Kooma Bakery Plaza Senayan

Kooma Bakery is a an artisan Japanese Bakery that first opened in Jakarta last September at Plaza Indonesia. They sell 30+ variety of Japanese breads made with imported premium ingredients from Japan that are baked fresh daily using Japanese traditional technique called ‘Yudane’ that resulted in a very soft, light and fluffy texture for all their breads. 

“Yudane 湯種（ゆだね) is a traditional Japanese approach to breadmaking that is sometimes referred to as ‘water roux’. This technique involves the use of mixing flour and water together. A simple step that makes bread go from good to great - soft, fluffy and stays just as pillowy and fresh long after baking.” —Kooma Bakery

With the variety of delicious breads that they have and the affordable price, people lined up bright and early for these breads, causing the shop to often sells out as early as 11 am (they open at 10 am). And six months after the successful opening of their first outlet at Plaza Indonesia, Kooma Bakery opened its second outlet just earlier this month at Plaza Senayan. And yes, they still sell out as early as 11 am at this location as well so make sure you go early if you want choose from their full line up of breads. 

My first visit to Kooma Bakery is actually to this Plaza Senayan location. I was with my friend who already went during their grand opening a couple of weeks ago and told me that I should try this new bakery that just opened at Plaza Senayan that always sells out their stuff shortly after they open. Since we arrived at Plaza Senayan early—we arrived at the mall around 9:55 am, five minutes before the bakery opens—we ended up lining up in front of the store to get our hands at these delicious breads. We’re actually the first ones in line and after we lined up, there were people who joined in behind us and it was quite a bit of a crowd. Not super long, but pretty long for a weekday I’d say. 

When the clock hit 10 am and the staff opened the store, everybody was just rushing inside to pick their bread. I was pretty shocked at people’s enthusiasm honestly. But I guess it’s understandable because there’s limited quantity for each bread and there were already quite a number of people who were bread hunting with us. And tell me why I entered the store having no idea what this bakery is all about (and have no intention of buying bread when coming to this mall honestly) and ended up walking out of the bakery with almost 300k worth of bread. I blame my friend really for introducing me to Kooma. Just kidding. I’m glad she did because the bread variety that they have are really unique and uncommon and it made me want to try everything. Plus she gave me recommendations on the good ones she tried already and before I know it, I ended up with two full trays of bread (she even helped me carry one of them). Because it was so hectic, not all the bread that I bought I took pictures of (and vice versa) and remember the jot down price but I’ll put the reviews on the ones I tried below.

Tuna Onigiri (28k)

Black Sesame Yuzu (25k) | 6.5/10

Was excited when I saw this flavor since I’m a sucker for all things black sesame but I don’t think this combo works for me. Flavor-wise, I think for me the yuzu flavor was a bit too overpowering so it’s more citrusy than earthy. If you like citrus flavor, you’ll probably enjoy this one. But if you’re like me who were expecting more of a dominant black sesame flavor with hints of yuzu, you might be in for a surprise.

Kare Pan (25k)

Honey Bear

Purple Sweet Potato Bun (25k) | 8.5/10

Purple sweet potato coating on the outside with sweet potato paste and chewy, stretchy mochi on the inside. Not too sweet and definitely a hit for sweet potato lovers. Pretty good!

Melon Pan

Sesame | 9/10

The black sesame paste is really nice and earthy and not too sweet. Love this one. 

Yuzu | 8/10

The bread has a nice and fluffy texture and the yuzu jam and cream combination is tangy, light and refreshing. Also not too sweet.

Matcha Azuki (25k)

Hojicha White Chocolate (26k) | 9/10

There’s no filling on this one but I kind of like that about this bread. The hojicha and white chocolate combo works really well and it’s not too sweet. One of my favorites from my haul.

Mochi Peanut Chocolate | 9/10

Love their mochi. It has a satisfying nice, soft, chewy bite. The combination of the peanut and chocolate also works well. 

Sausage Roll (28k)

Almond Roll

Overall, their bread is really soft and fluffy, even when I ate some of them the next day (and even some the day after that) and their mochi texture is really nice and chewy. And the flavors that they are offering are not something that you usually find at other bakeries. If you’re ever in Plaza Senayan (or Plaza Indonesia) and happened to pass by Kooma Bakery, definitely recommend you to try their breads. A whole lot of variety of flavors and sizes and great for breakfast or snacking. 

 

Kooma Bakery Plaza Senayan

Address: LG Metro, Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika No.8, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Hours: Everyday 10am-10pm

Instagram: @koomabakeryid

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Barcadia

Hidden inside an unassuming building near Bundaran HI is a secret small library that serves as an entrance to Barcadia, a speakeasy bar at the very heart of Jakarta. Serving classic cocktails as well as innovative mixes inspired by sweet treats and local delicacies, Barcadia offers patrons a sanctuary to escape the busy life in the city.

When you arrived at the building, step into the small library where you can find Barcadia’s house rules hanging on the wall next to the entrance.

House Rules (For Season Two):

1. Keep the Peace

2. Mind Your Manner

3. No Smoking (E-Cigs Only)

4. Respect the Cocktail

5. Love Reading Book

6. Payment is Mandatory

7. Keep This Place Exclusive ;)

This is also the place where you can search for hidden old coins that you can use to exchange for special gifts from the bartender. The coins hidden are limited per day so you might want to come early if you wish to find one.

This week, Barcadia is kicking off their Season 2—The Prohibition Era: Step Into The Twenties. 

“Inspired by the clandestine speakeasies of the 1920s, we’ve crafted an immersive experience that pays homage to the spirit of defiance and indulgence that defined the era.”—Barcardia

As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by one (if not more) of Barcadia’s friendly bartenders who’ll quickly get you seated. The space feels like an extension of the library and is decorated with wooden panels, marble tables, leather sofas and bar stools with framed vintage art deco posters hanged on the walls. The warm dim lighting and jazz renditions of pop songs playing in the background create a cozy atmosphere to wind down after a busy day.

This (almost) 5 months old bar has about 25 seatings available inside the space—8 seats at the bar, 4 seats at the two small booths for two on one side of the room, and about 8 seats at the leather sectional sofa with an additional 4 round chairs around the circular marble table.

For their new season, Barcadia is introducing 12 new cocktails menu while keeping 2 (out of the 12) menu from season one. With 14 different unique cocktails on the menu, there are options for everybody to choose from. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always go with the “Surprise Me” option and the bartender will gladly mix you one.

Season 2 Menu. Courtesy of Barcadia Jakarta.

Tuberose (170k) | 8/10

Naked Malt Whiskey Sedap Malam, Spiked Gum, Absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, Aromatic Bitters.
ABV 35,7% • Floral • Spiced • Fragrant

Cheese Cake Factory (200k) | 9/10

Corazon Blanco Tequila Fat-Washed Butter, Blueberry Vanilla Liqueur, Malic Acid, Cream Cheese, Milk Clarified.
ABV 21,5% • Creamy • Toasty • Sweet

Funky Collada (190k) | 7.5/10

Roku Gin Cempedak, Roasted Grated Coconut Cordial, Pina Juice, Milk Clarified.
ABV 14,3% • Fruity • Tropical • Toasty

King of Fruits (200k) | 7.5/10

Jung & Wulff Guyana Rum, Local Leaves, Durian Syrup, Lactic Acid, Foam Agent.
ABV 16,7% • Custardy • Gentle Sweet • Aromatic

Other things that might be worth mentioning, they do serve light bites such as Wonton, French Fries and Shin Ramyun and they welcome outside food and online food delivery. There’s no minimum charge, walk-ins are welcomed and reservation is recommended for guaranteed seating. And if you make it ’til here, say this season’s magic word “Boleh pinjem buku?” to the bartender and they’ll let you mix your own cocktail behind the bar. Also, check out @munchandsnap.jkt’s reel for a special discount (valid until 30 April 2024).

 

Barcadia

Address: Jl. Blora No.10, RT.2/RW.6, Dukuh Atas, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 877-8808-0998
Hours: 6 pm - 2 am

Instagram: @barcadia.id

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Peacock Lounge at Fairmont Jakarta

Peacock Lounge is one of the restaurants inside Fairmont Hotel Jakarta that’s well known for serving delicious afternoon tea as well as a selection of delectable desserts and main dishes. The spacious lounge is decorated with white marble tables with rattan chairs as well as comfortable sofas at the corners of the space. Complimenting their elegant chic interior, classical music is playing softly in the background, making this a perfect place to relax or to wind down after a busy day. 

Peacock Lounge’s decoration usually changes seasonally and currently, through the month of March & April, the lounge is decorated with spring sakura inspired theme, thus the presence of pink flowers and ornaments around the space.

A couple of days ago, my friend Winda (@munchandsnap.jkt) invited me to have an afternoon tea at the Peacock Lounge and so I went to visit the place with her. We had the seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea set which includes tea (or coffee if you prefer) for two and its accompanying sweet and savory treats that are served in their iconic white leather chest of drawers. 

Peacock Lounge - Seasonal Sakura Afternoon Tea Set (Available until 30 April 2024). Menu courtesy of Peacock Lounge.

Sakura Afternoon Tea (588k) | 8.5/10

For the tea, they exclusively serve TWG teas and we tried the Sakura! Sakura! and Pink Flamingo. They were really fragrant and excellent, as expected from TWG I suppose. 

For the treats, they were delicious. The savory ones were well seasoned and the sweet ones weren’t too sweet at all, making them a perfect pair to have with the teas.

Out of the 19 treats served, my most favorite ones were the Mini Taco (white taco, lobster tartar, avocado, tomato pear) and the Mini Pastry Cup (smoked chicken torchon, sun dried tomato paste, gingerbread toast). There were so much great flavors on those two bites.

We also tried TWG’s Chocolate Earl Grey and Number 12—both were recommended by our server who told us these are some of the more exclusive teas that TWG has and are best served iced instead of hot. 

The Chocolate Earl Grey is supposedly the world’s first rich and aromatic black tea and is accented with fresh notes of rare bergamot and pure dark chocolate. I got to say this was delicious. The chocolate earl grey fragrance and taste really shine through and per our server recommendation, we added sugar after our first sip and it completely changed the taste of the tea, making the chocolate flavor bolder. 

The Number 12 was also interesting because the coffee flavor in the tea is really prominent. But since I don’t drink coffee, I can’t really give an accurate description for this one. But I did definitely taste the coffee flavor and Winda (who usually drinks coffee) said it was delicious.

Winda also ordered additional à la carte items to take home, which were the Lemon Basil Cheese Crumble, Teh Tarik Éclair and Raspberry Macaron. I got to try the Teh Tarik Éclair (Jasmine tea leaves infused in Balinese Tabanan chocolate cremeux) and although I really enjoyed the Jasmine tea flavors, I feel the chocolate cremeux filling was a bit much and ended up overpowering the jasmine tea flavor. I ate my second spoon with less filling and it was much better for my personal preference.  

This was actually my first time at the Peacock Lounge and I really enjoyed my visit. The place has nice interior and lighting, relaxing music, great tea selections and desserts and excellent service. And their afternoon tea set is actually one of the better ones out of the places that I’ve tried in Jakarta. 

If you’re looking for a chill, relaxing afternoon tea spot, I highly recommend this place. Also, if you want to try the Sakura Afternoon Tea Set, it is available until April 30th. 

 

Peacock Lounge at Fairmont Jakarta

Address: Fairmont Jakarta, Jl. Asia Afrika No.8, Gelora, Tanah Abang, Jakarta, 10270, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 21 29703333
Hours: Everyday 12:00 pm - 08:00 pm

Instagram: @peacockloungejkt

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Monsieur Spoon Préféré Plaza Indonesia

Just one month after opening its Senayan City location, Monsieur Spoon made yet another expansion to their locations, this time with a more premium concept compared to their previous ones. Monsieur Spoon Préféré officially opened to the public on 27 July 2022, occupying one of the space in Plaza Indonesia.

(A quick disclaimer, I visited during their opening day and as you know, first day could always go either way and there are always things to improve on.)

Ambience

Promoted as the more premium location, Monsieur Spoon Préféré’s interior design fell a little short of my expectations. I sat at the semi-outdoor area and the space felt a little cramped with all the tables, chairs and decorations filling up the space, leaving little room for guests and servers to walk around at when the chairs are occupied by patrons.

And having been to their Senayan City location, I personally think that the Senayan City location feels a little more upscale than this location.

The Food

Watermelon Feta Salad (72K) | 8/10

Compressed watermelon, feta cheese, Aiko cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic reduction.

A nice light, refreshing summer dish to start your meal. The watermelon and cherry tomatoes were juicy and fresh. The feta cheese gave it a slightly salty note to the dish.

Now, looking at my pictures, I do wonder if a component is missing from the one that I had because the presentation is different than the picture on the menu. Perhaps the balsamic reduction was missing?

Duck Egg Green Beans (68k) | 8/10

Sous-vide duck egg with green beans, bacon, and grain mustard dressing.

The egg was slightly overcooked (not runny, but not exactly hard boiled either). The green beans were well-cooked and well-seasoned. The bacon was savory with a hint of sweetness at the same time, giving it a nice little surprise when I took my first bite. Overall, I really enjoy the dish.

Pan Seared Yellowtail (155K) | 6.5/10

Pan seared yellowtail fillet, baby potatoes, sanfina, Aiko fondue, and basil oil.

The fillet portion was generous. The fish was cooked crispy on one side, but slightly overcooked overall and it could do with a little more seasoning for my preference. But the garnish and the pesto was was well-cooked and tasty.

Linguini Chili Crab (165k) | 4/10

Linguini with crab cooked in butter garlic, fresh chili, parsley, and lemon.

Had high expectations for this dish but the flavors didn’t really deliver. The pasta was al dente but way under seasoned. It helped when I eat it with the crab meat and the garnish, but since the amount of protein and garnish were not as much as the pasta portion, had a lot of bland pasta leftover.

Seafood Lobster Ravioli (95k) | 7/10

Mixed slippery lobster, salmon, prawn, paprika jam, and lobster bisque.

Presentation was interesting, although one of the ravioli broke when the dish was served. The pasta was too thick for my preference, but the lobster, salmon prawn fillings were delicious. Would’ve given this an 8 if the pasta was a little thinner. But overall, it was a good dish.

PRÉFÉRÉ Signature Chocolate (65k)

Tarlet filled with chocolate ganache, layered with chocolate mousse and dark royaltine, coated with chocolate glaze.

(From top to bottom) Strawberry Tartlet (38k) | Bébé Banana (58k) | Apple Gateaux (65k) | Milk Chocolate Mousse (48k) | Drink: Summer Paradise (45k)

Service

Service was pretty slow. Drinks came out 15 minutes after I ordered but it took 30 minutes for the first dish to came out and about 1 hour for all the dishes to be served. There were plenty of servers around the dining room but for some reason the speed of food coming out from the kitchen was slow.

Overall Experience

It was alright. The food was a bit of a hit-and-miss, some were good, some didn’t live up to my expectations.

The servers were nice and friendly but the speed of food and other things (cutleries, take away boxes, etc) being served definitely could be improved.

But then again, this was their first day of opening, so I understand if things weren’t perfect. Service on their other locations were good so I’m chalking these up to first day slip-ups.

 

Monsieur Spoon Préféré Plaza Indonesia

Address: Plaza Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.28-30, Jakarta Pusat 10350, Indonesia
Telephone: +62811 2001 1873
Hours: Everyday 10:00-22:00

Instagram: @monsieurspoon
Monsieur Spoon Préféré Menu

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