Warung Kopi Klotok Jogjakarta: A Traditional Sip of Java

Jogjakarta always knows how to relax and making it such an irresistible escape. Sip your coffee, bite your fried banana while sitting in front of a rice field, and have a great day at Kopi Klotok.

Hello, this is Ruth from her holiday in Jogjakarta.

It’s called Warung Kopi Klotok. Located halfway to the famous Ullen Sentalu Museum and Merapi tours, visitors can easily find the kiosk at the end of a narrow alleyway. If you’re renting a car, the driver should know where to turn, otherwise, there are large yellow signs glued to electricity poles along the way to help you out. Don’t get discourages by the lack of parking space or the rather traditional Joglo house of the so-called café. The place is so popular that there are lines and waiting list for the food and drinks.

For the first timers, this restaurant is rather confusing because first you have to find a table and memorize the number. Then you went to order food on different corners, mentioning the table number each time. The waiter will deliver the food to you. You order drinks on a paper and picked it up yourself. Then you pay everything when you’re done.

I have to do an “indent order” for my second row of fried banana because my son finished over half of the first order in no time. Each party/table can only order up to 6 fried bananas (that’s 3 portions) and if they want to order more, they have to return to the frying corner for the second time. This place doesn’t do take out. They argued that fried banana is best served hot but the talk among townspeople offers a rather mythical version of how those yummy bananas shouldn’t reach the main road to preserve the taste.

Whatever it is, we’re having another round. So we wait.

Kedai Kopi Bang Ali: Heritage, History and #ngopidigarasi

Coffee has endless possibilities. Just when I thought I had found the best, most unique coffee shop, I encountered another one with a different story, equally interesting and delicious. This time, I (Fiona) visited the home of Ali Sadikin, former Governor of Jakarta, which has turned into a humble yet historical coffee shop.

I arrived with hubby at 10.30. Was planning for an earlier visit but I have been sick for few days and has yet to recover. Well, this visit couldn't wait, and it's hard to be sick if a coffee shop is calling. Haha. So, there we were, entering the garage of Ali Sadikin's house, the one he's living in after retiring from his job leading and serving Jakarta. The interior is rather simple with an corner where pictures and book (of his private collection) are neatly displayed.

Welcomed by the friendly servers, we ordered Ketoprak and Nasi Bakar Tuna Special. The food arrived rather quick, and surprisingly yummy. The Nasi Bakar has decent portion and plenty of fillings. Hubby likes it so much and finished it without realizing that I had been eyeing to try. Then mine arrived, a huge portion of Ketoprak. And I'm glad I'm Indonesian so I can eat that much of Ketoprak in one sitting. It's really delicious, plenty of soft tofu and, well, one-of-a-kind just perfect peanut sauce. Ask for extra chilli if you like spicy dish.

It's really homey if you sit on the corner, and there comes another surprise because the one serving us is apparently Ali Sadikin's son. Whoa! 

I personally think it's genius to combine heritage and current coffee shop trends because if it's not because of the coffee, I wouldn't have known (or cared) about where the legendary governor lived. Furthermore, there's always a story behind a coffee and finding a good one is becoming harder these days when they have turned mainstream.

Here comes the coffee. We order Hot Cappucinno (Rp.20k) dan Ice Cafe Latte (Rp. 23k). Hot Cappuccino arrived with House Blend Smoking Barrels Beans. I put it as "well-balanced". Ice Cafe Latte is another highlight of the visit. You can choose between between brown sugar and regular one. I went with brown sugar and it tastes great. There's an acid aftertaste which I like. If I'm not sick, I would have ordered twice. 

It's an inspirational visit with a great coffee. Very humble and friendly, like I believe he was. Until we meet again.

Where is This?
Kedai Kopi Bang Ali

 #ngopidigarasi
Jl. Jati Murni No.6, RT.3/RW.2, Jati Padang,
Ps. Minggu,Jakarta Selatan

Sipping Coffee at Hidden Headquarter of Gordi.id

If we like something, there's no doubt we'd want it in our mailbox. No, we're not talking newspaper or magazine. We're talking coffee. Wait, what? Coffee subscription? Here's Fiona’s story with Gordi.id.

 

I know what Gordi is, so when a friend of mine, Barista Wahyu Nazar posted a picture, I was beyond excited. I asked him whether it's open for public and where exactly is this place. Apparently, I happened to pass through the area with my mom and sister without any plan to stop by. But I saw Gordi and I know we have to stop. The HQ is hidden on a neighborhood at Jeruk Purut area, which is real close with my wedding venue. Should have noticed that earlier.

Despite being tucked away somewhere, this place has parking. An open space to the left matches the glass building on the right. Glass building is always good news.

First Visit to Goodhood Coffee and Kitchen

Our journey to Good Hood at Dipo Tower West Jakarta began with a simple question: isn't that a coffee shop? 

Then comes the search on Google and social media. We even had to be patient because the shop is only open after the Ramadhan holiday season. Monday arrived and we head out right away with two of our office colleagues. Literally "celebrating" the first after-fasting office lunchtime. We were hesitating a little because the coffee shop looks too new and by the time we're at the cashier, we found out that most of the food, like its sandwiches, isn't ready yet. But pasta and rice menu, the manager said, can be ordered.

We're hungry, so Nasi Goreng Kampung, Squid Ink Spaghetti and Spicy Prawn Penne are placed on order. Fiona ordered cappuccino (her Piccolo isn't yet available) and Ruth had Americano. This restaurant is yet to have its grand opening. While it's still a little messy, we love how new and how homey this place is. There are two floors, each with its own uniqueness. Good Hood has large windows with comfortable chairs and sofas. Their corner table on the second floor is really something too. 

Food takes a while to be prepared, something we honestly expected since they're just opened. But times passed by quickly because we scored a place by the window on the first floor and it's hard to leave the spot after sitting there for a while. Too comfy to sit on with gossip and good coffee. While waiting for the food, we explored the place and found some nice murals by the stairs.

Fiona: Let's take a picture here.
Ruth: Here?
Fiona: Yes, here. I want to take a drinking coffee picture here.
(check out the pic on Fiona's Instagram, it actually comes out nicely)

Nasi Goreng Kampung

However, we fall in love on the first bite with the food. Nasi Goreng Kampung tastes like the one you had when you're a kid, with a generous upgrade on the sunny side up egg and fried chicken. Squid Ink Spaghetti is tasty too. Something that you should go ahead and order when you're here. MJ Finished hers in no time. If you're a spicy fan, order the Spicy Shrimp Penne. Go with spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer. The dish has several large prawns and some chopped ones. The food price is around 50k-70k while coffee is on the 20k range.

Squid Ink Spaghetti

Fiona: Is your pasta spicy?
Ruth: A little. But are you okay with the shrimp?
Fiona: Let's give it a try... Whoa, It's delicious!

And we're happy to announce that Fiona, who is allergic to shrimp that aren't fresh, is doing alright after eating the shrimp. Yes, she's our subject when it comes to fresh shrimp experiements.

Spicy Shrimp Penne

In the end, the chef came by and asking our feedback. He also gave us a complimentary pancake dish filled with beans, bacon and cheese. Nicely decorated with half cherry tomato and green leaves. Despite being full, Ruth finished the pancake. Something she would order anytime she returned to the coffee shop. 

Pancake with Beans and Bacon

We'll come back as soon as they're ready to try out more food.

Where is this?

Dipo Business Center, Ruko A1, 

Jl. Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 51 - 52, Gatot Subroto, Jakarta

TEL: 021 22530555

9 Cups Coffee & Roastery

For those studying at Univesitas Tarumanegara, this coffee shop should be a favorite, or at least easy to find. But for me, who wasn't Dora the Explorer, it was a little tricky. Simple signage that says "9 Cups Coffee & Roastery" was finally found among tall buildings and home-office area. 

There I was and I wasn't even sure it's open.

Fortunately, it was. When I pushed the door aside, I was greeted by Lidya and Iwan, husband and wife pair who runs the place. The cafe isn' that spacious with the roasting machine Quest M3 sharing the seating area. On the second floor is their "kitchen".

I ordered the usual Piccolo and Arum Manis manual brew. I took my time exploring the coffee shop and Iwan introduced me to the manual coffee beans cooler as well as a machine that can hold up to 250grams of beans. Tom, my partner, always enjoyed the process of brewing coffee, so he opted to seat in the kitchen.

The wonderful smell quickly filled the air.

My piccolo has balanced body and acid, like my preference when it comes to coffee. Arum Manis which is almost gone with the wind, managed to be taken away and tested. With sweet after taste and a little acid and body, it can be addictive. 

We were conversing wih Lidya, who was cooking my pancake (seerved with maple syrup). Surprise surprise it only costs me Rp 15K. No wonder this place is popular with college students. The pancake was gone within minutes too... with the rest of Arum Manis. They have pasta too, a tempting alternative which only cost Rp25k

I spotted a cold brew machine in the corner. Would love to come back and try their cold brew. Or to one of the cupping sessions they hold. It's like visiting an old friend's kitchen, complete with a warm welcome and a sincere send-off that made you promise you'll visit them again someday.

Where is this?

Jl. Taman S. Parman blok. A4, Grogol, Tomang 

(Beside Tarumanagara University Building 1)

Jakarta 11440,Indonesia

08161998716

Dinner Date at JJ Royal Brasserie

Hello this is Ruth,

When I heard about JJ Royal, what came to mind was coffee, from Robusta to Arabica and Luwak lining up on my supermarket shelf. But here I was, sitting at a brasserie (a small French café with relaxing ambiance) called JJ Royal at Lotte Shopping Avenue, Jakarta one night, ordering dinner and dessert.

Chipotle Burrito

The benefit of tagging along with a Lotte Shopping Avenue expert called MJ is that we know the best offer around the clock. MJ is one of our co-workers who is also a food (mostly dessert) enthusiast and a frequent third person in our lunch-dates. (Psst... you can find MJ on her instagram @tritamj) We arrived right at 8 PM when the buy 2 get 3 dessert promotion started. The waitress suggested we picked the three sweet items right away before they ran out for the night. Knowing that the mall is lacking sweet shop, dessert at JJ Royal Brasserie is apparently quite popular. 

Left to right: Success, Heavenly Cheesecake and Hello Pretty

“Cronut is highly recommended,” MJ said. Unfortunately they ran out of cronut for the night. Bad luck, but we moved on and selected 3 desserts: Success, Heavenly Cheesecake and Hello Pretty originally cost 39k each. Success was my picked and MJ selected the last two. She’s a huge fan of cheesecake and Hello Kitty. Success is a very thick chocolate and hazelnut blend. Despite its delicious taste (thankfully not as sweet as its look), it’s hard to finish this dessert because it’s filling. I would order this other time with a black coffee. Heavenly Cheesecake is topped with berries, and Hello Pretty (actually almond tart, white choco mousse and fruit jam) is too pretty to eat.

Enough of the dessert, we’re moving on to the main courses. Browsing to the menu, I was tempted to try their burrito (been craving for Mexican for a while). So I ordered Chipotle Burrito (75k) while MJ chose Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (70k) from a section called “Cosmopolitan Flavors”. Surprisingly none of us ordered coffee, probably because it’s too late.

Fettuccine Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

JJ Royal Brasserie has manga-inspired interior with modern and colorful indoor seating. The restaurant also has outdoor terrace, facing the busy Dr. Satrio street. At late night, the place is popular for hangout. Next time, because there will be next time, I’ll visit during the day, ordering their coffee break set or simply just enjoying their outdoor section.

Where is this?
LOTTE Shopping Avenue LG Floor, A01-02,
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan,
(021) 29888980
Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 12:00am

Waha Kitchen Kosenda Hotel

Hi, this is Fiona.

This isn’t my first trip to Kosenda Hotel and each visit is always a great time. I’ve done dinner at Waha Kitchen and hang out at Awan Lounge. Lovely environment, homey ambiance and its interior bring together a perfect experience. Yesterday, I attended a lunch and coffee session with Mikael Jasin, the Head Barista of Operator 25 Café in Melbourne with 9 other food bloggers. 

Before food arrives, we went on a tour of the hotel and got a chance to see different rooms, which combine the modern and homey concept. I love how this place thinks about every details and design. In several rooms there are chairs and tables to relax and have conversations with families. We stopped by Awan Lounge, which is still closed because it’s daytime. But we took pictures at several photogenic corners.

Lunch is with Waha Fish Noodle, a creation of Chef Eddrian Tjhia. Noodle with smooth texture served with fried tofu, fries and tailored chili, soy sauce and lime which arrived with the dish. I’m glad to find nothing that smells fishy on the menu.

I ordered 2 piccolos because they were great. Awesome beans on good hands assure great coffee served on the table. According to Mikael, everyone has preference when it comes to coffee thus the different characteristics. His tales about house smoked cold brew, seasonal blend steep overnight in cold water and smoked in-house with apple wood is definitely enlightening. It was a great honor to taste his brew. Mikael is currently a guest barista at Kosenda Hotel.

Then the lunch ends, so I moved to coffee and chat with other foodies.

Where is this?
Waha Kitchen
Kosenda Hotel
KH Wahid Hasyim No.127, Jakarta Pusat 10240
(021) 31936868

www.wahakitchen.com/