SUMA Jakarta — Restaurant in Jakarta

Being an avid foodie, a passionate gastronome and a luxury hospitality veteran with 30 years of experience under my belt, not only that I’ve had my own fine-dining establishment and helped launch other successful culinary concepts in the past, I’ve also been lucky enough to be able to visit some of the best, awards-winning restaurants around the world and to taste their amazing culinary inventions. But nothing ever come close to the overall dining experience and concept at SU MA. And to be able to experience it on the brink of the new year was just the highlight I needed to close my eventful yet very challenging year.

SU MA isn’t just a fine-dining restaurant or a gastronomy concept. It’s far beyond that: It’s an overall exhilarating ultimate lifestyle concept that will elate all your 5 senses - if you let them to. Do not come here if you merely want to enjoy good food in an upscale ambiance. Come here if you are as adventurous yet grounded to traditions enough like both chefs-owners, ready to be surprised with the extraordinary and the unexpected, over and over again until the end of your dining experience.

The brainchild of culinary wonder duo Rachel Tjahtja and Ryan Kim, the concept of SU MA is so carefully thought through and painstakingly executed, and your beautiful experience is delivered with clockwork precision. From the space, the open kitchen concept, the choice of background music, the discreet yet very informative and professional service, to the marriage between staying true to cultural heritages and bold avant-garde fusions and inventions, I have never experienced anything as seamless as SU MA.

Chef Rachel’s personal vision and touches are ubiquitous everywhere you look, hear, smell and taste at SU MA. She personally delivers and explains some her dishes to your table directly, with so much passion never explaining the dishes as such like many chefs do, but really telling you a compelling story behind how each of her dish was concocted. Her story about the sonkit lime used in her triumphant Wagyu main course relating to her grandfather touched our hearts tremendously. I personally believe that her vision is world class, and that she’s ready for world domination. However, I also believe that the Indonesian market isn’t yet ready for her greatness. If you understand her vision well, you’d be lucky to share the magic that she sees in her own imagination. Whatever happens, she’s destined for the stars. World, Michelin, Asia’s 50 Best, you name it, watch out for her!

We came with high expectations, and we left completely blown away to another dimension. Never have we found so much joy, nostalgia, excitement, emotion and love just by a single dining experience that left us with tears of joy and so much admiration. When asked what our favourite dish was out of the elaborate 12-course festive menu, our answer was: NONE. Because all of them were equally powerful and together they melted into a seamless medley of umami explosions in our palate.

To others it may just be one of the best restaurants in Jakarta, but to us it is the best overall lifestyle experience yet!

A must-visit when in Jakarta to let your senses be cradled. It’s simply…...

Embarking on a culinary adventure at SUMA after a long hiatus from upscale dining was a decision that paid off. Our previous encounter with Chef Rachel and Medja in our home left an indelible impression, setting the stage for our visit to her new culinary heaven.

SUMA, at first glance, blends seamlessly with its surroundings, yet upon closer inspection, it reveals itself as an architectural gem, a perfect backdrop for those who love to capture their dining moments. The private dining room, a cozy enclave of spaciousness, and the main dining area, a unique blend of privacy and community, were both notable highlights.

The dining experience was nothing short of exceptional from start to finish.

Our journey began with a kombucha cocktail, a delightful prelude brimming with probiotics, setting the stage for the culinary delights to follow.

The first course (calling it chawanmushi would be a grave understatement) was an umami-laden treasure trove, invoking the joy of childhood discoveries. If any meal can start with a bang, this one certainly made the Big Bang Theory seem pale in comparison. The uni, the caviar, the chawanmushi - the whole thing blended together as if the umami gods incarnated into a dish.

The second course, lighter yet equally enchanting, was presented by Chef Rachel herself, infusing it with a personal touch and stories of her childhood involving the chrysanthemum poured on top of the dish.

The Sukiyaki Rossini, a personal favorite, was a singular, palate-transporting bite. It was one bite, but one was enough to launch your palate to the moon.

The main courses, a parade of gastronomic wonders, included the sujebi gnocchi, consomme, wagyu striploin, special fried rice, and a standout duck dish. The wagyu striploin, in particular, was a revelation, an elevation of a classic that left a lasting mark on my taste buds.

The wagyu striploin was also amazing! To be compeletely frank, it really is hard to be delightfully surprised by steak or meats. But Chef Rachel really outdid herself here by elevating an otherwise boring steak dish to another level. The sonkit kosho on the side added an extra punch to every cut and coated the amazing and rich wagyu cuts with multilayer blanket of flavorbomb and a perfect balance.

However, the unlisted smoked duck dish stole the show, a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures that I regret not indulging in more. The perfectly cooked duck, along with the mashed potato and the "i forgot what sauce with the raspberry on it" was absolutely mouthwatering.

The dessert course, curated by Pastry and Dessert Chef Ryan Kim, was a finale of epic proportions. The Nurungji dessert stood out as a masterpiece of flavor and artistry, crowning it my favorite dessert of 2023. It was a beautifully crafted all-white dessert with complex flavors and textures from the outside in. The aesthetics, although incredible, doesn't do justice to the intense and concussion-inducing flavors hidden inside.

In summary, SUMA offered a symphony of flavors, an experience I anticipate revisiting in...

I had the pleasure of dining at Su Ma, the newly established affordable fine dining restaurant in Jakarta, and I must say, it's an absolute gem that has taken the city's culinary scene by storm.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the elegant yet inviting ambiance. The warm lighting, tasteful decor, and attention to detail create an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. It's clear that Su Ma has put thought into creating an environment that enhances the dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food. Su Ma's menu is a culinary journey that delights the senses. The attention to flavors, textures, and presentation is nothing short of exceptional. Each dish is a work of art that reflects the chef's creativity and passion for fine dining. What's truly remarkable is that despite the high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, the prices remain affordable, making fine dining accessible to a wider audience.

The staff at Su Ma deserve special mention. Their professionalism, knowledge, and genuine warmth contribute to the overall experience. They are attentive without being intrusive, and their enthusiasm for the food they serve is infectious.

From the perfectly seared steaks to the intricately crafted desserts, every aspect of the meal at Su Ma is a testament to their commitment to excellence. It's rare to find a restaurant that offers such a combination of exquisite cuisine, refined ambiance, and affordability.

Su Ma is not just a restaurant; it's an experience that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. For anyone seeking a taste of elevated dining without breaking the bank, Su Ma is an absolute must-visit destination that has raised the bar for affordable fine...