Donut of Curiosity - ASHTA District 8 — Restaurant in Jakarta

I don't think I'd ever been more excited for a new culinary concept opening than this brand new addition of 20/WOL group. It's seriously on top 3 of my wish list for my surprise Jakarta trip this time! So I scurried to check it out like an exhilarated kid going to see Santa as soon as I got the chance!

As per their slogan, defying gravity it is, just by looking at the genius exterior design (as there's no interior) of the flagship store. It's like a cross over between Zaha Hadid and Tim Burton: very futuristic and minimalistic, yet very imaginative and borderline lunatic. Set in a corner at ASHTA District 8 right across from the escalators, the moment you set eyes on the concrete structure, made to ressemble a dough knot, it'll instantly awaken your curiosity to approach and find out what it's all about...

Whoever did the branding should win an annual design award if there is such a thing in Jakarta)! There is a counter where you pay for your order, tiny but enough for you to peak inside to get a glimpse of the operation and the freshly baked donuts on the racks On the other side you pick up your order through a deformed neon donut hole - signifying all donuts are handmade, hence not one of them looks the same and they're not perfectly rounded.

Then you get your box of donuts tied with, guess what...a knot! The labelling is a reminiscent of a military necklace, that symbolises service and sacrifices. I've never met the founder/owner, but I bet this would be the case as Martina Djohan is autodidact and self-made pâtissière, a courageous woman in a usually male-dominated industry! Inside the box, the paper beneath has grass pattern printed, probably signifying nature/the use of only the best natural produces without any preservatives. I'm not sure I'm right, but being an avid foodie I've analysed their branding that way...

Now the donuts: the dough is super light and airy with all those cute little holes and bouncy! Melt in the mouth foodgasmic moments at each bite, lick and swallow with super generous filling!

These are what I tried:

Truffle & Garlic Butter: Perfect balance of truffle and garlic flavour that don't overpower one another despite both having powerful smell and flavour, with salty and sweet hints, with smooth whisked creamy butter texture.

Brûlée & Yoghurt: Perfect contrasting textures between crackling brûlée glazing and the smooth yoghurt cream filling, as perfect as the balance between sweetness and acidity.

Smoked Vanilla: It tastes literally just like what it says - smokey sensation and rich vanilla flavour with a subtle hint of saltiness. Close your eyes and you're at the seaside in Madagascar.

Valrhona: Better than s*x I'd say.. that's about enough to describe the whole experience. And despite using dark chocolate, and plenty of chocolates, it's neither too bitter nor too sweet. Perfect balance.

Pistachio: I'm not a huge fan of pistachio personally even less now since Indonesians went mad over Dubai pistachio kunafa thingie), but this one is worth it. Probably my least favourite of all, but by far still a delicious donut.

Maple & Beef: Move over waffle with bacon and maple syrup! There's a new brekkie kid in town. I'd prefer this than a burger or a sandwich any day! Genius!

Matcha Strawberry: By far my triumphant favourite! Strawberry and matcha creams make love to each other creating a life that we live: sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet. What a Bittersweet Bliss it is!

People, make a beeline for these wonders. They give donuts a new meaning of life. It's a gourmet thing, it's the haute couture of all donuts! It you want to know what casual chic means in food, taste...

I saw this place on social media, and was also curious by the name of the shop and the flavours I decided to visit and try. Arrived past 2 in the afternoon and there was a short queue. While I was queuing I was told there were only 3 flavours left and the next batch would be 5pm. The staff asked me to come back at 5 if I wanted to try more flavours, and I said I stay quite far and I didn't want to wait. She suggested that I could order and pay and get a delivery to collect the donuts later. I thought it was a good idea so I took her suggestion. A little disappointed the shop was so simple there isn't much to explore and there were no seats for dine in. So finally waited till 5 to get a gojek to pick up. Took an hour cause 3 picked up the job and canceled upon arrival, the 4th one managed to complete the job. I tried and I would say its okay, nothing so special to rave about. Just some comments on the different flavours, the pistachio taste was mild and too watery, eating it was quite a mess. I quite liked the earl grey with chocolate, didn't know the combination could taste so good. The other flavours were average. Got a savoury one, the truffle and garlic butter. The truffle smell was strong and I liked it, the filling was quite heavy. I had a but and I really felt I was biting into a slab of butter. It was also the only donut I just ditched it after having a bite. I don't think it's expensive, the flavours are nothing out of the world but the earl grey and chocolate is pretty interesting to try. Would be better to arrive at times where the flavours are all available so it won't be such an inconvenience to wait or to have to get a...

The name itself tickled my curiosity. The design of the shop was super unique, too.

The donuts were great. Although it was on the pricey side. But it's justified able because these are artisan donuts. Not the usual donat kampung style. The packaging was also designed really well👌

The texture of the dough was perfect. Not too hollow, not too dense, a slight chewiness. The quality of their toppings ingredients was definitely on another level.

Valrhona is my favourite. The thick chocolate was not too sweet, rich & velvety. The pistachio is pretty good, tasted like pistachio gelato. Tiramisu also nice, tasted like creamy mocha. The srikaya creme brulee was eggy & has crusty sugar topping at the top. Kurogoma mochi filled with sesame paste & chewy mochi.

I will come back to try the other flavors!

Too bad there was no seating for waiting area. There was a string line that forbid us to get a closer look to the donuts' display, which i think is a shame. The donuts display was not big/close enough for me to see the writing. So i think the design lay out didn't deliver well. Eye catching = yes,...