Nestled in the heart of a bustling culinary district, Dua Nyonya Restaurant offers a captivating dining experience that pays homage to the rich heritage of Peranakan culture. This restaurant stands out as a beacon of tradition and innovation, inviting patrons to explore the intricate flavors and history of Nyonya cuisine.
Upon entering Dua Nyonya, guests are immediately transported to a bygone era, thanks to the restaurant's meticulously designed interior. The decor blends traditional Peranakan aesthetics with a touch of modern elegance, featuring vibrant batik tablecloths, antique Peranakan tiles, and a collection of Straits Chinese artifacts that adorn the walls. The atmosphere is both inviting and intimate, providing a perfect backdrop for a culinary journey.
The menu at Dua Nyonya is a testament to the complexity and richness of Nyonya cuisine, carefully curated to showcase a wide array of dishes that balance spice, sweetness, and tanginess. Starters might include Kueh Pie Tee, a delightful appetizer consisting of thin and crispy pastry tart shells filled with a spicy, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns. Another must-try is the Otak-Otak, a fragrant fish cake wrapped in banana leaves, steamed to perfection to reveal a soft, savory, and slightly spicy interior.
The main courses are where Dua Nyonya truly shines, with dishes such as Ayam Buah Keluak, chicken stewed in a rich and earthy black nut sauce, and Ikan Assam Pedas, a tangy and spicy tamarind fish curry that exemplifies the harmonious blend of Chinese and Malay flavors. Vegetarian options are plentiful, offering dishes like Sayur Lodeh, a coconut milk-based vegetable curry infused with aromatic herbs and spices.
No meal at Dua Nyonya is complete without sampling their array of traditional desserts. The Cendol, with its pandan-flavored jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup, provides a refreshing end to the meal, while the Kueh Salat, a two-layered steamed cake with pandan custard and sticky rice, offers a sweet and satisfying finale.
The service at Dua Nyonya matches the excellence of its cuisine. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu, eager to share the stories behind the dishes, and attentive to guests' needs, making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.
In summary, Dua Nyonya Restaurant is more than just a dining venue; it's a cultural experience that celebrates the vibrant fusion of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian culinary traditions. With its exquisite cuisine, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service, Dua Nyonya promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Peranakan culture. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of Nyonya cuisine or new to its flavors, Dua Nyonya offers a rich tapestry of tastes that are sure to delight...
Read moreJakarta's coffee connoisseurs are jaded when it comes to enjoying a cuppa Java from the multitude of coffee shops out there, especially over the last decade that saw a burgeoning in café culture. Of the many choices worth trying is Rumah Makan & Warung Kopi Dua Nyonya in Cikini, the old part of Central Jakarta. It was established in 2009 by two married women proprietors, and hence the name Dua Nyonya (Two Madames). Having tried the different eateries in this part of town and aspiring to take a more active part in the conservation movement that had begun to make headway in this area, one of the proprietors eventually asked her best friend to join her in setting-up a culinary venture.
Dua Nyonya is located in an old historic Dutch building just next to Bakoel Koffie, another coffee house. As you walk in, the welcoming interior is quite simple yet provides a uniquely Indische ambience augmented by the display of many old style paintings on the walls. Presently the coffee shop is focused on serving single origin Toraja and Java coffees. It's the perfect combination having these two side by side since Toraja is basically slightly stronger than Java. As is often non-negotiable for coffee diehards, drinking coffee the tubruk way (black) is recommended.A glance of its front partA glance of its front part
A perfect accompaniment with tubruk is tempe mendoan or fried soy bean cake ala Purwokerto (a city in Central Java) prepared with onion, shallot, coriander, salt, pepper mixed with rice and wheat flour. For those less orthodox about their coffee or those who prefer lighter coffees, there are other brews to choose from including espresso, macchiato, cafe latte, cappuccino as well as ice blended frappe macchiato. When a big appetite nags, Nasi Goreng Dua Nyonya is recommended. The nasi goreng (fried rice) is presented in a round shape smothered by a golden dadar or omelette. Sate udang and acar (pickles) are additional accompaniments to this popular dish.
2 NYONYA is very highly recommended for its best...
Read moreDua Nyonya Restaurant is located in the busy area of Cikini in Jakarta, Indonesia. The interior is decorated with typical Nyonya-style decorations that give a traditional and homely ambience. The restaurant offers indoor seating, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.
The service at the restaurant is prompt and attentive, with courteous and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to provide suggestions on dishes or drinks.
The most notable aspect of the restaurant is its food. Dua Nyonya Restaurant specializes in Nyonya cuisine, which is a blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions. The dishes are prepared with fresh and authentic ingredients, and the flavors are well balanced, rich, and satisfying.
The signature dish of the restaurant is the Ayam Buah Keluak, which is a chicken dish prepared with a traditional Indonesian nut called Buah Keluak. The nut is soaked until soft, then mixed with a flavorful blend of spices and stuffed into the chicken. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or roti canai.
Another standout dish is the Sambal Udang Petai, which is a spicy prawn dish that features stink beans. The combination of spicy and tangy flavors with the pungent aroma of stink beans is a unique and memorable experience for the taste buds.
For dessert, the Cendol is a refreshing choice, which is a shaved ice dish topped with coconut milk, green pandan jelly, and palm sugar syrup.
In terms of pricing, the dishes are slightly on the higher end, but the quality and taste of the food justify the cost.
Overall, Dua Nyonya Restaurant is an excellent choice for those looking to experience authentic Nyonya cuisine in Jakarta. The atmosphere, service, and food quality are all commendable, and the standout dishes are worth trying. It is a perfect place for family dinners or small gatherings with friends. It is advisable to make reservations in advance during peak hours as the restaurant is...
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