Food is a huge part of the culture and identity. Therefore, Indonesian cuisine has long been a part of the nation’s journey through history. It has become a staple cultural heritage, preserved by the country, and has undergone evolutions from one generation to the other.
Embark on a Flavorful Journey through Indonesia Cuisine at TeSaTe
The wide range of options and the culinary precision at play on the archipelago produce impeccable foods that satisfy all elements of dining. In now we call modern days, traditional dishes of the past have been kept alive, revitalized, and given a new lease of life in the hands of culinary intellectuals and enterprising visionaries.
The best thing that one can provide Indonesian heritage cuisine on today's table seamlessly for any occasion is TeSaTe. Specializing in Indonesian cuisine, TeSaTe recognizes the importance of honoring and preserving the nation’s legacy. Unlike other Indonesian restaurants, TeSaTe showcases a wide array of elevated Indonesian dishes, allowing guests to discover creative yet familiar flavors.
TeSaTe approaches simplicity as the ultimate sophistication and makes you feel like you’ve arrived, especially after what was probably a long bustling day to finally landing a table. Every corner of the room exudes honesty in its interior symbolizes the restaurant’s energetic, dynamic, and modern values while presenting an eclectic contemporary Indonesian ambiance inspired by the nation’s rich open sea. This is reflected in the presence of Javanese scripts (Aksara Jawa) that can be found on many of its fixtures, from its entrance door all the way to the lanterns that light the place, presenting a traditional element into the fold.
Most TeSaTe branches are found within shopping malls, but TeSaTe Sam Ratulangi that we visited is a different proposition. Guests are able to feast under plumeria trees at its alfresco dining area or enjoy their meal in the basement section with views of a vertical garden and a small pond.
The main dining area is separated from the private dining rooms by strands of woven bamboo that are strung up as partitions, which emphasizes the traditional element of the ambiance even further. Meanwhile, the second floor provides a more open dining area for patrons to celebrate special events or hold a gathering for pleasure or business.
There is also a ton to love on TeSaTe menu, which has been made in the shape of a kipas sate (a hand fan used by roadside satay merchants) from strands of woven bamboo to represent the restaurant’s extensive selection of satay from various regions across the country. Tahu Berontak is a great introduction to what is to come. The crispy warm tofu stuffed with prawns, scallops, mushrooms, and chives can be everybody's favourite. Dip it with spicy tangy sauce to add some extra zesty spicy kicks.
For a more vibrant and refreshing taste, Rujak Pengantin Salad also grouped among the starters, is a dish of fun abundance. With fresh palate, it comprises tofu, hard-boiled eggs, dried shrimp, fried nuts, Romaine lettuce, coral lettuce, sliced carrots, red cabbages, Japanese cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and pineapples all tossed in sour dressing and served with nut crackers.
TeSaTe standout menu comprises various satay choices, including the juicy chicken in marinade Sate Ayam Madura with sweet peanut sauce. All you can get is juicy and meek chicken satays soaked in a sweet marinade and served with ground peanut sauce with a hint of spiciness. The peanut sauce is one of the best on its own. Made from secret ingredients and techniques, it's nutty, smooth, and creamy all in one bite, there’s nothing else quite like it.
For a slight hint of spiciness, Sate Ayam Rembang is well recommended. The chicken satays are made from boneless thigh meat, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, chilies, coconut milk, and shrimp paste, then skewered and grilled to perfection. The spicy sauce really blends well with the peanut sauce resulting in a reddish sauce which of course rising the appetite level. All satay dishes are presented on a hot plate to maintain and augment its flavor.
Gudeg Kendil, however, appropriately listed among the menu’s “big” options, is as richly decadent as it is substantial. Traditional Javanese (popular in Yogyakarta) dish comprises chicken, spicy cattle skin stew, tofu, tempeh, and jackfruit stew with palm sugar and coconut all covered in banana leaves, served hot in a traditional earthen pot. The big gudeg dish that alloys all together evokes particularly satisfying sweetness and wonderfully delectable.
Ayam Goreng Rempah is the choice to beat, attracting long glances from neighboring tables with its fragrant tempting aroma. The impressively plated tender bone-in-fried chicken pieces are each triumphantly flavorful. It is finished with a fragrant mix of herbs and spices, at once rich and tasty.
There might even be plenty to order, but you just can't miss Tumis Pucuk Labu which it’s wonderful and light, and each unripe chaylote leaf bud leaf is precisely blending in flavors and modest texture from red chilies, shallots, and the crunchy texture from the deep-fried chayote leaves. The dish leaves no bitter aftertaste.
Dessert selections will vary, and item like Serabi Solo is one of the most favourite. The Serabi Solo Cendol is an option you want to take a route. The traditional Javanese crepe is served with thick coconut milk, pandan jelly, tapioca pearls, syrup, and a scoop of smooth and creamy coconut ice cream. It feels like all the sweet nostalgia started to emit in the memories.
Another version to chow down is Serabi Kopi. The coffee-flavored traditional Javanese crepe is served with thick coconut milk and a scoop of smooth and creamy coconut ice cream. This time the fermented cassava is added to give one more sweet sensation caps the exceptional dining experience.
Leaving with a remarkable impression, TeSaTe's elevated Indonesian food is not just fuel, but an ongoing discovery and a source of creativity. Its abundance of expertly prepared, delicious Indonesian dishes, and menu items with enough variety is why the loyal guests keep coming back for more.
TeSaTe Sam Ratulangi
Jl. Dr. GSSJ Ratulangi No.39, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia
Open: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (daily)
Phone: (+6221) 31931250
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