For several years now, the growth of Indonesian cuisine haute restaurants in Jakarta has gone stagnant but that doesn’t mean the existing players are running out of customers. In fact, they’re still frequented by both local and foreign visitors. Speaking of which, Harum Manis is among one of them.
A quick lunch was all I need to immerse myself into Harum Manis’ forte in Indonesian cuisine. Even though I cannot help to hope that the atmosphere would be as peaceful and pristine like at its sister restaurant just across, Cassis, but that’s solely because Indonesian food is exactly what everyone goes after for lunch.
Most of the guests appeared like professionals and around half of the crowd was actually Japanese and foreign expats. In terms of appearance, Harum Manis boasts its colonial looks and from the menu, a really extensive choice that requires anyone to return from time to explore all.
The special grilled chicken was one helluva complete package for two to three people and it possesses not only the moist, sweet, and well-flavored chicken, but also complemented with satay, sweet and spicy thinly sliced fried potatoes, telur pindang, urab, sambal, and rice – all showered by fried cashew nuts to give a modern touch to this dish.
Plenty of room to explore from the menu and surely, you can never get tired of Indonesian food. Although I tried only one dish, I can safely assume that the rest of the gang should be a commendable treat for anyone from locals to expats. While at that, nothing beats the treats you have chosen with a ‘locally brewed inside a bamboo’ bir pletok – the signature Betawi drink that you should not miss at all.
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HARUM MANIS
Halal-friendly
Some menu are suitable for vegetarians
Address:
Apartemen Pavilion, Jalan K.H. Mas Mansyur, Jakarta – Indonesia
Opening hours:
Everyday, 11.30am – 2.30pm (lunch), 6pm – 10.30pm (dinner)
RSVP: +62.21.5794.1727
Website: www.harum-manis.com
Facebook: Harum Manis Indonesian Restaurant Jakarta
Twitter: @HarumManisResto
Spend: IDR 75,000 – IDR 150,000 / person
RIAN FARISA 