Hey Kuro Green Garden Residence

One of my favorite salt bread brands in Jakarta Hey Kuro just opened their second location at Green Garden Residence last week. What made this location different than their first outlet in PIK is that in addition to their delicious signature salt breads, they also offer a variety of coffee and non-coffee menus that you can enjoy inside their cozy cafe. The cafe is actually conveniently located inside Ola Padel so you can play padel and get some salt bread or coffee from Hey Kuro in one trip.

If you don’t already know, Hey Kuro specializes in savory and sweet mochi salt breads (I believe they’re the first one who sells mochi salt bread in Jakarta). The brand first started in August 2024 by two sisters who were inspired by the food they tried during their travels which led them to experiment with different recipes in their kitchen. Their salt breads is one of their most successful recipes as well as their mochi that is made from scratch daily, making everything taste deliciously fresh.

The cafe has a very nice charming facade with Kuro (the black cat mascot) painted on one of the windows.

Fun fact: Do you know that Kuro means black in Japanese and black cat is considered lucky especially for women and businesses? That’s why the owners picked Kuro as their mascot. Then why Hey Kuro as their brand? Because they wanted to create something that feels friendly and welcoming and something as simple as a ‘Hey’ is definitely one way to conveys that. So when you say Hey Kuro, it almost like you’re casually calling out to a cute black cat you want to be friends with.

I went to the Hey Kuro Green Garden Residence last week during their soft opening. When I walked inside the cafe, one of the owners immediately greeted my with a smile and it felt like I’m meeting a friend who I haven’t seen in a while. What’s funny though, I never actually met her in real life prior to this meet. I got to know her because she follows me on IG from a couple of years back. And then one day, she messaged me about trying one of her products from her other bakery and that’s how we got to talking online. At some point, we also found out that we have mutual friends in real life which was a pleasantly nice surprise. So after all these years, it was really nice to have finally met her at her cafe in real life.

🍞 Mochi Kinako Custard (29k)| 9.5/10

One of my favorite flavors from their sweet salt bread lineup. The mochi (all their mochi actually) has that nice soft chewy bouncy texture that I really like and the kinako custard is also very good. I usually get one of this every time I buy something from Hey Kuro.

🍠 Crazy Mochi Ube (29k)| 9/10

The mochi-style salt bread is really soft and chewy. On the outer part, it’s coated with fluffy ube castella and on the inside there are ube ganache and real ube paste. Not too sweet and tasted really nice. I enjoyed this one.

The interior is pretty spacious, decorated with modern chairs, simple wooden furnitures and shelves and warm lighting that make it feels like I’m hanging out at a friend’s cozy living room.

🌼 Floral Tea (35k) | 9/10

Chrysanthemum Tea, Rosemary

A light and refreshing drink. The chrysanthemum was fragrant with underlying hints of rosemary. The Rosemary was not too strong and actually complimented the chrysanthemum giving it an added layer of flavor and a fun sensory experience. The lightest option out of the non-coffee options if you want something not too sweet and without milk. My favorite out of all the drinks I tried during this visit.

 🍫🥥 Coco-a-Nut (39k) | 8.5/10

Cocoa, Coconut Milk Blend, Cocoa Powder, Sea Salt

This chocolate drink is not as sweet as it looks like actually. They use coconut milk as well so it tasted a little smoother and lighter than the usual chocolate drink. Perfect for one of those days when you crave some sweet chocolate drink but don’t want it to be super sweet. My second favorite out of all the drinks I tried during this visit.

🍵 Macha Nana (60k) | 8.5/10

Ceremonial Matcha, House-Blend Milk with Caramelized Banana

The Macha Nana tasted like a light dessert drink that reminded me of Banana Pudding, but not as heavy or as thick as Banana Pudding though. The banana flavor wasn’t too overpowering so you can still taste the matcha flavor. And the body is light enough so you don’t feel super full drinking one full glass of it.

☕ Kumquat Mont Blanc (55k) | 8.5/10

Batch Brew with North Sumatran Cream, Topped with Orange Zest

If you know me, you know I don’t usually drink coffee. But the barista was saying that their coffee is not too strong and I should try this one and so I did. And I’m glad I did because it’s actually good. The cold brew arabica is not too bitter and strong and the cream was super good. They nailed the texture and the flavor of the cream and the orange zest really brighten up the whole sip. A very balanced drink where everything works together. I’m no expert in coffee obviously but I really enjoyed this one and wouldn’t mind having this again on my next visit.

🍞 Mochi Miso Caramel (35k) | 9/10

(Top Left) One of their new sweet flavors. The miso ganache and salted caramel sauce actually have that salty and sweet flavor combo that makes every bite tasted fun (although it’s still more on the sweeter side than the saltier side). I like the contrasting textures of the softer fillings and mochi inside and the crunchy wheat puff toppings on this one too.

🍞 Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese (35k) | 8/10

(Top Right) New flavor in their savory salt bread lineup. The Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese filling is pretty tasty and generous. I think portion-wise, this was one of the bigger ones and a fairly fulfilling piece of salt bread.

🍞 Flossy Salty (28k) | 8/10

(Middle Right) The chicken floss is actually a bit too spicy for my weak self who can’t handle my spice but it was pretty good. My dad actually ended up finishing the rest of this one. He enjoyed it and also said it’s good.

🍞 Luncheon Crunch (35k) | 9.5/10

(Left one the plate) I’m a sucker for all things with luncheon meat so when I saw they have this one on the new flavors lineup, I was super excited. And yes, it was gooood. The chicken luncheon meat was not too salty and it went well with the salt bread. If you have it at the cafe, they’ll actually give sweet mayo sauce on the bread. But since I took mine to go, I told them not to put the sauce on top so it won’t get soggy. Even without the sauce it was still good for me. Will definitely order again the next time I go visit.

🍹 Floral Pandan (38k) | 8.5/10

Chrysanthemum Tea, House-Made Pandan Syrup, Basil Seed

(Top Right) Sweet and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a hot day in Jakarta. The pandan flavor was fragrant and took center stage of every sip. What makes this drink interesting is that you get that hit of Chrysanthemum flavor at the end. And the basil seed added an extra layer of texture to the drink. I actually enjoyed this one too and I imagined this could also be the perfect drink to have when you play Padel. 

If you’re looking for a salt bread spot that offers coffee and non-coffee menus inside a cozy cafe where you can hang out at around West Jakarta, I’d definitely recommend Hey Kuro at Green Garden Residence.

 

Hey Kuro Green Garden Residence

Address: Jl Green Gdn Residence No.2 Blok C5, RT.3/RW.4, North Kembangan, Kembangan, West Jakarta City, Jakarta 11610, Indonesia
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 07:30pm | Closed on Sundays

Instagram: @heykuro.id

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Kiri Matcha & Garden Plaza Senayan

Kiri Matcha & Garden is a new matcha flower cafe that just opened two weeks ago at Plaza Senayan. Located at Level P4 Atrium of the mall (just below the cinema), Kiri Matcha shares their space with Floé Flowers, a premium florist that sells fresh flowers and bouquets. The cafe has a modern, minimalist, Japanese-inspired look and decorated with flowers around the space, giving this whole having-matcha-in-the-garden vibes. Their ceremonial matcha are imported from Uji and Kagoshima and their signature drinks—The Signature Bloom Series—are created with 36-hour infused green tea that is blended with imported floral and fruits. A pretty unique signature menu for a matcha place. They also serve a selection of desserts made by their in-house pastry chef who studied at Le Cordon Bleu that you can order to pair with your matcha. 

Sho Matcha Latte (35k) | 8/10

Stone-milled blend harvest, vibrant mild umami, smooth nutty notes, slight fresh astringency with a clean finish. 

Nice matcha latte. Not too bitter, not too heavy, not too sweet. The tasting note is pretty spot on.

Mochi (29k) | 7/10

Flavor Selections: Matcha Chocolate Walnut, Matcha Red Bean, Houjicha Chocolate Walnut, Houjicha Red Bean 

The mochi was okay. The filling was a little on the heavy side and the mochi was a tiny bit too thick for my liking. 

Signature Basque Cheesecake (85k) | 7.5/10

Brown Butter Crumbs, Brie Basque Cheesecake

The flavor was pretty good, but the overall texture was just a little bit too soft/gooey for my personal taste. I know some people actually prefer this type so give it a try if you like a softer Basque Cheesecake with gooey middle.

Camembert Cheese Tart (75k) | 8/10

Silky Camembert Custard, Parmesan Tart

Nice cheese tart with more texture contrast compared to the cheesecake. I enjoyed this a little more than the other cheesecake. The taste also reminded me of Kaasstengels when I had it.

Misty Jasmine (76k) | 8.5/10

Top grade raw Chinese Jasmine, Homemade Jasmine Cream

The jasmine tea was really fragrant but didn’t overpower the matcha and rather complimented it quite nicely. The mix actually very enjoyable, especially for me who love jasmine tea. The homemade Jasmine Cream was also pretty good. The texture wasn’t too heavy and it’s not too sweet. This is probably the menu I’ll order again if I go back for another visit.

Island Rose No.36 (76k) | 8/10

Australian Dried Tropical Fruits & Rose Petals, Homemade Sea Salt Cream

Similar comments to the Misty Jasmine but between the two, I still prefer the Misty Jasmine a little more just because of my personal preference of liking Jasmine flavor more than Rose. But if you like Rose flavor more than Jasmine, this is definitely the one you should order. 

 

Kiri Matcha & Garden Plaza Senayan

Address: Main Atrium, Plaza Senayan Mall, Jl. Asia Afrika Gelora Bung Karno No.8 Level P4, RT.1/RW.3, Senayan, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Hours: Everyday 10am-10pm

Instagram: @kirimatcha.id

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Hvala Jakarta

If you’re a Singaporean or an Indonesian who has been to Singapore, there’s a good chance you’ve probably heard of Hvala (pronounced as ‘fa-lah’), one of the OG matcha spots in Singapore that has been around for more than a decade. With five locations in Singapore, they are now expanding beyond Singapore and opened their first international location in Indonesia.

Hvala Jakarta opened their door to the public yesterday (Sunday, April 19), bringing their matcha creations from Singapore to Jakarta. The cafe occupies a pretty spacious building with matcha bar, indoor and outdoor area with ample seatings for solo patrons as well as bigger groups. 

Their menu focuses on a variety of matcha drinks and desserts that are similar to their outlets in Singapore. For their ceremonial matcha powder, they offer four different choices for you to choose from. Three of the powders—Hikari, Sei, and Haru—are from Japan and one powder—Panda—is from China. And instead of the usual 3-4 grams matcha powder per cup, at Hvala they actually use 7 grams of matcha powder per cup with the option of additional extra shot, topping it up to 9 grams per cup. You can choose anything from straight matcha, tea latte, flavored tea latte, ice blend, cold brew, to brewed tea and pair it with the selections of desserts, gelato and sliced cakes that’s on the menu. 

I came here with my friend to try their matcha drinks and desserts and here are what we ordered:

🍵 Iced Sei Matcha Latte (140k) | 8.5/10

Advanced Ceremonial Grade. Notes: Nori, Cocoa, Toasted Nut.

Their Iced Sei Matcha is very balanced. Tasted all the flavor notes and it wasn’t too bitter. Enjoyed this drink.

🧇🍨 Dairy-Free Waffles (120k) | 8.5/10

Dairy-free waffles drizzled with golden syrup, with a sprinkle of fragrant genmai (toasted rice). Served with a gelato scoop. 

The waffle has a bit of a chewy texture and not too sweet. For the gelato, we chose the White Chrysanthemum Sobacha and the Matcha °3 gelato. I think this was my first time trying a White Chrysanthemum Sobacha flavored gelato and it’s actually pretty good. It’s a little on the sweeter side for my personal preference but still okay if you eat it with the waffle. The Matcha °3 gelato actually balanced out the sweetness pretty well because it’s not too sweet. Overall, this is a great dessert for sharing.

🍨 Warabi Mochi with Black Sesame Gelato (110k) | 10/10

Warabi mochi served with a gelato scoop.

So excited for this menu because I got two of my favorite things in one cup and they didn’t disappoint. This was really gooood. They nailed the Warabi mochi’s texture and flavor and it has the right amount of sweetness. The black sesame gelato has the perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness as well. Will definitely order this again next time I go back. 

🍵 Ice Blend Hojicha (120k) | 9.5/10

Another one of my personal favorite. Their Ice Blend Hojicha was goood. I actually enjoyed this the most out of all the drinks we ordered (but also a disclaimer, in general I think I prefer hojicha than matcha). It’s not too bitter and the nutty flavor was well balanced. A great choice for a dessert drink, especially on a hot sunny day.

🍵 Iced Sakura Matcha (100k) | 8/10

Was skeptical at first and thought that I wasn’t going to like this one because I tend to not enjoy floral flavored drinks too much but it was actually pretty enjoyable after I tried it. There’s definitely a hint of that floral flavor in the matcha, but it wasn’t too overwhelming so the matcha flavor still shone through. A good option if you want something light and floral that reminds you of spring.

🍵 Iced Banana Pudding Matcha (120k) | 8/10

The banana pudding is vegan.

First time trying Iced Banana Pudding Matcha and at first I thought it’s going to be matcha with hints of banana pudding flavor. But surprisingly, the banana pudding flavor really came through. This tasted like a dessert drink and a little heavier than the other matcha drinks that we ordered. If you like Banana Pudding, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

All and all, I really enjoyed the drinks and desserts that we ordered. Service was also pretty good during our visit. The staff was friendly and attentive and we didn’t really wait too long for our orders. Other thing to note, parking space is limited in front of the cafe but they have valet available for your convenience. 

Given that the matcha craze still going on right now, Hvala Jakarta is probably going to be one of the go-to spots for matcha enthusiasts in the city.

 

Hvala Jakarta

Address: Jl. Kyai Maja No.59, RT.2/RW.5, Kramat Pela, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12130, Indonesia
Hours: Everyday 10am-10pm

Instagram: @hvala_idn

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UKI Matcha ECO8 Puri

After the opening of their flagship store in SCBD Park last March, UKI Matcha has established themselves as one of the best matcha bars in Jakarta. Just shy a year after the success of their first location, they have now opened the second location of UKI Matcha at ECO8 Puri. Although the store still carry the same aesthetics from its sister location, the selections of ceremonial matcha powders are different from the ones offered at the SCBD location. They also have a couple of menus that are exclusive to this location, giving patrons different experiences when visiting their stores.

Tried a couple of different things from their menu and overall they’re all pretty good, but here are some of my favorites (and I believe all these menus are only available at this location):

🍵 Pistachio Matcha (Tenka 104k / Asagiri 134k) | 9.5/10 

Tenka/Asagiri Matcha, Milk, Pistachio Foam, Crushed Pistachio

Their Pistachio Matcha is so good! Both matcha options are good but I prefer the Asagiri Matcha because it tasted nuttier than the Tenka Matcha that has a more bitter profile. This drink is super creamy and nutty and I love the Pistachio foam that’s sweet and salty at the same time. The crushed pistachio also gave a fun texture contrast to the drink. Ordered with normal sugar and it’s not sweet at all (all their matcha drinks are really not too sweet in general). If you’re a pistachio fan, definitely give this drink a try. Even if you’re not a pistachio fan like me (I’m kinda mid with pistachio flavored stuff) but you like a creamier drink I think you’d enjoy this one. 

🍵 Mango Matcha (65k) | 8/10

Tenka Matcha, Milk, Real Mango Coulis

I honestly don’t know how you’re suppose to drink this one but in the beginning, I tried to sipped the drink as is with all the layers still stacked on top of each other. Depending on which part of the drink I sipped it from, it resulted in a variety of different flavors. First time, the end of my straw was on the bottom of the glass so the first flavor that I got was just the Mango Coulis which was a bit too sweet for me. Then I mixed the matcha and the milk together and tried sipping it from slightly above the Mango Coulis and on that sip I only tasted the matcha flavor with a teeny tiny hint of mango flavor. In the end, I did mix the whole thing together and it tasted more balanced. This drink’s slightly on the sweeter side (sweeter than the Pistachio Matcha) but the combination of mango and matcha actually works.

🍡 Warabi Mochi (65k / Whole Box 160k) | 10/10

Warabi Mochi, Tenka Matcha Honey

Hands down THE BEST Warabi Mochi I’ve had in Jakarta so far. The texture of this mochi reminded me of the ones I had in Japan. They really nailed it. The more bitter matcha honey also balanced out the sweetness of the mochi. Honestly, I can probably eat one whole portion of this alone without the honey cause the mochi is already that good.

My first visit to the ECO8 location was during their opening week and the place was packed. There was never-ending long lines at the counter of people who came in to get their matcha fix for dine-in as well as for to-go. The long queue seems to be still going on during the weekends too these days judging by the Instagram stories they uploaded. So be prepared to wait for tables or for your orders if you’re planning to visit on the weekends. The second time I went was during a weekday around lunch time. This time, the place wasn’t too packed and the atmosphere’s actually pretty enjoyable. So if you want to avoid the crowd, visiting on a weekday is probably your best bet. If you’re looking for a great matcha bar in Meruya/Puri/West Jakarta area, definitely check this place out.

 

UKI Matcha ECO8 Puri

Address: Jl. Taman Aries No.8, Meruya Utara, Kec. Kembangan, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11620, Indonesia
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 - 20:00 | Closed on Mondays

Instagram: @ukimatcha.id

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Knots

Knots by Union Group is the newest bakery in Kemang, South Jakarta that specializes in viennoiserie, baked goods and pastries. The bakery cafe also serves a variety of desserts, cakes as well as food and drinks if you want something heartier. 

If you’re living in Jakarta and a fan of Basque Cheesecake, you’ve probably heard of Knots prior to the opening of their flagship store. Knots was first known for their delicious Basque Cheesecake that they sell through online ordering and at their pop-up booth on various bazaars. Now, joining hand with the Union Group, they finally opened their offline store that serves as a place where people can come and experience their more extensive menu fresh out of the kitchen.

“Our Chief Croissant Officer, @thathousehusband, and Chief Pastry Officer, @letaresiregar, are on a mission to roll out the good stuff fresh every day.” —Knots

The bakery cafe is pretty spacious with coffee bar, cake display area and dining area with multiple tables for four to five people that accommodate about 60 people or so. The space is designed by Bitte Design Studio, an architecture & interior design studio who’s responsible for some of the most popular dining spots in Jakarta.

The Ritz (55k) | 7.5/10

Hazelnut, Valrhona Dark Chocolate
We name this pastry “The Ritz” to honour Ritz Le Comptoir Paris, the original creator of the distinctive shape.

The Ritz has a more prominent dark chocolate flavor that’s actually quite delicious. The outside was crispy and flaky, but the inside was a little bit dry when I had mine. Not sure if it’s because it’s been sitting out for a bit since I was taking pictures, but I wished the inside is more buttery. But overall, I think this could be a crowd pleaser for anybody who likes chocolate flavored pastries.

The Knots (85k) | 9/10

Hazelnut, Custard
Our commitment to classic viennoiserie led us to reconsider this whimsical design for the menu. But it became such a hit that we found the little edge we needed among the classics - introducing THE KNOTS.

The Knots was my favorite out of all the pastries I tried. The unique ribbon-shaped pastry is flaky on the outside and soft of the inside. The generous hazelnut filling was also delicious and the combination of that and the Valrhona Dark Chocolate definitely reminded me of Ferrero Rocher. Although I have to say, if you don’t really like sweet pastries, this one might be a tad sweet for you (at least that’s how I feel. But I still enjoyed it).

Parisian Melt (65k) | 8/10

Brisket, Caramelized Onion, Honey Dijon Mustard
Ham in a pastry is common, but using beef brisket brings a new dimension. Inspired by the Parisian melt sandwich, take our word for it - this is truly something else.

A great savory option for breakfast or brunch. All the components of the dish work well together giving you a good mix of umami flavors with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onion and honey dijon mustard. 

Jet (100k) | 7/10

Valrhona Guanaja 70% Creme, Knots’ Knew Nothing White Coffee Mousse, Cocoa Biscuit, Chocolate Slice
A delightful mystery that intrigues with its shape, concealing layers of flavors within.

Jet is probably the most visually unique menu that they have. A 10 out of 10 for design and execution for me. As for the flavor, since it’s made mainly out of chocolate and coffee mousse, it is very intense and sweet. A little too sweet for my taste and for some reason, the flavor also reminded me of tiramisu. If you’re not a big fan of sweets but want to try it, would definitely recommend you to share this with the table because the portion is also not small. 

Knots Basque Cheesecake (65k) | 8/10

Here’s our version—the Knots Basque Cheesecake—featuring a melted-center creamy filling to give you that ‘ahh’ moment with every bite. We often say that there’s KNOTHING NEW under the sun, much like the timeless Basque Cheesecake. Though it’s been enjoyed for years, we’ve decided to try our hand at making it because it’s something we truly love.

First time trying their Basque Cheesecake and it’s pretty good. I’m not a big fan of cheesecake in general and by no means an expert in cheesecake but I know a lot of my friends also like their cheesecake.

“While viennoiseries and pastries are our heart and soul, people will likely expect us to serve brunch as its pairing. However, we’ve chosen to take a different direction by offering a selection of Asian fusion dishes, Think bold flavors, unexpected combinations and meals that strike the perfect balance between comfort and modern flair.” —Knots

Disco Fries (75k) | 7/10

Miso Apple Sauce, Smoked Brisket, Pickles, Parmigiano Reggiano

Bold flavors and generous portion. This is something that I think will pair really well if you have drinks on the side. But I do wished that the fries were crispier and this dish was overall a little too salty for my personal preference.

Dry Ramen (115k) | 8.5/10

Tare Sauce, Duck Breast, Onsen Egg

One of my favorite dish from the hot meals option. This Japanese inspired dry ramen has a really good, bold flavors. It’s umami and creamy all at the same time. Love that they serve it with chopped kimchi which adds a little kick to brighten up the dish. The duck breast was also seasoned and cooked well. Although I have to say, if you are really sensitive to gamey meat, you might be able to taste a little bit of the gaminess on the duck meat. 

Chicken Chop Butter Rice (100k) | 7.5/10

Dan Dan Sauce, Peanut Crunch, Furikake.

If you like peanuts, you’d probably enjoy the sweet nuttiness of their Dan Dan sauce. The chicken chop has crispy skin with juicy meat. It comes with butter rice topped with furikake that compliments the sweetness of the Dan Dan sauce. I think you have to eat the chicken with the sauce and the rice to get a more balanced flavor out of the dish. 

The Secret Menu (75k) | 8.5/10

Noodles, Chicken Katsu, Kimchi, Furikake, Onsen Egg

Knots’ secret menu is called The Secret Menu. You can order this as long as you know the name of the secret menu. First thing that hit my nose when mixing the noodles was the smell of Indomie Goreng. And turned out, it also tasted like Indomie Goreng, but the flavors are bolder and more complex. Perfect option for a hangover food. This dish also pretty spicy for my spice tolerance (although for my friend who eats spicy food well, she said it’s only a bit spicy).

Noise level at this place is pretty high. The music was blaring pretty loud when I was there. Not sure if it’s because it was their soft opening day so they have special sound system rented for the space or it’s just the regular volume level for their music. Parking is also limited and I believe they only do valet parking if I’m not mistaken. 

If you’re looking for a place that serves good pastries and food in Kemang area, with the numerous options that they have available, Knots is definitely a place worth trying.

 

KNOTS

Address: Jl. Kemang Timur Jl. Kemang Raya No.46A, RT.9/RW.3, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730, Indonesia
Telephone: +6281188811004
Hours: Everyday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Instagram: @knothingnew

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