Naked Papa — Restaurant in Jakarta

Revised score 2nd time visit was a very disappointing experience. Waiting for my food so long, after the 1st dish came. Eventually the waiter brought my order to the next customer that just came. And after some time, the new customer asked about whose food it is, the waiter suddenly realized that it was not belong to them. She took the dish with no guilty feel at all to me and said "belum disentuh koq". It is not only about that, but the food had already cold too. Please train your staff again if you want to put many customers in one table together!!

It was still very crowded, so be prepared to wait in line. There were both outdoor and indoor seating options, but most visitors, myself included, preferred to wait for an indoor table. After waiting for approximately thirty minutes, I was seated next to a window, which unfortunately was not an ideal spot as the sunlight streaming through the window was quite intense. The indoor seating capacity is limited to less than 50 people, which is why they have a time limit for visitors (i forgot the exact time but probably 2hrs).

The curry noodle possessed a robust aromatic flavor, a less creamy texture, and a dominant savory taste. The beef shank was well-seasoned and quite tender, although the noodle texture was somewhat reminiscent of instant noodles.

Surprisingly Papa BEP noodle did not appeal to my palate due to its unpleasant tangy porky/pork fat aroma. The taste was average and did not meet my expectations. As for the soup, it was pretty sweet.

The baso goyeng was well-fried/cooked and had an appealing brown color presentation. It had a satisfying savory taste and the texture was less chewy. However, the sauce was too watery and lacked boldness in sourness, with a dominant salty flavor.

The Basque Cheese Cake was presented in a simple yet tempting manner. It appeared to be slightly melted, but it was actually a cream cheese. The texture was quite dense but easy to spoon. The harmonious balance of saltiness and sweetness was perfect. I must say that their Basque cheesecake is one of the best I've had, truly top-notch.

Pork dumpling was served in small portions with minced beef. The taste was acceptable, but the size was too small, so I suggest to order Yam Pork Dumpling instead of additional pork dumpling.

Finally, I tried their coffee, which is roasted by Instinct. Although I am a fan of Instinct Coffee, my experience on this occasion was a bit disappointing. The "Papa need a break" option, which is supposed to include both a hot white (cappuccino) and an iced black coffee in one menu item, was a good idea. I chose their "Mama always right" blend, which is told for its balanced flavor. The cappuccino had a nice texture and attractive latte art, but it unfortunately developed bubbles before minutes. The flavor was mostly chocolatey and nutty, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. The iced black coffee, on the other hand, looked oily, which made me wonder if the glassware was clean rather than the coffee itself. It lacked body and was...

Naked Papa, a humble noodle and meesua (vermicelli) establishment nestled in the bustling district of Kembangan, offers patrons not just a culinary experience but a journey into the essence of simplicity and flavor. Owned by the esteemed Master Chef Indonesia finalist, William Gozali, the restaurant exudes an air of authenticity and passion for the art of noodles.

Stepping into Naked Papa, one is immediately enveloped by the aroma of simmering broth and the rhythmic clinks of utensils against bowls. The menu, though concise, boasts a selection of dishes crafted with precision and care, each bite a symphony of textures and tastes.

The noodles, whether immersed in a rich, savory broth or entwined with flavorful toppings, are a testament to the mastery of their creator. Every strand is infused with the essence of tradition, a homage to the culinary heritage that inspires Gozali's craft.

Yet, beyond the gastronomic delights, Naked Papa offers a subtle commentary on the ephemeral nature of time and space. The enforced 90-minute seating limit, a consequence of the restaurant's popularity, serves as a reminder of the fleeting moments we share with loved ones and the transience of our earthly pleasures.

Navigating the labyrinthine streets of Kembangan in search of parking may test one's patience, but therein lies a lesson in perseverance and dedication. Just as the quest for the perfect bowl of noodles requires effort and determination, so too does the journey to find oneself amidst the chaos of urban life.

In essence, Naked Papa transcends its humble surroundings to become a sanctuary for both body and soul. It is not merely a restaurant but a haven where one can savor not just the flavors of the East, but the wisdom...

Naked Papa’s got this super cool, modern vibe and has been the talk of West Jakarta lately. I was a bit skeptical when I heard they’re all about bakmi – it’s a tough dish to nail, especially with so many legendary spots in the area and around North Jakarta.

When we got there around 9am, I was surprised to still find a line – shows how much buzz this place has, especially during breakfast and brunch.

Outside, they’ve got this chill green space with synthetic grass and communal tables with shades, perfect for breathing in Jakarta pollution without roasting in the sun. 🤣

Inside, it’s pretty hip too. They’ve decked it out with all sorts of cool stuff – Legos, Supreme merch, and a cozy sitting area with records and other neat decor.

Now, about the food – I wasn’t expecting much since fancy spots usually don’t do bakmi justice, but man, I was blown away. We tried the Papa Bakmie, Mama Yamin, and Koko Curry Mee, and they all went above and beyond. They nailed it with the texture – the noodles were bouncy and chewy, just how they should be. And the flavors? They coated the noodles just right, making every bite a perfect tango of taste and texture. 💃🏻🕺🏻

The Mama Yamin was my top pick. It had this extra sweetness that took the already umami-packed dish to another level. And the pork belly? Out of this world. Crispy on one side, tender and fatty on the other – just bliss.

All in all, Naked Papa’s not just hype. They back it up with some seriously good noodles and coffee. Definitely a top-notch cafe/restaurant worth visiting.

Pro Tip: when you arrive, go straight in and ask for the Basque Cheesecake before...