library cafe on the second, and a sky bar on the rooftop!
From scones to delectable chocolate desserts, the pastry shop on the first floor is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. They even do chocolate creations of branded bags like the one from Hermes.
They also do interesting dessert cocktails (and mocktails) like the **Tiramisu (IDR100,000)** with espresso, baileys, kahlua, cheese and fresh cream that are definitely worth a try!

The second floor library cafe doesn’t pale in comparison with its unique decor and dining concept. Imagine dining amongst bookshelves and rows upon rows of books – it doesn’t get any cosier. One must try would have to be the **Pasta in a Jar (IDR100,000)** with sundried tomatoes and black olives that literally come serve in a jar.

Address: No. Kebayoran Baru, Jl. Senopati No.61, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Contact No.: +62 21 29044412
Website: http://amberchocolatebar.com/
Opening Hours: Sun to Thur 8am to 11pm | Fri & Sat 8am to 12am

5. UNION

Union is another casual dining modelled after 20th century American bistros. Expect good old-fashioned burgers, wood-fired pizzas and prime cuts at this photogenic brasserie and bistro.
A total of 3 outlets can be found in Jakarta at Plaza Senayan (Western and Asian cuisine), Pondok Indah (American cuisine with cocktails) and at Grand Indonesia (Desserts and small bites) respectively.

They’re most famous for their **Red Velvet Cake (IDR450,000 for a whole cake)**, known for being the best one around! It comes served in generous portions, but one bite of this and you might just change your mind about sharing.

Address: Plaza Senayan Lt. GF, Jalan Asia Afrika No. 8, Tanah Abang, Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Contact No.: +62 21 57905861
Website:http://www.unionjkt.com/
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 1am | Closed on Sun