Dining In Jakarta The Flavors Of Indonesia In A Nutshell

On the face of it, the smoggy, featureless plain of Jakarta is not exactly the highlight

of Indonesia; in fact, it bears all the surface characteristics of the great "just-passing-through" cities of the world. However, this appearance completely glosses over the fascinating ethnic make-up and cultural diversity of Jakarta, which bleeds out, blends together and finally emerges as an unparalleled flavor encapsulating the spirit of Indonesia in a nutshell. As is usually the case in cosmopolitan cities, this trait is highlighted best in the many and varied cuisine options in the city, which range from local to international delicacies in every price range to suit your wallet.

Jakarta is sometimes jokingly known among travelers as the "Big Durian", which may be taken as a not altogether flattering moniker, but you certainly get the point that its people are somewhat food-obsessed. The first thing the well-prepared traveler needs to do is purchase the "Jakarta Good Food Guide" (JGFG) which details pretty much every fine dining and casual eatery of note in the city. Filled with reviews and tips, the popularity of this publication is such that it is now an iPod Application frequently downloaded and used by Jakartans.

If you're the type of traveler who would rather stick to the well-trodden culinary paths rather than subject your stomach to the tender mercies of the local food, then you're in luck. The city boasts restaurants ranging from the expected staples of Indian, Chinese, American fast food and Asian dining to Swiss, Lebanese, Mexican, Spanish - wherever you come from, chances are you'll be able to find something to soothe your homesick taste buds. Sampling the local fare is not an adventure to be taken lightly - these spicy foods are a whole other level of hot, especially the Pandang food of Central Java. And while Jakarta hosts a significant number of up-scale restaurants, the real "taste" of the city lies in its street food - the gerobak (roaming food carts) and the warung (food stall, which are a small step up). The food hawked by these sellers is usually safe to eat, providing one uses one's own cutlery and ensures that the food is thoroughly cooked. Also, they usually sell the best-tasting snacks and meals in the city, not to mention that eating in the streets while rubbing shoulders with the common folk and street vendors brings home to you the unique flavors of Jakarta living in ways that nothing else can.

Other than the many food courts that are the refuge of the indecisive diner, the most upscale international fine dining establishments are found within the exclusive hotels of the Golden Triangle area in the business district. To this end, it is advisable that travelers seeking Jakarta accommodation choose from an establishment within this area. Corporate housing in Jakarta is freely available in the Golden Triangle area, such as the Somerset Berlian. As fun a pastime as pounding the pavement in search of exotic cuisine can be, it is always best for the weary traveler to have the best in dining right at one's doorstep.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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