Stallone Tjia
May 22, 2025
After the coffee wave came the tea revival again. Once a fleeting trend, tea is now enjoying a serious resurgence, particularly the kind that’s brewed with intention and served with ceremony. At the forefront? Matcha. And in Jakarta, it’s not just a drink—it’s becoming an experience.
Hakon Ethnic Blends Ceremonial Matcha with Artful Ceramic Vibes
Tucked among the steel and glass towers of Jakarta’s Setiabudi district is a surprising urban oasis. Step into Hakon Ethnic, a leafy café-meets-gallery concept that feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. Towering trees, lush foliage, and earthy tones give the place a zen-like calm—perfect for sipping a serious cup of matcha.
Following its success in Depok, Hakon has opened its second outpost in South Jakarta. But this isn’t just a copy-paste. Named Hakon Ethnic, the new branch marks a creative collaboration with renowned ceramicist F. Widayanto. The result? A cafe with serious soul—equal parts cultural gallery and tea haven.
Unlike the minimalist aesthetic you’ll find in many specialty tea spots, Hakon Ethnic embraces a warm, eclectic charm. The first floor doubles as a ceramic art gallery, showcasing Widayanto’s vibrant works—statues, carved wood, glazed plates, and hand-painted bowls—all seamlessly integrated into the cafe’s design. Think of it as sipping matcha surrounded by living art.
The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s not short on greenery. The outdoor terrace is a jungle in the city, with tall trees rising up to the third floor. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet indoor corner or fresh air under the canopy, Hakon Ethnic has your spot.
Hakon Ethnic isn’t playing around when it comes to matcha. All blends are made using ceremonial-grade matcha flown in from Kyoto, Japan. Purists will love the options—Matcha No. 65, No. 75, and No. 90—each varying in intensity and depth. Try the Cold Whisk with Matcha No. 75 (medium brew). It's velvety, grassy, naturally sweet, and remarkably smooth—cold-whisked with high-fat milk for that extra-rich mouthfeel.
The first sip hits with a signature grassy bitterness, followed by a lingering sweetness at the back of your tongue. It’s that fat-rich milk doing its magic—balancing the boldness with a creamy, full-bodied texture that stays with you.
No matcha session is complete without a dessert to match. Start with the Matcha Cheesecake—dense, generously portioned, and topped with a vibrant green dusting of matcha powder. The crust is delicate, the filling luxuriously smooth, and every bite hits the perfect note between sweet and earthy.
Or go for the Matcha Terrine. Served chilled and topped with more matcha powder, it’s a cross between a custard and a fudge cake—soft, rich, and deeply satisfying. The dense custard layers deliver a double hit of matcha flavour and texture.
Arriving on an empty stomach? You’re in good hands. Hakon Ethnic goes beyond just sips and swirls of matcha—it also dishes out savoury bites that are perfect whether you're in for a full meal or just grazing.
One of the crowd favourites is the Chicken Honey Ponzu. Think juicy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet-savoury honey soy sauce, topped with stir-fried veggies and served over a bed of warm steamed rice. It’s hearty, comforting, and served in—of course—a beautiful ceramic bowl that fits the whole gallery-meets-café vibe.
Just here to nibble? The Calamari Tempura is crispy, golden, and dangerously snackable. It comes with a Japanese-style tartar sauce that hits the creamy-salty spot, and don’t forget to give those lemon wedges a good squeeze—it adds that perfect zesty punch to cut through the richness.
Whether you're looking to duck out for a peaceful lunch, wind down over dinner, or just plug in your laptop for a casual work session, Hakon Ethnic delivers. With its communal tables and chill ambiance, it’s ideal for those seeking a low-key spot to focus or catch up. Bonus: they’ve also got breakfast menu covered, if you’re starting your day here.
Hakon Ethnic
Jl. Taman Setiabudi 2 No.11, Jakarta Selatan 12910
Open: 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Monday to Thursday), 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Friday to Sunday)
Phone: +6285121118120
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