Well, I must be lucky to live in Indonesia. I can find a lot of delicious cuisine styles at the many superb places. Not only at the luxury and expensive place, but also at the hawkers which price is cheap ! In Indonesia, you can find cuisine style from anywhere in Asia, such as  Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, China, Phillipines, Vietnam, etc. But don’t forget Indonesian Cuisine itself ! one of the best cuisine style in the world, with a lot of bold spices that will make you never stop to eat.

So Ladies and Gentlemen, here it is, please welcome one of the best dining places in Jakarta, Dapur Babah Elite Resto. Located at Jalan Veteran I no 18-19, Dapur Babah attracts the eyes with its distinctive Peranakan (Indo-Chinese) charm and real antiques. Developed by Anhar Setjadibrata, the owner-designer of the exquisite Tugu Hotels. Dapur Babah presents the history of the Oei family, an ethnic Chinese family who lived in Java.

The atmosphere is so awesome, they bring us to the middle of 15th-16th century when a lot of peranakan lives. What is peranakan, anyway ? they are Chinese immigrants to Indonesia region during the Colonial era. Members of this community in Melaka address themselves as “Nyonya Baba” instead of “Baba-Nyonya”. Nyonya is the term for the ladies and Baba for the gentlemen. It applies especially to the ethnic Chinese populations of the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and the Dutch-controlled island of Java and other locations, who have adopted partially or in full Indonesia customs to be somewhat assimilated into the local communities. So you can clearly imagine, there are 3 cultures here, Chinese,Colonial (Dutch), and Indonesian itself. You can imagine, a cuisine, consists of 3 style, Chinese, Dutch and Indonesian, it will be a very great mix and match, and that’s what Dapur Babah serve.

Being different and has its own class,we know that Dapur Babah’s target market are middle up people, tourist, foreigner, expatriate especially from west country who want to try the different ambience. How’s the food ? I am not disappointed with the taste, pleased enough. I like appearance and arrangement of the food. For example, when I ordered these 2 main courses. I choose Nasik Tjampoer Babah, consists of pandan rice, deep fried shrimp, serundeng, ayam cocoh, sweet fried beef, cooked vegetables in spiced coconut milk, fried sambal potato, tofu, tempeh, rempeyek, yellow pickled, and shrimp paste condiment. One of Indische Babah food, tagged IDR 68K.

The other dish example is Daging Goeloeng Boengkoes Oedang, a babah recipe of a delicious modified “schnitzel’, thinly sliced rolls of tenderloins wrapped in minced shrimps with cheese in the middle, batter fried in egg and breadcrumbs. Served with steamed vegetables and potatoes chateaux. One of Hollandsche Babah food, tagged IDR 80K.

Great taste, Great atmosphere, so how was the service ? Once again, I was pleased with the crew, all the waiters and waitress are helpful. With sweet smile in their faces and wear javanese clothes ( a.k.a batik ), they can describe well anything what I asked. They also accompany me take a look around the restaurant room by room, included Tao Bar, a bar which managed with same management, located at the same place, sell a lot of unique beverages.

So, I think it’s enough for Dapur Babah Elite resto, for conclusion, I recommend this restaurant for all of you who have an opportunity visiting Indonesia. Try this different food, atmosphere and service. Enjoy the experience !!