For quite some time now, Jakartans have been eagerly awaiting for a cool burger joint to open in the city. Thanks to the Potato Head family, the wait is over, with the opening recently of Three Buns.
Three Buns opened with a bang and is a shot in the arm for the Jakarta culinary scene. It is a prime example of how a fresh eatery concept, or in this case – a burger joint, can get all the rage!
The first visual you see when you arrive at Three Buns is the old van at the façade, which doubles as the order counter. The space is actually designed as a warehouse filled with wooden block furniture and has a multi tier design. Green plants and focused lighting add to the mood and feel. Since it is not your typical burger place, the bustling open kitchen wherein the staff is busy preparing the burgers becomes a focal point. Their long bar towards the right of the space is where their creative nostalgic sodas and bottled cocktails are dispensed.
The heart and soul of the burger-making operation is Chef Adam Penney, who has been brought in from London specifically for Three Buns. A veteran of some of the UK’s finest restaurant kitchens, Adam was previously behind the enormous critical success of London’s ‘Patty & Bun’–a burger restaurant described by Time Out as having “a reputation for London’s finest burgers” and the “burger supremo.” His cooking marries his rigorous classical training with a deep passion for simple and honest food with hard hitting flavors.
The gourmet burgers and sides demonstrate Chef Adam’s talent, love of high quality meat and sauces and years of research to create the perfect burger. Using the finest Australian Brahman beef and a bespoke artisan bun, and cooked precisely to medium unless otherwise requested. The ‘Baby Huey’–a classic cheeseburger with slow cooked ketchup, smoky mustard and paprika mayo–and the ‘Burning Man’ garnished with roasted jalapeno peppers, cheese and a Japanese mayonnaise made with shaved bonito and seaweed kombu are the highlights. For sides, you can choose from their ‘Naughty Fries’–twice cooked, hand cut potatoes smothered in a gochujang (the Korean condiment rich with spicy, umami flavor) béarnaise and beef chilli–or the ‘Wing Its’–twice fried yoghurt milk breaded chicken wings in a spicy sauce. The individual dessert puddings of ‘Spiced Chocolate’ or ‘Lemon Posset’ are a perfect ending to a great meal.
World-renowned mixologist Dre Masso creates cocktails which reflect the restaurant’s philosophy of simplicity, innovation and quality. House-made natural sodas, craft bottled cocktails as well as frozen coladas are perfectly paired with the burgers.
You may want to say that the crowds queuing outside before opening hours may be exaggerated, but I would want to believe that there is a reason why everyone is flocking to Three Buns. Give it a try and tell us what you think.
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THREE BUNS
Address:
Jalan Senopati no. 90, Jakarta – Indonesia
Telp: +62.21.2930.7780
Website
Facebook
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Opening hours: Everyday, 11am – 12am
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Featured in THE FOODIE MAGAZINE May 2014 edition
Download it for free here via SCOOP!
Written with: Jed Doble
Photos by: Dennie Benedict
RIAN FARISA 