Vegetables with peanut dressing, coconut rice, and a sweet pancake to divide: three stops for a group that likes to compare. Cikini, Kebon Kacang and Pecenongan need travel between them. Spread the food over the day and plan rides around traffic and current service.
Editorial demo by a fictional creator. Dishes below are suggested orders. Check current menus and hours.
Start at Gado-Gado Bonbin with the signature plate rather than ordering across the menu. Share a serving and notice how the peanut dressing sits on the different vegetables and accompaniments. Ask about sauces and extras if anyone at the table has ingredient restrictions.
What I ordered
Gado-gado in Jakarta
Try a vegetable, tofu and a little dressing together. A vegetable-led plate does not by itself establish every ingredient in the sauce.
At Zainal Fanani, begin with the coconut rice and add side dishes gradually. The wrapped rice portions make it easy for the table to adjust the order to different appetites. Ask what chicken and other accompaniments are available before adding another round.
What I ordered
Nasi uduk in Kebon Kacang
Open a rice portion and taste a little without a side dish. Then decide which accompaniment your table wants to share.
Finish in Pecenongan with one martabak manis for the group. Confirm that you want the sweet pancake, then choose a filling everyone can enjoy. A simple combination makes more sense here than collecting toppings just because the menu is long.
What I ordered
Martabak manis: a sweet evening ritual
Divide it into small pieces while warm. Chocolate, peanut or cheese can be a starting point, depending on the current menu.
