Jakarta : Kaum

Savor the indigenous Indonesian dishes at Kaum !




Looking on how many modern Indonesian restaurant that are popping up recently in Jakarta, really makes me happy! I personally think that it's about time to leveling up our own cuisine, breaking the stereotype that Indonesian food are not 'cool', or not 'instagrammable' or not pretty in presentation. Am I right?

I think as an Indonesian, we definitely have to appreciate more of our cuisine. We have sooooo many varieties of dishes and ingredients, and in fact, Indonesian had 3257 type of dishes to be exact ! ( According to Profesor Murdijati Gardjito's research ). And I guess, this is what Kaum wants to do as their concept of doing a restaurant. 

In Kaum, you will savor some unique dishes from all over Indonesia. Something that we wasn't familiar with or... something that we always eat, but with a different twist. So again... I think we have to appreciate their effort in doing this type of concept. Yeah.... usually we won't appreciate Indonesian food in a restaurant since we had abundant local street food with of course.. cheaper price.

I totally loveeee their interior though! The space was quite huuugeee with high ceiling. Every month they featured different Indonesian artist, and that time it was an interesting art-installation by Jompet Kuswidananto. Kaum had a big open bar on one side, and an open kitchen on the other side. So I guess, wherever you sit, you will get a different experience.

For the starter, we opted for Gohu Tuna ( Maluku ) - IDR 78.000,-. Gohu Tuna is a dish that I really love since I'm always a big fan of raw food. We usually called this dish 'Indonesian Ceviche', since the people in Maluku doing the same technique of 'cooking' the fish with citrus juice. This Gohu Tuna was served beautifully with pomelo, 'kenari' nuts and Indonesian crackers 'kerupuk'. You really can taste the coconut oil in this dish, since it's quite lingering in your mouth. But then your palate was quite refresh by the acidity from pomelo and calamansi juice. It was a perfect dish and I'm digging for more !

Next is Lidah Bakar Sambal Tangkil - IDR 85.000,-. This one was also a winning dish! Very tender Beef Tongue ( which usually quite hard to cook ) with 'sambal' on top. Bit of heat won't hurt you, right?

Ayam Berantakan - IDR 65.000,-. Is this dish is a similar dish to 'Ayam Tangkap' from Aceh ? The chicken was a bit big in pieces and a bit dry. So I don't think it was marinate well since I can't taste any spices or seasoning in the chicken. But the topping which is grated coconut, curry leaves, fried garlic quite fragrant in taste.
 

 Nasi Goreng Cabe Asap - IDR 120.000,-. THIS ONE IS A MUST ORDER ! Seriously, you can't miss this dish because how scrumptious it is ! ( Looks can be deceiving ) They use 'smoked chili' to make this fried rice, so you really can taste the smokiness in one bite ! I think this is a very brilliant idea! The fried rice was cooked with shrimp and stinky beans or Indonesian called it 'petai'. Winning dish for me.

Mie Gomak - IDR 85.000,-. I can't tell much about this dish, since it's just an okay dish for me.

Ikan Bakar Sambal Dabu Dabu - IDR 150.000,-. The grilled fish was fresh and nicely cooked. But the dabu-dabu ( Indonesian Salsa ) need more 'punch' in it. A bit more heat and a bit more acidity.



Sate Sapi Wagyu Maranggi - IDR 130.000,-. This one actually was a reallyyy good maranggi ! Love the balance taste of the sweet and the spice, and the beef was quite tender.

Pepes Aneka  Jamur - IDR 55.000,-. Pepes Jamur ( Mushroom wrapped in Banana Leaves ) is actually my all time favorite dish. But this one unfortunately didn't meet my expectation. Too much coconut, and missing the smokey taste that you usually found in 'pepes'.

Sambal Selections

And for the dessert, we tried all of 3 desserts that available and it was really good !
First is Kue Lumpur and Bubur Ketan Hitam - IDR 45.000,-. The best Kue Lumpur that I've had so far ! The texture was soooo soft and fluffy, and I love the salty sweet creamy coconut taste in it ! The bubur ketan hitam ( black glutinous rice pudding) was perfectly done as well.

 Klappertart - IDR 45.000,-. This one is actually an Indonesian version of bread pudding. It was warm and comforting with hint of 'rhum' in it.

Lapis Surabaya Selai Nanas Madu -IDR 45.000,-. Not like usual lapis surabaya, this one has strong sweet pineapple taste! 

drinks !

Kaum Jakarta
Jl. Dr. Kusuma Atmaja No. 77 – 79
Menteng, Central Jakarta
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu 18.00 – 00.00
Fri-Sat 18.00 – 02.00
Sun 18.00 – 22.00
Instagram : @Kaum_Jakarta

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