Living in a Foodie's Paradise

Had to go to my clinic today to pick up medicine that wasn't in stock during my visit earlier in the week, so I decided to skip lunch, go to the clinic, then eat an early dinner at the coolest restaurant I could find near my clinic, which happens to be a traffic-clogged 45 minute drive from my apartment--so I figured I'd make the annoying trip worthwhile.

Ended up eating at Plataran Dharmawangsa, a traditional Javanese restaurant housed in a 150-year-old Joglo building and surrounding gardens and pavillions. It is one of the most lovely settings for a meal that one could imagine.

The food was exceptional. My first course, the Salad Putri Dewi was a refreshing blend of guava, jicama, and roasted tomatoes in a sweet and spicy dressing. I enjoy how Indonesian cooks integrate fruit and chili into their salads.

My main course was one of Plantaran Dharmawangsa's self-proclaimed signature dishes: Bebek Manggis Curry (Duck in Mangosteen Curry). One of the best dishes I've ever eaten, especially the perfectly roasted duck.

My meal was accompanied by Tahu Jamur, fried bean curd with garlic and mushroom, and seasoned brown rice. Dessert was Gemblang Spesial Madu, deep fried dumplings filled with sticky rice, shredded coconut, and honey. All delicious.
And eating at 3:30 meant an almost-empty restaurant without a diner within 25 meters--another great bonus in the world of COVID.

Jakarta. It doesn't have grand and world-famous tourist attractions like a Paris or New York City, but for a food tourist, there aren't too many places that offer more culinary adventures than Indonesia's capital.






















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