D’Jakarta Cafe Open It’s Door in Philadelphia

“The menu will consist of a variety of Indonesian dishes not just specific ones authentic to Jakarta,” said Beddy. “Some of the items on the menu will be Soto Betawi (Jakarta style beef soup with spicy coconut milk broth), Sate, Bakso (Indonesian meatball soup), ayam goreng (fried chicken) and ayam bakar (grilled chicken). I would recommend trying the Bakmi Jakarta, a noodle dish with clear broth. You can get it with the option of chicken and mushroom or the special Bakmie which is served with pork,” added Wawar, who was formerly a sushi chef and is now working for his brother-in-law Beddy.

The interior of D’Jakarta is decorated with a drawing of Jakarta’s landmark locations such as Monas, the National Monument, and historic train station, Stasiun Kota. A few photographs of Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia such as the infamous temples in Bali and Yogyakarta, can immediately get your attention when you walk-in from the Ritner St. entrance.

The opposite side of the wall is decorated with mini retro transportation models such as becak, a three-wheel bicycle with passengers in the front and one rider in the back, sepeda kumbang, a type bicycle which was popular during the Dutch colonization in Indonesia, bajaj, a three-wheel motorized transportation with two passengers behind the rider and dokar or delman, a traditional type of carriage.

“Our mission is not only to introduce Indonesia through our delicious food but also through the story and arts. As you can see from our décor here,” said Beddy.

“Our hours will be Tuesday to Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM to 9PM, Sundays from 10 AM to 8 PM and closed on Mondays. But this coming Monday, everyone is welcome to our soft opening on July 31^st from 11 AM until 8PM.”

Café D’Jakarta offers 30 seating and is a BYOB spot. Currently the method of payment will be cash only but credit card payment is in the works. Address for the café is at 1540 W Ritner Street. As far as how great the food is, “You will have to come and try,” said Wawar. (Sinta Penyami Storms. mutiariasinta@gmail.com)