Have you ever had a favorite dish from your childhood that lingers in your heart long after the moment has passed? Often, food transcends taste; it carries memories—a birthday cake shared with family, a snack bought after school, or the aroma of a home-cooked meal. These dishes are more than flavors—they’re moments.
In its latest seasonal menu, Moments, ESA Restaurant invites us to explore these nostalgic connections through food, art, and storytelling. Conceptualized by Chef Aditya Muskita, the new menu unfolds in four thoughtful acts: The Journey Home, An Adventure, Memories, and Festivity. Each course reflects deeply personal stories while evoking a universal sense of curiosity and nostalgia.
“Memories aren’t linear; they’re like bubbles—a mix of familiar but forgotten tastes,” Chef Aditya shares. With Moments, ESA doesn’t aim to replicate memories but to stir them through sensations—the way something is cooked, its aroma, or even the visual presentation.
For me, the new season brought more than just flavors; it resonated with my own experiences. Take their Rujak Ikan, for instance. The dish reminded me of childhood trips to the traditional market with my mom. Memories like these show how food can connect us to our roots, no matter how far we go.
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Moments in Four Acts
The menu opens with The Journey Home, a tribute to those cherished after-school moments. Imagine the crackle of hot oil and the scent of something frying—perhaps snacks waiting on the dining table, a sweetness lingering in the air.
An Adventure brings diners to the road trips that are so familiar to Jakartans—weekend escapes just beyond the city. Think of dishes inspired by stops in Puncak: lamb satay paired with sweet iced tea, reimagined here with ESA’s signature touch.
The most personal chapter, Memories, dives into Chef Aditya’s life experiences. Memories of Copenhagen stands out—a Nordic-inspired palate cleanser reflecting his travels abroad. It’s light, clean, and yet layered, a moment of pause before the final act.
Festivity closes the menu with a celebration of diversity. Inspired by Chef Aditya’s mixed heritage, these dishes mirror the communal joy of sharing food during gatherings. “In my family, festivities are about gathering, sharing, and honoring traditions,” he reflects.
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Art Meets Memory
ESA’s storytelling extends beyond the plate. This season, the restaurant collaborates with Studio Metta Setiandi to showcase artworks that echo the themes of memory and legacy. Pieces like Collective Legacy (2022), a reflection on generational stories, and Gift of Time (2023), a fabric-based artwork symbolizing resilience, add layers to the dining experience. A living piece titled Memories (2025) evolves alongside the season, embodying new shared moments at ESA.
A Clean Celebration of Indonesian Flavors
What sets this experience apart is its clarity. To me, Moments is not only a journey through Chef Aditya’s personal memories but also a celebration of how Indonesian flavor profiles are expressed purely and intentionally—free from the confines of traditional labels like ‘rendang’ or ‘rawon,’ yet deeply rooted in their essence. From subtle nods to Nordic minimalism to reimagined local dishes, each act reveals ESA’s unique approach to storytelling through food.
“It’s not just about eating—it’s about connecting with stories, tastes, and moments that feel both personal and universal,” Chef Aditya concludes. And that connection, as I experienced it, is what makes Moments at ESA so special.
For those who seek more than just a meal, ESA’s Moments offers a sensory and emotional journey through food, art, and memory—an invitation to relive and create new stories around the table.
