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
Telephone: +6281232182621
Hours: Everyday 10am-10pm

Instagram: @hvala_idn

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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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Sura Lotte Shopping Avenue Jakarta

Sura is a Korean BBQ bar that’s specialized in Korean-style Hamburg Steak—or Hambak Steak as the Koreans pronounce it—and the first one of its kind in Jakarta. They opened their first outlet in July 2024 at Lippo Mall Puri and expanded into the second one a month later at Lotte Shopping Avenue.

Korean-style Hamburg Steak itself is nothing new. The dish has been served at multiple different restaurants in Korea for years now. Having said that, I did notice that it was making a comeback last year when I started to see a bunch of new Korean-style Hamburg Steak restaurants opened up around Seoul. Most of them adopted similar concept where they have a restaurant with nice modern interior, bar style seating, open kitchen and offers limited menu focusing on the Hamburg Steak. I’ve been meaning to try one of those restaurants but unfortunately haven’t got a chance to until now. But since Sura basically has the same concept as those restaurants, might as well go see what the Hamburg Steak hype is all about since the brand is brought from Korea to Jakarta. 

I visited the Lotte Shopping Avenue location with a friend for a late lunch. The interior is pretty nice and interesting with plenty of seatings available around the room from the bar seating that’s perfect for solo or duo patrons to the cubicle seatings for bigger parties. We opted for the bar seatings since we also wanted to see how the Hamburg Steak is cooked. 

Currently, they have 2 options for the meat: the Wagyu Hambak Steak that’s made with 100% wagyu beef and the Spicy Chicken Hambak. Every Hambak is slow-cooked to order and is grilled and torched for about 15 to 20 minutes to get that smoky juicy meat. And since they have an open kitchen, you can see all the action from your seat while waiting for your order to be done.

The basic set consist of two patties and are served with free-flow white rice, soup, and omega-3 egg. There are also pickles and five different kind of dippings (Korean Suje Ssamjang, Chinese Secret Spicy Powder Ganfen, Yuzu Mayo Sauce, Himalayan Pink Salt & Garlic Flakes, and Sambal Bawang) provided for your steak. 

Double Wagyu Hambak Steak (148k) | 9/10

I ordered the double Wagyu Hambak Steak and not gonna lie, I was pretty impressed with how juicy and flavorful the steak is without dipping it into anything. The smokiness from the all the grilling and the torching definitely added a new layer of complexity to the flavor of the meat. When I dipped the meat into the egg yolk, the overall flavor definitely tasted creamier. With or without the egg yolk, the meat tasted good. 

Another thing that deserves a special shoutout is their Korean Beef and Daikon Radish Soup. I’m a sucker for a good soup and theirs was so goooood. It’s nicely seasoned and the flavor profile is pretty much the same as the ones I’ve had in Korea. Super comforting, especially if you eat if with the rice (their rice is also really good). My friend and I were saying that we can honestly just eat the soup with the rice because it was that comforting.

For the dipping options, I liked the Himalayan Pink Salt & Garlic Flakes and Chinese Secret Spicy Powder Ganfen the best. The Korean Suje Ssamjang and Yuzu Mayo Sauce were alright. The Sambal Bawang was probably my least favorite because it’s spicy and the flavor profile doesn’t really pair well with the Hambak Steak in my opinion. But I do understand why they have that option since we’re in Indonesia after all. Their pickles were also really good and have that authentic Korean flavors in them.

I also tried the Spicy Chicken Hambak that my friend ordered. It also tasted good and the meat was juicy, but it is on the spicier side for me who can’t really eat spicy food. The flavor profile tasted like Sate Lilit Bali if you ever had one of those.

At the end of our meal, the server asked us if we wanted to try their Sundubu Jjigae, a soup option that’s apparently only available on Sundays. We said yes and we each were served with a bowl of pipping hot red soup. Turned out, it was pretty good as well. Super flavorful with generous toppings inside. But since the flavor of the Sundubu Jjigae is stronger than the Korean Beef and Daikon Radish Soup, I feel like if you eat this with the steak, the soup might overpower the taste of the meat. So my recommendation is if after your meal you’re still hungry, ask for the Sundubu Jjigae (and maybe put an egg in) and just eat it with rice. I think it’s going to be better that way. 

Service was really good during our visit. The server explained the menu clearly and checked in with us periodically to see if we need a refill or anything else. She also gave my pregnant friend a boiled egg since she can’t eat the raw egg so that’s something you can probably ask the staff if your don’t eat raw egg. All and all, it was a really good meal and would definitely come back again to this place.

 

Sura Lotte Shopping Avenue Jakarta (4F)

Address: Kuningan, Jl. Prof. DR. Satrio Kav. 3-5, South Jakarta 12940, Indonesia
Hours: Everyday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Instagram: @surafromkorea

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Donut Of Curiosity

Donut Of Curiosity is the newest donut shop in Jakarta that just opened last Sunday (Sep 8) at Ashta District 8 and will surely be the talk of the town (at least for the next few weeks) because of their unique store concept. Adopting a more simplistic approach, the store is decorated with just one artistic artwork inspired by the shape of donut dough being mixed. The enormous floor-to-ceiling knot-like concrete pillar structure that stood tall in the space is surrounded by concrete walls, soft pink carpeting and it also serves as a display for their donuts that are exhibited like artworks in a museum. The whole store screams modern and artistic and definitely invites curious gazes from the passerby. Although this kind of donut store might be the first of its kind in Jakarta, I have to say it also reminds me (in a good way) of Gentle Monster stores and Nudake cafes which adopted similar design concept and vibes.

Other interesting fact that I found out was Donut Of Curiosity is created by the same team behind the famous Scarlett’s brand. It’s said that it took the chef 1.5 years to research and develop their current dough recipe, which apparently uses 3 different kinds of flour for the mix resulting in their soft and chewy donut texture.

Currently, they are offering 10 different flavors—2 savory and 8 sweet options—for their donuts:
• Maple & Beef (32k)
• Truffle & Garlic Butter (32k)
• Valrhona (32k)
• Earl Grey & Milk Choco (30k)
• Brûlée & Yoghurt (28k)
• Lemon (25k)
• Pistachio (30k)
• Matcha Strawberry (28k)
• Smoked Vanilla (28k)
• Salted Honey & Kinako (25k)

(11 Sep) An update from one of the owners regarding the current ordering system:
Ordering system is split into 3 batches per day.
Batch 1 — 11:00 am
Batch 2 — 2:30 pm
Batch 3 — 6:00 pm

For those who lined up before the opening time, you can purchase donuts right away from Batch 1 until it’s sold out.
For Batch 2 and Batch 3, you can line up to place your order and payment anytime and then come back to pick up your order at 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm respectively.

If you don’t want to go back and forth, you can try to come near the time when the donuts are being restocked but availability of flavors is not guaranteed (while if you place an order prior to Batch 2 and Batch 3 time slot, then your order is guaranteed. At least this is how I interpreted the message that’s posted on the owner’s IG story. I’d suggest you to double check with the staff during your visit to make sure that the rules still apply just in case they make any changes to their ordering system).

Maple & Beef (32k) | 8.5/10

I tried one of the savory options—the Maple & Beef—which is also their recommended menu. The donut is soft and chewy. The sweetness from the maple glaze and the savoriness from the beef bacon were very balanced. And the arugula and mayo were nice additions to the overall flavors. A solid 8.5/10 from me. Also, would definitely recommend to consume these donuts right away.

The store has no seating so you can only do take-out for the donuts. There are round height tables available in front of the store where you can eat your donuts standing if you choose to. 

Also, special thanks to @munchandsnap.jkt for taking me to the pre-opening and getting me an early access to these donuts.

 

Donut Of Curiosity

Address: Ashta District 8 (UG Floor Unit 07), Jl. Senopati No.83, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Hours: 11a.m-Finish

Instagram: @donutofcuriosity

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Cartel

Cartel is the newest addition to the speakeasy bars that have been popping up around Jakarta recently. Opened just last week, the casual bar that specialized in locally brewed craft beer and crafted cocktails is hidden on the second floor of the building next to their sister restaurant Mookata at SCBD Park Lot 7C.

After walking up the flight of stairs (or take the elevator if you choose to), you’ll be greeted by wall to wall shelves that display various products that one would find in a vintage neighborhood grocery store. Push the middle shelves under the ‘Cartel’ sign and that’s how you enter the unassuming bar.

First thing that you’ll see when entering the space is the bright green and yellow neon sign of two hands, each holding a cocktail and beer glass on the wall. The cool breeze of the air-con will give you an instant escape from the hot weather outside (which is very welcomed considering how hot Jakarta’s weather is these days).

The bar is actually more spacious than what I imagined it to be. There are three seating areas—the main dining area, the bar seating and the three more private sections on one side of the space.

At Cartel, their line of four signature cocktails is called ‘The Protagonists’ which are the Velvetea Tarik, Pisco Mangoshu, Royal Boulevardier, and SCBD Breeze. I got to try a couple of their cocktails as well as their beer selections.

Velvetea Tarik (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 9.5/10

Vodka, Black Tea, Caramel
Strength : ○○○
Taste Profile : Sweet, Creamy, Nostalgic

A unique blend of Vodka, Black Tea, and Caramel in a cocktail inspired by teh tarik. This enchanting elixir combines the rich flavors of caramel and bold black tea, elevated by the smooth touch of Vodka.

The first drink I tried was their Velvetea Tarik. Ordered the mocktail version of this drink since it’s one of the menu that has a mocktail option. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything when ordering this but after my first sip, I was mind blown. If you’re a longtime reader of this blog, you probably know how much I like milk tea and this drink is probably one of the best milk tea I’ve ever had in Jakarta.

First off, it’s not too sweet. The amount of sweetness from the milk, caramel and and brûléed foam on top was just right. The black tea is really fragrant and the combination of all these elements certainly reminiscent of teh tarik, but not quite the same. They definitely put their own spin to it, making this drink pretty unique. If you’re a fan of milk tea or teh tarik or sweeter cocktail, would definitely recommend this menu to try. (I was actually debating to order a second glass but decided against it since there were other drinks and food that I wanted to try. If it weren’t for that, I’d probably order that second glass because it was that good.)

Royal Boulevardier (190k) | 8/10

Royal Special Edition, Bitter Liqueur, Sweet Vermouth Clip USD 100 Aromatic Spray Garnish.
Strength : ○○○○○
Taste Profile : Spirit-Forward, Oaky, Clean

The classic Boulevardier is elevated to a regal experience with the use of a premium Royal Special Edition whisky, meticulously aged in sherry oak casks, imparting rich, complex flavors. This distinguished spirit is expertly blended with a robust bitter liqueur and sweet vermouth, creating a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet notes. As a finishing touch, a USD 100 note is used as a luxurious garnish, accompanied by an aromatic spray, enhancing the olfactory allure of this sophisticated libation.

Very smooth and fragrant, but slightly on the bitter side for my personal preference. My friend liked this one though since she prefer less sweet and more bitter cocktail.

SCBD Breeze (170k) • Mocktail Variant (120k) | 7.5/10

Gin, Jamu, Citrus, Prosecco, Mint
Strength : ○○
Taste Profile : Refreshing, Bubbly, Tart

Inspired by the vibrant SCBD Park in Jakarta, the SCBD Breeze captures the essence of this dynamic urban oasis. This refreshing drink features a base of crisp gin, infused with the earthy and herbal notes of Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic. Fresh citrus adds a zesty brightness, while a splash of prosecco provides effervescence and a touch of elegance. Garnished with a sprig of mint, this cocktail is a perfect blend of local tradition and modern sophistication, mirroring the park's blend of natural beauty and contemporary flair.

Taste profile just like what the menu describe. Refreshing, sweet, and sour all at the same time. The herbal note isn’t too strong and the citrus note definitely shines more.

Luwak Negroni (190K) | 8/10

Gin, Luwak infused Bitter Liqueur, Coffee
Strength: ○○○○
Taste Profile: Spirit-Forward, Clean, Nostalgic

Strong coffee luwak taste, very smooth and more on the sweeter flavor profile. If you drink coffee, you probably will enjoy this drink.

For their locally brewed craft beers, they have home brews, seasonal brews as well as new brews every Friday so you can ask the bartender for the availability of their brews.

Cartel Tasting Flight (110k)

Created to help you decide what you love the most, our tasting flight consists of 3 types of beer in a smaller portion.

I personally am not a beer drinker and not very well-versed on the subject, but it was interesting tasting their home brewed beer.

Instead of following the trend on just serving drinks at the bar, Cartel provided a selection of food menu that you can order along with your drinks, sparing you the hassle of looking or ordering food from somewhere else. They have a pretty good selection of Asian, Western and Indonesian menus for you to choose from. And the portion of the food is pretty reasonable compared to their prices.

Korean Fried Mandu Platter (88K)

Spam Fries (75k)

Popcorn Chicken with Salted Egg Sauce

Nasi Goreng Kampung Mewah (105k)

King Prawn Aglio Olio Pasta (105k)

Green Chili Honey Buntut Bakar (155k)

During my visit, the service was pretty good. The staff were also very friendly and quick to act when we call them to ask for something. The ambience of this place is pretty relaxing (but the music’s pretty loud, just like any other bar I guess) and I kind of like how there’s enough space between the tables so the place doesn’t feel too cramped. I can see this place to be a good spot to wind down with friends or even co-workers after a busy day at work.

One thing to note, parking at SCBD Park is valet and self-drive valet only which costs 100k. If you don’t want to do valet, other parking option is available at Lot 17 across from Lot 7C.

 

Cartel SCBD

Address: Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53, SCBD Park Lot 7C Level 2, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12190, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 822 5888 7326
Hours: Sun-Thrs 11:30 am-11 pm | Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 12 am

Instagram: @cartelscbd

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