PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAJakarta Indonesian is a breath of fresh air among the fairly bland restaurants along this stretch of Brunswick Street. It opens onto the busy street and extends into a long, narrow dining area that is decorated in traditional Indonesian fabric. The walls are studded with intricate artefacts such as the ornately carved-wood framed mirrors, and the beautifully decorated fans and artwork. The seating is at hard timber tables that are trimmed in bamboo, with day-bed style cushioned seating. The overall effect of the restaurant is of ensconcing yourself in the Far East for an evening.
Run by Ben Budianto and his wife, Jakarta in Fortitude Valley has been successfully operating for three years. They originally opened Jakarta in Paddington some 12 years ago, and the couple’s experience shows. The menu features a diverse array of authentic Indonesian dishes that can be made to order, accommodating both the chilli-lovers and a milder audience. The skewers of chicken satay, chargrilled and served with a house Satay sauce, are a hit as are many of the seafood dishes. Choose from the ikan bakar (whole fish, marinated and chargrilled) or the sambal goreng udang (peeled king prawns sauteed in chilli and coconut cream). Banquet options are available as an economical option with traditional desserts to finish.
Meagan Hepworth, November 2007