Chinatown is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. One of its must-visit destinations is Petak Enam, located in the Chandra building, which serves as a food court in the heart of Jakarta’s Chinatown. Decorated with traditional Chinese architectural elements, Petak Enam is a haven for food lovers, offering a wide range of mouth-watering selections from Chinese, Taiwanese, Peranakan, and many more.
As we walked into Petak Enam di Chandra, we were struck by the lively and buzzing atmosphere. The vast hall was impressive, with its soaring ceilings and many delightful stalls with different food choices. The space was alive with the sounds and smelled of various food vendors selling areas. Here is our guide on what to get in this food lover’s paradise!
Petak Enam di Chandra
Cempedak Cik Lina
Cempedak Goreng khas Cik Line is sweet and crunchy and has been a popular destination for foodies in Glodok since the New Order era. What started as a small shop tucked away in an alley on Jalan Pancoran, Tamansari has now become a bustling hotspot always packed with visitors. It is said that they have been famous since the 1990s.
The consistent concoction of the flour mixture and perfectly ripe cempedak has made Cik Lina’s fried cempedak a favorite among locals and tourists.
The preparation of Cik Lina’s fried cempedak is relatively simple. She mixes the flour mixture with fresh cempedak fruit and deep fries it, similar to fried bananas. However, what sets it apart is the quality of the jackfruit itself. Cik Lina only uses cempedak that is fully ripe, with orange flesh, a soft texture, and a naturally sweet taste.
Despite its simplicity, Cik Lina’s fried cempedak offers a unique and flavorful taste that keeps visitors coming back for more. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring the culinary delights of Glodok and a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest dishes can be the most satisfying.
Pieces of Peace
A cozy tea shop called Pieces of Peace is tucked away in the corner of the second floor of Petak Enam, located in the Glodok area of West Jakarta. Despite its relatively small size, this shop offers its patrons a unique and calming experience. The Tea Room concept of Pieces of Peace allows guests to enjoy a wide selection of teas while also having the opportunity to brew their own tea.
Pieces of Peace is known for its impressive collection of over 30 types of tea sourced from local farmers across Indonesia. With such an extensive selection, guests will indeed find a tea that suits their tastes. The shop provides a menu that details each tea’s origin, characteristics, and flavor profile, allowing visitors to make an informed decision.
One of the highlights of the Pieces of Peace experience is the chance to brew your own tea. The shop provides a set of brewing tools, including a teapot, infuser, and timer, along with easy-to-follow instructions on the brewing process. Guests can take their time and enjoy the art of tea brewing while also experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the process.
Ho Jiak Lai Lai
Ho Jiak Lai Lai, also known as Ho Lai, is a culinary sensation that has brought the flavors of Peranakan Medan to Jakarta in a modern and exciting way. The name ‘Ho Jiak Lai Lai’ is a nod to the Hokkien dialect, meaning ‘delicious’ or ‘come and eat something delicious.’
Despite offering a small selection of dishes, HoJiak LaiLai’s menu is bursting with flavor. Options include nasi lemak curry, nasi lemak rendang, laksa, burnt noodles, burnt kwetiau, and sirem kwetiau, all of which can be enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Laksatiam
Laksatiam is a one-of-a-kind eatery that combines the deliciousness of laksa with the coziness of a coffee shop. On their menu, you can find two varieties of laksa – seafood laksa and chicken laksa – both served with your choice of noodle or vermicelli fillings. These dishes are prepared with a generous amount of spices and topped with bean sprouts, boiled chicken eggs, fish balls, shrimp, curry leaves, lime juice, and chili sauce. One thing that sets Laksatiam apart is their use of milk instead of coconut milk in their laksa sauce. Despite this deviation, the taste remains delectable, as the sauce still contains the perfect blend of spices and dried shrimp (ebi) that provides a savory and flavorful taste to the laksa.
Kuo Tie Shantung Ling
Kuo Tie Shantung Ling, a Kuo Tie shop located in Petak Enam, Glodok, Jakarta. Offering a unique twist on the typical Chinese snack that resembles Japanese gyoza. As you approach the stall, you will witness the staff crafting each piece of Kuotie with great care and precision.
Kuotie, also known as jiaozi, is a dim sum filled with various meats and vegetables mixed with strong spices, traditionally made with pork. However, this particular shop uses a combination of chicken and shrimp to cater to the halal dietary requirements of Muslim consumers. This branch in Petak Enam is an extension of the shop located in Cengkareng, and all of their Kuotie is made fresh on location. You can also choose grilled or deep-fried.
Powerpuff - Power Puff - Taiwanese Burning Puff
The captivating sight of a vendor torching the tall puff has drawn attention to the Power Puff stall. The Taiwanese Burning Puff, also known as Soes Cake in Taiwan, is a classic cream puff with a generous amount of custard, topped with a crispy layer of creme brulee that is torched to perfection. The burnt sugar gives it a unique caramelized flavor that elevates the taste of this delicious dessert.
Power Puff offers three puffs: Burning Puff, Matcha Puff, and Durian Puff. The Burning Puff is the most popular, and for a good reason. The vanilla cream filling is similar to a Koe Soes but with an added touch of melted sugar that enhances the sweetness. Surprisingly, the Burning Puff strikes a perfect balance even for those who do not prefer sweet desserts. The bread of the puff is also noteworthy, offering a delightful crunch that complements the soft, creamy filling. It’s a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and caramelized flavors that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
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