The excitement of hunting for delicious food like bakso (meatballs) in Jakarta is everyone's best-kept thing to do. And, it's not uncommon to find hidden gems tucked away in elite residential areas like Hang Lekir, Senayan. These kinds of eateries are cherished by locals and adventurous foodies alike.
Hidden Away: Tracing to the Elite Residential Area to Try Warung Jajan Qiut’s Bakso Jenggot
A packed car park during lunch hours is indeed a telltale sign of a popular and delicious eatery. It usually indicates that the food served there is highly sought after and enjoyed by many. When a restaurant consistently attracts a large crowd, especially during peak dining times, it often signifies that the food is worth trying. In this case, Warung Jajan Qiut meets the criteria.
During the bustling lunch hour, it's no surprise to find the parking lot filled to the brim with posh cars. The hunt for a parking spot can be quite challenging amidst the sea of luxury vehicles. To ensure you get a taste of everything on offer, it's best to arrive around 11 am. Arriving early ensures you can savour all the menu items before they sell out. The Nasi Bogana menu is often sold out at this hour.
Despite its elite surroundings, Warung Jajan Qiut exudes charm with its simple setup—a neat placement of dining tables, a food counter, also lined shelves and cabinets displaying snacks. Amidst this unassuming atmosphere stands the star of the show: the Bakso cart near the glass window, beckoning eager patrons to taste its renowned offerings. Despite its lack of posh ambiance, it's the irresistible flavours that keep enthusiasts returning for more.
The superstar dish of Warung Jajan Qiut is the hearty Bakso Jenggot. It presents a delightful culinary experience with its signature dish featuring smooth-typed meatballs and a comforting clear soup and rice noodles. The addition of bakso tahu (tofu meatballs) topped with a generous drizzle of chopped celery, surely raises the appetite like no other.
Then a zesty twist comes from tong chai (preserved cabbage to infuse salty sour notes to the palate) in the broth kicks. This addition provides a delightful hint of acidity. For those seeking an extra tangy punch, vinegar is readily available on the table, allowing diners to customize their bowls to perfection. For those seeking a fiery kick in their bakso experience, Bakso Racik is the perfect choice. This spicy variant features a vibrant reddish broth that signals its intense flavour profile.
Another alternative, their Tekwan offers a slightly savoury broth. The harmonious blending of small fish cakes, seaweed, glass noodles, mushrooms, and sliced jicama is homey and delectable, especially on rainy days. The dish is served in a clay pot and topped with sliced fresh celery, scallions, and crispy fried shallots that leaves a lasting impression.
For those craving a taste of tradition and homey flavours, Tahu Gejrot is a must-try dish. This Indonesian classic features deep-fried tofu served with a generous topping of shallots and chilli, creating a slightly spicy seasoning that coats every bite. This Tahu Gejrot reminds the essence of Indonesian street food, satisfying cravings with its irresistible taste.
To conclude your meal session on a refreshing note, indulge in Es Sirsak for dessert. This delightful treat features a creamy and refreshing blend of soursop (sirsak) fruit. Served chilled, it provides a soothing respite from the spices and heat of the earlier dishes.
Warung Jajan Qiut
Jl. Terusan Hang Lekir 1 No.2B Jakarta 12220
Open: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 07:00 AM to 04:00 PM (Saturday), 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM (Sunday)
Phone: +6221- 7220694, +6281586604791, +62817117899
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