A Culinary Journey Through Indonesia
Plataran Dharmawangsa is a true hidden gem nestled in the upscale area of Kebayoran Baru. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a luxurious Javanese house with intricate wood carvings, traditional batik décor, and a lush tropical garden that enhances the elegant atmosphere. It’s a perfect venue for special occasions, intimate gatherings, or a refined introduction to Indonesian cuisine.
I had the pleasure of experiencing two curated menus during a luncheon hosted by FOodieS, and every dish showcased Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage with a modern twist.
✨ Highlights of the Luncheon (February 25, 2025)
🍢 Canapés • Bandros Kelapa Cempedak – A delightful bite of rice flour and coconut, paired with the fragrant sweetness of cempedak fruit and palm sugar. • Ketan Klepon – A glutinous rice ball with a burst of palm sugar, served with ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
🥗 Appetizer • Salad Ayam Delima – A unique chicken salad enhanced by pomegranate and a house specialty dressing. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors made it a standout.
🥣 Soup • Soup Daun Kelor – Moringa leaves cooked in coconut milk with traditional Balinese “base genep” spices and tofu. A comforting, nourishing soup with earthy flavors.
🔥 Main Course • Sate Padang Minang Baru – A highlight of the meal! Grilled ox tongue skewer in rich, spicy Padang-style curry sauce, served with rice cake. Tender, flavorful, and authentically Padangnese.
🍨 Dessert • Es Campur Pavlova – A fusion of Indonesian “es campur” with a delicate coconut meringue, grass jelly, avocado, and jackfruit. A perfect sweet ending!
✨ 4-Course Curated Menu (February 25, 2028)
🥢 Appetizers • Lumpia Bebek Kemangi – Crispy duck spring rolls with local basil, mushroom, and a palm sugar sauce. Perfectly crispy, with a sweet and savory dip. • Sayap Ayam Rimpang – Aromatic chicken wings infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime. A flavorful bite packed with spices.
🍛 Main Courses • Ayam Bakar Sambal Manggarai – Grilled whole chicken with a smoky, spicy sambal. • Bebek Kari Longan – Roasted duck with a rich red curry sauce and longan fruit, adding a hint of sweetness. • Biryani Domba Pisang – A unique take on biryani, combining grilled lamb, basmati rice, banana, and a sweet-spicy sauce. Unexpected but delicious! • Tumis Daun Dewa – Stir-fried gynura leaves with miso and prawn. A great balance of umami and freshness.
🍰 Dessert • Mochi Durian – Crispy fried mochi filled with creamy durian and drizzled with butterscotch. A must-try for durian lovers!
🏆 Final Verdict
Plataran Dharmawangsa is a top-tier destination for authentic Indonesian fine dining. The service is impeccable, with staff dressed in traditional attire, adding to the cultural experience. Each dish is carefully crafted, using premium local ingredients and classic techniques while embracing modern culinary presentation.
Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or an international visitor, this restaurant offers a luxurious yet warm dining experience that highlights Indonesia’s rich flavors. Highly recommended for special occasions or anyone looking to indulge in Indonesian cuisine at its finest.
📌 Pro Tip: • Reserve in advance, especially for dinner, as this restaurant is popular among diplomats and high-profile guests. • Try the rijsttafel (Indonesian feast) if you want to sample a variety of dishes in one sitting. • Explore the outdoor seating for a more serene dining experience amidst lush greenery.
Would definitely return for another...
Read moreI have heard nice things about this restaurant so this time I am in Jakarta I wanted to try it. The restaurant is beautiful and ambiance is undoubtedly great but the customer service sucks. Staff are more interested in chatting amongst themselves and it is very obvious that the good quality restaurant is destroyed by their attitude. I do not mind paying for quality but not if quality of service does not match the quality of food.
There should be trained staff in good quality restaurant like Plantaran to take orders and able to recommend dishes to the customers. On this night, we are served stale prawn crackers in our nasi goreng and have to tell the staff about it. I think prawn crackers are very basic in indonesian cuisines and if Plantaran wants to charge this price and I do not mind paying , then I do expect the food and service to be on par wtih the price tag.The staff can afford to be a little more attentive to foreign guests instead of spending time chatting. The owner does not pay for them to stand around talking instead of checking whether customers need an extra glass of wine or whether they wanted dessert.
The feeling we get ( from start to finish last night )is the waiters and waitresses are self-absorbed in their own worlds and are service-ignorant and not interested in the customers. They are nowhere near proactive.
I have been to many top quality restaurants wround the world but I am totally disappointed by the service of Plantaran. I hope the management can retrained all your service staff and make them realise that its the customers that are important and not their own chit chats and treating customers like transparent. In my almost 2 hr dining at the restaurant, no one come to recommend us any food or desserts or ask us whether we need another drink, or whether we enjoy our food. And no staff asked us whether we want a photograph taken amongst our group. I am totally shocked by the lack of interest of the staff. They do not care about their...
Read moreA gastronomic Journey in the heart of Jakarta. I recently had the pleasure of lunch at Plataran Darmawangsa, and it was an experience that I'll cherish for a long time🥰. This hidden gem in the heart of Jakarta offers a unique blend of exquisite Indonesian cuisine, serene ambiance, and impeccable service. As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I was captivated by its enchanting atmosphere. Lush greenery, a gentle breeze, and the soothing sounds of nature created a truly relaxing environment. The free-roaming birds and chickens added a playful touch to the experience, making it feel like a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
But it's the food that truly stole the show. The menu boasts a delectable array of Indonesian dishes, each one more flavorful than the last. The Bebek Kari Manggis was a standout, with tender duck perfectly complemented by the tangy mangosteen mix curry. The Tahu Jamur was another revelation, a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that left me wanting more. And let's not forget the dessert: the Crepe Es Teler was a heavenly indulgence, a perfect ending to a truly memorable meal. Who knew such unique dessert can sooth beautifully in the mouth 😍.
Plataran Darmawangsa also offers a variety of seating options, from cozy indoor spaces to serene outdoor areas. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a quiet moment of reflection, there's a spot that's just right for you.
If you're looking for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, I highly recommend Plataran Darmawangsa. It's a place where you can savor delicious food, immerse yourself in a tranquil atmosphere, and create...
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