“I drink, therefore I am.” That’s the cheeky motto that greets you at Carrots, a 14-seater bar tucked into a quiet corner of the basement parking of a Central Jakarta entertainment complex. With a name that raises more questions than it answers, Carrots blends speakeasy charm with the warmth of a friend’s living room. Drinks are inventive but unpretentious, service is polished but personal. It’s the kind of bar that doesn’t need a sign on the door—its story spreads through people.
Their story hit a new chapter when Carrots landed at No. 34 on 2025 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list just a few weeks ago. For Head Bartender Anthony Luis, it was surreal: “It’s literally a dream come true,” he says, still half-celebrating. Co-owners Alvin Sung Jaya and Monica Jonan echoed the joy, but also admitted to a sense of disbelief. “To be up there with the giants of the industry, we’re humbled and awed. But also, I’m a bit nervous. Will we meet expectations?”
The team celebrated the announcement with cheers, tears, and later, a traditional tumpengan (Indonesian cone-shaped turmeric rice and side dishes) shared with friends and regulars. “Impostor syndrome was real,” Monica admits. “We’ve learned so much from other bars across Asia. So to be on the list ourselves, it was overwhelming.”
A Bar Built on Personality and Intention
Carrots wasn’t built to chase awards — it was meant to be a place where conversation flows and people feel at ease. Monica and Alvin, both in their thirties, wanted to create a non-smoking space where friends could reconnect. That vision grew into something more: a quiet refuge for solo guests, a place where strangers meet, and a home for bartenders to shine.
The menu is personal, too. Drinks like the Kretek—reminiscent of clove cigarettes—and Baba Daiquiri, inspired by nostalgic desserts, reflect the team’s Indonesian roots. “We don’t intentionally source local ingredients,” Monica explains. “They just naturally influence what we make.”
Carrots runs on hospitality, not hierarchy. Staff are chosen as much for who they are as what they can do. “We trust them to connect with guests genuinely,” Alvin says. With the tight space and communal layout, interaction isn’t optional—it’s expected, it’s part of the DNA.
The Bartender at the Center
At the heart of the bar is Anthony, whose story began with washing glasses at the Trisakti Bartending Club, which he joined while he was finishing his hotel management degree. At the club he learned the basics, joined competitions and was inspired by flair bartending. In 2021, Anthony landed a pivotal internship at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong at PDT (Please Don’t Tell) Bar and the then Two Michelin Starred Amber Restaurant, both stints would largely impact his career and palate. Returning to Indonesia, he launched a mocktail café, then joined Bar Mirai (now a Whiskey Bar), and eventually found his place at Carrots.
His Baba Daiquiri became a breakout drink, showcasing a toasted milk-wash technique that earned him guest shifts across Asia. His personal favorite, Born to Tini, is a dirty martini that nods to his hometown, Singkawang. Inspiration often comes from food—he references fine dining chefs like Chef Ardika Dwitama of August as creative influences. “If you’re passionate, you’ll naturally be curious. I just want to keep learning and getting better.”
What’s Next for Carrots
The team is expanding—literally. A new room is underway to host larger groups and private events, but the communal spirit will stay intact. As for Anthony, he dreams of returning to Singkawang one day to open a bar of his own. “Maybe in 20 years,” he jokes.
Carrots’ advice to those coming up in the industry is simple: be kind, be real, do your best. “Respect your seniors,” Anthony says. “Work hard, party harder. I’ll let you know if that changes in 10 years.”
They hope Jakarta’s bar scene will gain more global attention. “Jakarta has long been a transit city,” Monica says. “But maybe now people will stay a night or two and explore what we have to offer.” Recognition from 50 Best has already shifted some perception—and brought new visitors through their doors.
“All we did was try our best to stay consistent and genuine by focusing on our community and our team,” says Monica. At Carrots, that’s always been the point.
Carrots
Fairgrounds SCBD Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.14 Lot 14, Basement Level, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta City, Jakarta 12190
