A Guide To Jakarta’s Best Ramen With RAMENGVRL
A Guide To Jakarta’s Best Ramen With RAMENGVRL
Indonesian rapper RAMENGVRL is one of the frontrunners of East Asian rap. Going from creating demos in her bedroom to building a reputation in a country where rap and hip-hop is anything but mainstream, RAMENGVRL continues to break down conservative barriers.
RAMENGVRL gives us an insight into the best Japanese spots in Jakarta.
In this Guide
Yoiko Ramen
Jalan Mahakam No.11B12130Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 21 7221691
“Probably the closest literal definition of “hole in the wall”. It’s in the 3rd (or 4th?) floor of a shady looking old building in South Jakarta. The elevator looks kinda eerie too, but they have one of the best goma (sesame) ramen in town in my opinion, and they have tons of Japanese magazines too.”
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Tori Bar
12430Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 818 0364 6051
“Actually owned by a friend, but these words are all mine. It’s become one of the hottest “unknown” bars in Jakarta since the pandemic, funny enough. It has a very “weeb” vibe (the walls are donned in anime posters—mostly One Piece) and they serve umeshu (Japanese plum wine), highball, and soju too. Fun fact: you can queue a song on Youtube via their computer, one thing tho: it’s gotta be Japan-related (be it AKB48, or Sailor Moon opening song, or YOASOBI). If you play Simple Plan be sure you’re gonna get apprehended. And this is literally written in one of their posters.”
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Daitokyo Sakaba
Jalan Melawai 9 No.2612160Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 21 7222047
“Not really a “hole in the wall” coz everybody knows this already, but that’s exactly why it’s a great visit—it’s one of the safest bet in Blok M whole area (it’s like Jakarta’s own Little Tokyo) for great izakaya style menu. Every seat is separated by this wood partition and some kind of noren (fabric dividers) so you get that sense of privacy (unless your neighbors are pretty loud).”
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Umaku Sushi Bintaro
15220BantenIndonesia
+62 812 1212 3153
“If you want cheap no fuss but authentic sushi, go here. The place is quite small and to be honest it doesn’t look very convincing, but trusssst the food’s good, and i’m not just talking about sushi (although I gotta give credit to the THICK cut of the salmon sashimi—that’s rare here). Try their yasai hot plate. Yasai = vegetables. It’s SO good, which is surprising for a person like me.”
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Limelight Karaoke
Jalan Tanjung Duren Barat I11510Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 812 8828 9225
“Not many know about this, but this is the best karaoke place if you’re specifically looking for Japanese songs (from the obvious ones to the anime openings to the more “obscure”). Not only those from Japan but from China and Korea too. If you’re worried they don’t have the song, you can just message them on Facebook prior to your visit and they’ll add it. Omotenashi game on point.”
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Papaya
Jalan Melawai Raya No.2812160Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 21 72793777
“Not exactly hole in the wall but people might forget that THIS is the spot if you’re looking for grocery shopping, but make it Japan. They have almost everything, like cheap sushi, shoyu sauce, even that special sauce you use to make homemade chawan mushi. I usually just go for the sweets—Japanese sweets are on a different level.”
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W2 Salon
Jalan HOS. Cokroaminoto 5210350Daerah Khusus Ibukota JakartaIndonesia
+62 21 3909904
“Usually when people want a “Harajuku haircut” they’d go to a on-brand Japanese salon, but I—after many failed attempts at many salons—personally only trust Rey (@reyhairstylist) in W2 Salon. He studied in Japan and I think Taiwan too and had really honed his skill until he can take over his family salon, but apart from that he’s also in tune with the hottest “Asian hairstyle” (for lack of better word) and is also a weeb himself. If you love One Piece or play Phoenix Wright you’re gonna have a blast talking with him.”
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