14 Hidden-Gem Eateries in Jakarta You Need to Try

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14 Hidden-Gem Eateries in Jakarta You Need to Try

Beyond the traffic and skyscrapers, Jakarta has a more intimate side filled with tucked-away cafés and dining spots — some hidden in quiet alleys, others nestled in bustling districts that most people overlook. The capital always has something unexpected waiting to be discovered. If you want to explore beyond the usual hotspots, here are the hidden gems worth seeking out.

Central Jakarta

Bakmie Aboen

Hidden in the labyrinth of Pasar Baru, Bakmi Aboen is a noodle house that has stood the test of time since 1962. Its star dish is the non-halal bakmi: springy, homemade noodles topped with char siu pork, crispy roasted pork, minced chicken, mushrooms, beef meatballs, and fried wontons on the side. First-timers should go straight for the Bakmi Babi Special. Made fresh daily, the noodles have a signature slick yet springy texture, and the rich, savoury bowl is the definition of old-school Chinese comfort food.

Jl. Belakang Kongsi No 16, Pasar Baru, Jakarta 10710 | Phone: (+6221) 3440006

Jungen Joint

A popular home-style burger spot in Pasar Baru started by a mother and her son, Jungen Joint seats just 6–8 people on its front veranda. It opens at 11 AM Wednesday to Sunday and makes only about 30 burgers a day, so arrive early. The Jungen Signature burger layers a sesame brioche bun, signature beef patty, cheese, pickles, and caramelised onions — its distinctive flavour coming from a sauce spiked with Middle Eastern spices, especially cumin.

Jl. Kelinci Raya No.30, Pasar Baru, Jakarta 10710 | Instagram

Maison Weiner

Tucked into a small alley in Kwitang, Maison Weiner feels like a portal to old Batavia. Since 1936, this beloved bakery has welcomed generations of Jakartans, its butter-and-fresh-bread aroma transporting visitors to another era. Vintage wooden shelves, red-plaid café tables, and nostalgic charm have defined the shop for nearly a century.

Jl. Kramat II No.2, Senen, Jakarta 10420 | Open 07:00–18:00 (closed Sunday and public holidays) | Phone: (+6221) 3906719

Warung Roekoen

In the relentless bustle of Senen, Warung Roeken is a quiet antidote on Jalan Kramat Pulo Dalam — a longtime saviour of local boarding-house residents. The old-school "jadul" interior feels like a vintage living room frozen in time, and the uncomplicated menu serves comforting, everyday Indonesian fare at wallet-friendly prices.

Jl. Kramat Pulo Dalam 1 No.B72, Jakarta 10450 | Open 11:00–22:00 (Tue–Sun) | Phone: +6282129222772

North Jakarta

Lind's Ice Cream

Lind's Ice Cream in Kelapa Gading has delighted Indonesia's dessert lovers since 1987. What began as a home industry is now a beloved brand with locations in Semarang, Surabaya, and Jakarta — all built on natural, high-quality ingredients: fresh milk, real fruit, and classic recipes.

Gading Batavia LC9/33, Kelapa Gading, Jakarta 14240 | Phone: +628176354637

Seoul Bakeshop

In the unassuming streets of Penjaringan, Seoul Bakeshop is a sweet surprise that feels worlds away from its industrial surroundings. The highlight is its signature Kouign Amann with osmanthus cream — golden, sugar-coated pastry topped with seasonal fruits like Muscat grapes, strawberries, and peaches, for a crisp, fragrant dessert that is indulgent without being overly sweet.

Jl. Arwana Raya No.38 Lantai 3, Penjaringan, Jakarta 14450 | Phone: +628111084655

South Jakarta

Babi Tong

In a quiet alley near Fatmawati and Cipete, Babi Tong hides in a residential house with no big signage — just follow your map and the flyer leading to the rooftop. The menu blends local flavours with a distinct smoking technique: an eight-hour process that yields crispy, smoky roasted pork and crackling with flavourful fat still seeping inside.

Jl. Nangka I No.6, Cipete Utara, Jakarta 12150 | Phone: +6287772668276

Bebek Perdikan

Hidden beyond an ordinary-looking wall at the end of Gang Susu, Bebek Perdikan is a verdant escape with towering bamboo and a traditional Javanese-house dining area of wood, oil lanterns, and birdcages. The signature Bebek Goreng Perdikan pairs crispy fried duck, sprinkled with fried garlic, alongside rice, chilli paste, and fresh vegetables.

Gg. Susu No.2, Karet Semanggi, Jakarta 12930 | Phone: +628126444264

Hakon Ethnic

Amid the glass towers of Setiabudi, Hakon Ethnic is a leafy café-meets-gallery oasis. The first floor doubles as a ceramic art gallery showcasing Widayanto's vibrant statues, carved wood, and hand-painted bowls — making it feel like sipping matcha surrounded by living art.

Jl. Taman Setiabudi 2 No.11, Jakarta Selatan 12910 | Phone: +6285121118120

Plate Palate

Hidden along Kemang Timur, Plate Palate offers a refreshing take on modern fusion cuisine, presented with the warmth of home-style cooking.

Jl. Kemang Timur IIIA No.2C, Jakarta 12730 | Phone: +6285715228122

Warung Pak Chandra

Tucked in a small shophouse in the Grand Wijaya complex, Warung Pak Chandra blends local Indonesian dishes with vibrant Thai flavours, drawing on founder Chandra Drews' culinary journey and complementary spices from Thailand.

Grand Wijaya, G-10, Jl. Wijaya II, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160 | Phone: +62856 9337 3876

West Jakarta

Layers Bakehouse

Quietly nestled in a Tomang housing complex, Layers Bakehouse serves buttery croissants, delicate cakes, and comforting coffee, plus a small selection of Western-inspired savoury dishes — an easy spot for a relaxed brunch or afternoon treat.

Jl. Gelong Baru No.11 F, Tomang, Jakarta 11440 | Phone: +6289516262603

Rumah Juliet

In Tanjung Duren, known for its Buddhist community, Rumah Juliet is a plant-based dessert haven. Since 2016 it has served cakes, pastries, cookies, donuts, and savoury dishes that are entirely vegan — ideal for plant-based eaters and dieters. Note that the alley is inaccessible by car, so drivers should park nearby and walk.

Jl. Alpukat 3 No. 52, Tanjung Duren Utara, Jakarta Barat 11460 | Phone: +6287875335889

Same Same Bakery

Set within the Kerta Niaga Building, a colonial-era structure dating back to 1912, Same Same Bakery shares the spotlight with viral favourites like Oo Donut and Little Salt Bread in Blok M. The scent of fresh butter and just-baked pastries pulls you in before you even realise it.

Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.11B, Kota Tua, Jakarta 11110