Echoing Locavore’s dedication to local ingredients and innovative flavors, Jakarta’s culinary scene welcomes a new addition with Peggy’s Brass Knuckles.  Known for its innovative and ethically sourced dishes, Locavore has garnered a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries. Peggy’s Brass Knuckles, while maintaining Locavore’s commitment to quality ingredients, takes a slightly different approach, offering a menu that leans towards comforting and familiar flavors. However, the meticulous cooking techniques and dedication to local produce ensure an exciting dining experience that stays true to Locavore’s core philosophy.

Having long heard of Locavore’s prestige and culinary stories, experiencing their creations firsthand left me deeply intrigued. The passion and dedication behind their dishes have always fascinated me.

So, when Locavore delighted everyone with the news of their first restaurant in Jakarta, I was enthralled, especially seeing the concept, I was beyond excited. And while Peggy’s focuses more on comforting, homey food rather than experimental recipes—a slight deviation from Locavore’s norm—their offerings still pack a punch through meticulous cooking processes.

Situated within Shophaus Mahakam, Peggy’s offers a multifaceted dining experience, comprising a restaurant space, an onsite butcher’s shop, bakery, retail space (Peggy’s Grocery), café, and bar. The trendy semi-industrial decor, warm lighting, comfortable seating, and bustling open kitchen contribute to the inviting ambiance. 

Under the stewardship of Chef Aga Alvian, Peggy’s Brass Knuckles isn’t your typical fine dining establishment. It embodies the concept of a proper restaurant, where the team prioritizes creating food they love to cook and eat themselves, complemented by quality drinks.

Beyond its role as a restaurant, Peggy’s also houses an onsite butcher’s shop, bakery, and retail space known as Peggy’s Grocery. Here, patrons can purchase locally sourced meat cuts, sausages, freshly baked bread, and homemade delicacies to enjoy at home. Additionally, Peggy’s Café offers a selection of quality coffee, while the bar serves locally brewed craft beers on tap. Peggy’s Grocery serves as a platform for sharing the team’s culinary discoveries and creations, allowing patrons to enjoy authentic flavors in the comfort of their own kitchens.

Stepping inside the unassuming restaurant, guests are greeted by two distinct areas. Peggy’s Grocery, characterized by long tables and overflowing racks of baked goods such as Caramel onion & bacon Canelé, Meat Pie, Seasonal Babka, among others, all curated by Dr. Debryna Dewi. The casual and laid-back atmosphere is complete with a beer tap wall, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon break.

Across the space lies the main dining room, a stark contrast to the grocery’s casual vibe. Here, Chef Aga and his team skillfully prepare dishes in an open kitchen setting, preparing a dining experience that will stay with you long after your last bite.

Despite the crisp white linens adorning each table, Peggy’s exudes a cozy ambiance that promises memorable dining experiences. The chefs at Peggy’s Brass Knuckles take pride in sourcing the finest local ingredients in Indonesia, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to championing Indonesian culinary heritage. 

Beyond à la carte options, Peggy’s offers a set menu – “Peggy’s set menu” – consisting of a delightful mix of small plates, larger plates, sides, and desserts.

Peggy’s Brass Knuckles isn’t afraid to play with flavor. Their menu offers dishes that tickle both comfort cravings and adventurous palates. Like their Signature Duck Breast, a perfectly dry-aged (5 days) masterpiece boasting incredibly tender meat beneath a shatteringly crisp skin. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, complemented by a glossy, spiced duck jus that adds both depth and brightness. 

“It’s important to work with the best ethical farms, and ensure no waste when working with animals (and plants). We choose lesser-known cuts for their often incredible taste.”  This dedication to sustainable practices shines through in their menu. 

Their slow-cooked beef tongue, for example, is melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a rich bone marrow jus that adds a luxurious depth of flavor. The herbaceous chimichurri cuts through with a vibrant freshness, making each bite a delightful interplay of textures and tastes. They also offer other intriguing options, like kobe fried beef brain, for those seeking a truly adventurous culinary experience.

But their sweet finale is what excites me the most. Their chocolate ganache tart is sure to impress. The decadent and thick chocolate filling pairs surprisingly well with the thin and crumbly tart shell. The vanilla crème fraîche cuts through the chocolate brilliantly, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors that ensures the richness never becomes overwhelming. It’s a perfect example of how Peggy’s Brass Knuckles constantly surprises and delights with their culinary creations.

Peggy's Brass Knuckles

Shophaus Mahakam Jl. Mahakam No.17 2nd Floor, Kramat Pela, Kec. Kby. Baru, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12310