TANPOPO Jakarta - Gandaria — Restaurant in Jakarta

A Hidden Flame Worth Finding (2nd review after 8 years)

Tucked quietly in the veins of this old neighborhood, this steakhouse doesn’t scream for attention—but it doesn’t have to. Step inside, and you’re pulled into a world that feels like it’s been smoldering for years—elegant, warm, and just a little bit dangerous in how easily you could fall for its charm.

The owner’s journey from humble beginnings is stitched into the very fabric of the place. There’s soul here. From the dim lighting that flatters the aged wood interiors, to the perfectly warmed plates that whisper, we still care—you can feel it: this isn’t just a business, it’s someone’s dream, served medium rare.

The steak? It doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t need to. It lands exactly where it should for its price point—satisfying, honest, and beautifully plated. That said, one can’t help but wonder: what if they dared to go bigger? A tomahawk, a Fiorentina—something bolder and more primal—would elevate the experience, catering to those who crave a more indulgent cut. It would be a natural next step for a place clearly growing into its own.

And the tiramisu? Silky, potent, and dangerous in the best way. One bite lingers. Two bites, and you’ll be ordering another before the spoon hits the plate.

But even the finest candles flicker.

Service, while warm and well-intended, can feel untrained in moments where sharpness is expected. It took time—too much time—for plates to be cleared, for desserts to arrive, for a simple request like ice to be fulfilled. The team is friendly, yes. But a touch more awareness, more urgency, could elevate the experience from lovely to unforgettable.

Still, this place is a gem. Not polished to perfection—but raw, burning with the kind of effort and authenticity that’s increasingly rare.

And that’s why...

I came to Tanpopo back then in August 2016. And it bombed. Hard.

If you want to come here in weekend, good luck, you will queue like hell, because the smoke from the grill is everywhere and they have small seats.

And when you finally get the seats, good luck, you will get more smoke from your little grill in front of your face.

I've tried the most expensive marbled Wagyu (I forget the exact menu name, 12+ maybe) in 4 pieces, and it taste like a tasteless fat. The 2nd most expensive marbled wagyu is way a lot better than this one, seriously.

The ramen is bland, taste like you put a little broth, some salt, and a lot of water. The noodle itself is nothing special, the egg is not half boiled like you used to see and eat in other ramen food, and the sliced meat is bland.

The oden is barely passable, not good enough, the fishcake texture is quite chewy, but once again, guess what, it's bland.

The tea is... taste nothing like a tea, but a water from a tea kettle with green tea bag that you've been used for more than 3 times.

And you can't pay using credit card for cow's sake! You served a 300k++ menu and you wished that I bring 700k rupiah in cash!?

I will not come to this place again, ever. The worst "authentic" Japanese food that I've ever tasted in Jakarta by far.

If you want a good grilled yakiniku, you can do a lot better in other place than this. If you want silly Japanese food stall ambience with a lot of smoke that make you cry, you come to the...

Honest review of me and my family....Spend around 300-400 k for 2 people here... If u think this is classified as street food range... I think you will be misguided... The price are mid range, you could see the price by itself cause i take some pic of the menu here.they offer varieties, food serving are meticulous, Taste is a bit bland but they give you enough dressing to cover all, unpretentious taste is what i can say... I like the concept they provide a good ambience, great service also cause the waitress work efficiently and quite attentive. Even if you order not many self grilled menus (in this case i only order 1,which later i add one more), they still serve it... The meat quality is great but the portion is small... Worth or enough? I feel we pay more on experience rather than the food satisfactions... Cause honestly with those budget i can spend on little tokyo blok m with more better food... But for experience? Quite fun... But i dont feel like i want to repeat eating back again if only the ambience... Cause i sti feel the food is overprice. Beer are here and for a notes this is using charcoal grill ... So for sick people you are warned. I dont think this is authentic japanese food from the concept.. More into indo-japanese food. But the owner are experienced on japanese food, worthy of praise on creative...