Where To Get Authentic Thai Food in Jakarta

Thai cooking is all about preparation and choosing the right ingredients. In Thailand, frozen or canned food is not so common. Thais adore the idea of getting all of their ingredients fresh – as fresh as possible, in fact! Thailand is among the blessed countries on the planet when it comes to exotic fruit, neat vegetables and excellent seafood. The scrumptious meals of this country can now also be savored in Jakarta, Indonesia – the culinary capital of Indonesia.

Ingredients of Thai Cuisine

It is the ingredients that make Thai cooking authentic. Finding fresh Thai ingredients is easy no matter where you live in the world – and especially easy in Asia. In Indonesia, it is very rare to have to get canned products of Thai ingredients, as the climates of the two countries are relatively similar. Freshly grated ginger is one example of a delicious spice that is added to a majority of Thai dishes and is readily available all over Indonesia.

Cooking to Your Flavor

The art of Thai cooking relies on the very harmonious blending of key ingredients even if they vary in their freshness. Without this harmony, the flavor of the dish tends to fall short of the expectations of Thai food connoisseurs. The five elements of taste in Thai food are as follow: sweet, spicy, sour, salty and bitter.

When cooking Thai dishes, experienced chefs tend to use recipes only as guidelines, as there are many possible ways to prepare the same dish. Also, flavor varies for every person, so it can be difficult to please everyone in the same way. For example, when it comes to curry fish sauces and pastes, some brands are saltier than others. Fortunately, it is easy to modify a recipe once done - if it is too sour, add a bit of water, sugar or more fish sauce!

Top choices for chefs who are experienced in the art of preparing Thai cuisine in Jakarta include Jittlada Thai Cuisine Grand Indonesia, Horapa Seafood & Thai Kitchen, Blue Elephant Menteng and King of Thai Restaurant. However, your search doesn’t have to end with these four, there are literally hundreds of other selections offering very authentic Thai food.

Fried Rice & Coconut Milk

Fried rice will almost inevitably accompany any dish you order at a Thai restaurant. The rice is always well cooked, but is never mushy or too soft, causing it to stick together. Some chefs keep rice in a refrigerator for 2-3 days to prevent it from getting too mushy. Another common ingredient is fresh coconut milk, which is often squeezed until dry, before warm water is added to create a second and third pressed kind of coconut milk, also known as "Hang Ka Ti."

Got a Taste for Japanese Food?

When people think of a Japanese restaurant, they automatically think of sushi. However, Japanese cuisine is so much more than raw fish dishes. There are a variety of tastes, methods of preparation, and regional favorites that make the food varied and vibrant. 

If you have a taste for Japanese food, there are several places worth trying in Jakarta, including Enmaru- Altitude. Here are some of the foods that you will find on their menu:

Appetizers

The restaurant offers an extensive list of hot and cold appetizers to select from. From the cold options, try Tsukemono Moriawase, which is the chef’s pick of 3 different Japanese pickles. The Enmaru potato salad with spicy maguro is homemade, topped with a spicy tuna, and definitely worth a try.

From the hot apps, try the Tebasaki Aama Kara Age, a dish of deep fried chicken wings in a sweet and spicy dressing. Another unique option is Maguro Tatsuta Age Dabu Dabu Sauce, which is deep friend marinated tuna with Dabu Dabu sauce.

The Main Dishes

This Jakarta restaurant offers an extensive menu of fresh and delicious main courses, including seafood, grilled beef and pork, noodle dishes, and much more. For those in the mood for something a bit lighter, there are soups like Aka Dashi and Shiro Dashi.

Sushi is always an excellent choice, and the offerings here do not disappoint. You can order the classic California roll, Spicy Tuna, Crispy Salmon, and Enmaru roll, just to name a few.  For big appetites, try the T-bone steak, Wagyu sirloin steak, or the Rib eye steak prepared with US prime meat.

If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese menu in a place with breathtaking views, Enmaru- Altitude is the spot to go. It’s situated on the 46^th floor of the Plaza Tower in Thamrin, and the floor to ceiling windows only enhance an already sophisticated and stylish atmosphere. From sushi to steak to soups, you will surely not be disappointed. 

Where To Find The Perfect Beef Burger

Some of us cringe when we see things like a quinoa burger, veggie burger, or tofu burger.  Other meat alternatives like turkey or lamb can turn out to be great-tasting alternatives to the classic beef burger.  The hamburger is an American art form.  It’s best served as unadulterated as possible.  While ethnic infusions are welcomed, a good restaurant should never outshine the star of the show.  If you do come across a restaurant in Jakarta serving mostly bun and toppings, it might be a sign that they are trying to hide something.

The Perfect Atmosphere

Oftentimes the best burger can be found in the most modest of places.  Step into the iconic Downtown Bistro, where you can relive the 1940’s boom of Americana and classic dining.  Simply the best place to hold a family outing, a business meeting, or weekend out with your friends, Downtown Bistro in Jakarta is the place to be.

The décor is memorable, with a big beautiful water fountain on display, a great mix of light, fun music, and an amazing menu to satisfy any-sized appetite.  Get your cup of Joe, a healthy lunch, or an evening of platters that offer amazing value for the selection of food.

This is the exact type of atmosphere one looks for to enjoy a good beef burger.  The best burgers cause one to lose consciousness for a minute, eyes closed, noises drowned out, and senses heightened while you savor every bite.  You should never judge diner or restaurant by its cover.

Beef Burger Connoisseur

For those who aren’t burger experts or eat beef burgers regularly, there are some tips you can arm yourself with to ensure you’re getting the best experience that you can possibly control on the customer-side.  For example, when ordering your beef burgers, always get them medium or medium-rare, preferably.  You should never allow the chef to cook your burger well-done.  The flavor is burned out of the beef, replaced with inedible gristle, and dried out like a sponge.  Over-grilling is another tactic used to hide bad beef, possibly pre-made frozen patties.

If you can find a burger restaurant in Jakarta that serves Kobe beef burgers, then you may struck hamburger gold.  Organic burgers are superior in both taste and healthiness.  American eating doesn’t always have to mean messy, fatty beef with greasy sides and sugary deserts.  Give the Downtown Bistro of Jakarta a try and you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the heart of Jakarta.