After watching Strictly Dumpling's videos where he takes on the food at Chinatowns around the world, I immediately did some research on Jakarta's very own Chinatown, Glodok. Though there were many street food recommendations to try out, we were warned by our Indonesian friends to stay away from them as the stalls, sometimes, aren't as hygienic as we thought they would be. Anyhow, I stumbled upon a Wong Fu Kie restaurant that was the perfect place to have brunch on our second day.

Nestled in between maze-like alleys is Wong Fu Kie Restaurant, a hidden gem that serves authentic Hakka dishes. Be prepared to get yourself lost in this labyrinth (almost walked into someone's home) as there were no signage, no landmarks, nothing. It was a place where only the locals and a few tourists knew. The locals are super friendly so you can definitely ask them for directions.

There were a few must-order dishes at Wong Fu Kie such as the Mun Khiaw Mien (braised noodles), Nyuk Piang (steamed mince pork with Chinese pickled greens), and Pek Cham Kee (steamed chicken). I wanted to try an eel dish recommended by the waitress but sadly, Abang wasn't adventurous enough for it so we made a pass on Wong San Fumak (stir fried eel).

It was a hearty and filling brunch for the both of us and most importantly, it wasn't crowded and the only patrons there were locals. Many Indonesian friends I talked to had no idea that there was such a place where they can get authentic Hakka food. The dishes tasted similarly to my grandparents' cooking but just a tad stronger in terms of the flavour. Other than that, it was great and I think everyone visiting Jakarta should drop by Wong Fu Kie for some yum-yum Chinese food.

There was this huge wholesale market right outside of the Wong Fu Kie alley which we explored after lunch, in search of magnets and other souvenirs. At the end of our arduous search under the hot Jakarta sun, I bought myself an electronic hand fan and no souvenirs. I was disappointed with my mini market exploration because there were no souvenirs at this wholesale market. But it's okay, because I got to take a really bad (but awww) photo of a mother cat and her kittens in one of the market stalls.


Under the scorching hot sun, we arrived at the peaceful Jin De Yuan Temple which was still in the vicinity of Glodok. There were locals praying to the many deities and Bodhisattvas placed at the temple. There was one for wisdom, another for wealth, and so on. Of course the Buddhas were there too at the main hall alongside the Thousand Hands Guan Yin. Those who know Abang will understand when I say that he goes into full Buddhist mode at temples. So we actually blended in really well with the locals there.

Take note that there is another temple right beside Jin De Yuan but please do not enter unless you want the homeless children to tail you around asking for money (that temple was filled with homeless families). There was one child that held out his hand to us while his friends were at the other corner getting ready to rush up once we handed out some coins to him. At the end, we had to say sorry to him because we don't think we could afford to donate to all the homeless kids that were there. So, just be wary and if you want to give him a few coins, make sure his friends aren't watching.


Kota Tua reminds me of Malacca in a lot of ways, especially the Dutch influences on the architecture of the surrounding buildings. The museum was at its closing time when we arrived so we strolled around the streets of Fatahillah Square before settling down at Cafe Batavia. There were so many positive reviews about the food here but sadly, I hadn't the space to stomach more food after that filling brunch at Wong Fu Kie. It's alright, more the reason to come back to Jakarta!

We were recommended Bola Seafood Acui (the one at Jalan Pluit Karang Indah Timur) for dinner by Monica when I asked for a cheap and good seafood place. She even made sure I ordered the Kepiting Asap (Smoked Crab) which was the bomb. The seafood there was really fresh and most importantly, saves the pocket-burning issue. Rice, crab, cockles, clams, and drinks were charged at IDR219K ($15.30), good price for really fresh and good seafood. Will I come back again? YES.

I'm so glad to have contacted Monica before I came on this trip. It's been 5-6 years since we last met at the boutique we worked together during our college/university days. Will be meeting her on the third day of my Jakarta trip and I can't wait to catch up with her. She's an amazing person and makes really beautiful dresses so please go check out Anna Ateliers and show some support! #GirlPower

Java Jazz Festival day one starts in the next blog post, see you there!

xx,
R.