I’m in the kitchen every Thursday to Monday morning, baking for Breaking Bread. Monday afternoon to Wednesday, I run a side hustle as a restaurant/kitchen consultant.
Breaking Bread started around April 2020 when I was still working as an executive chef for GIOI, was sold and promoted once a week out of my private Instagram account. There was no branding, no phone number, I was just relying on word of mouth and hoping for the best.
Back in January 2021, I resigned from my position to pursue this business idea where savoury pastry is the main focus where all the layers and elements are homemade.
At Breaking Bread, the best sellers are: Sei Sapi Puff, Scallop Pie, Green Curry Opor Hot Pocket, and Kemangi Pesto Ube Brioche.
Is there any place you miss most during the dining restriction?
Kecombrang Martini and Batagor by KAUM restaurant. The only place that I actually miss during PPKM. They offer really good cocktails and they are able to keep the great Indonesian flavours without being pretentious. The live music is decent too, you can actually keep a good conversation without the music being overwhelmingly deafening.
Do you have a favorite restaurant – special occasions fine dining and for more casual dining?
Ropang Plus Plus Pluit, for their Mie Ijo Kuah and Mie Goreng Rendang, Tahu Cabe Garam and Nasi Goreng Cakalang. Their ijo kuah is home made so it is fresh, firm, and springy. It makes for the proper takeaway menu.
For special occasions my place to go is Ahwa restaurant in Dutamas. My family and I have been going to Ahwa for as long as I can remember! If you ever plan to visit Ahwa you have to try Steamed Kerapu Yomyam, Ayam Timah, Kodok Cabe Kering, and Brokoli Cah Terasi. The last one is off the menu, and you have to ask for it!
Where would you go if you had to meet up with old friends for food?
Shu Guo Yin Xiang is my go to! Nothing beats a big comforting hotpot meal with a wide variety of broth and toppings to choose from, especially when you can share it with your friends!
When you have visitors from abroad/out of Jakarta, where do you take them to give a genuine taste of Indonesia?
Warteg Gang Mangga, the 24-hours warteg in Glodok. They offer a broad variety of Javanese-Indonesian dishes. Since it’s located in the alleys of the Kota neighborhood, it’s a great chance to see the other side of Jakarta. Jakarta isn’t only about the high rises and the upscale restaurants in Senopati you know! I once took my friend, Rishi of Cloudstreet there, and he was amazed at how a very humble greasy spoon can offer great flavours.
What are your favorite local dishes and where do you go to eat them?
Pempek is the only food I can’t get enough of and won’t make me feel full. I usually get my order from Sari Sanjaya, my go-to orders would be Kapal Selam, Adaan, and Kulit Ikan.
If the pandemic suddenly disappears, where would you go for your first big meal?
If the pandemic suddenly disappeared, I will definitely fly to Bali and have two portions of nasi ayam Mek Susi in Penestanan, Ubud. I’m sure everyone has their own favorite nasi ayam Bali place, but the crispy chicken intestines and the sambal kencur is Mek Susi’s personal touch.