For contemporary Indonesian comfort food with a side of Dutch colonial heritage, visit ala Ritus, the newest culinary hotspot for central Jakarta.
Jakarta may be a thriving modern city but it’s one that has also embraced the architecture of its colonial period. One example of the Dutch legacy is Gedung Filateli, the city’s heritage-listed former post office, where ala Ritus, the city’s newest dining sensation, has opened.
With three main areas to dine in – the coffee shop, outdoor courtyard, and main dining room – the revamped heritage building is packed with dining options, whether you’re looking for a space in which to work, or table for a spot of lunch.
As you arrive you’ll have the chance to explore the cultural highlights of the precinct, both historic and modern, which include a colonial-era tunnel in the Dutch fortress style, a vertical garden, and colourful murals.
Serving over 40 dishes, ala Ritus incorporates the building’s Colonial-era heritage in its presentation, using a variety of edible flowers as garnishes, and presenting dishes on traditional hot plates. The Lobster Pesmol is a must-try; a typical dish of West Java, the fish or chicken traditionally used as a base is swapped out for an elegant crustacean option. Other favourites from the menu include Tongseng Iga (beef rib stew with sweet soy sauce) from Yogyakarta; fried tofu stuffed with vegetables; Maranggi beef; and Balinese chicken satay.
You won’t find cocktails on this menu – instead try the traditional Tubruk coffee or Betawi, a traditional beverage made with ginger, cardamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemongrass, secang wood, and stone sugar, which offers a refreshing finish on a steamy Jakarta evening.
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