Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta
For Muslims in Jakarta, nothing is more synonymous with Ramadan than a box of date palm fruits, here known as kurma, sitting at the dining table. This Middle Eastern delicacy, mentioned several times in the Qur’an, is often consumed during iftar as a way for Muslims to feel closer to Mecca but there’s plenty more to Middle Eastern cuisine than just date palm fruits.
If you really want to truly learn what it feels like to break your fast in the Holy Land, these 9 Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta serve delicious biryani and naan with flavorful spices perfect for your iftar feast.
1. Al Jazeerah Signature – upscale Middle Eastern restaurant with a rooftop area
The indoor ambiance is ripped straight out of Arabian Nights
Image credit: @danieldavnie
With an opulent interior worthy of a sheik’s palace, the Middle Eastern atmosphere is pretty strong inside the dining halls of Al Jazeerah Signature. Known for their healthy portions, this restaurant has long been a favorite for family gatherings or those with serious aromatic rice cravings.
Typical spread at Al Jazeerah with biryani, breads, samosas, and curry
Image credit: @aljazeerahsignature
For starters, we’re typically beholden to the Mixed Sampler (Rp. 149,000, ~USD10.24) consisting of savory pastries samosa, arayes, and Morrocan bastilla. Their Hummus (Rp. 55,000, ~USD3.78) is also a crowd favorite and we urge you to order additional Pita Bread (Rp. 10,000, ~USD0.69) and scoop every last bit of the tasty chickpea dip as we feel the complimentary two breads are just not enough.
The Lamb Mandhi is a mainstay of Middle Eastern cuisine
Image credit: @aljazeerahsignature
As for the mains, the Lamb Mandhi (Rp. 141,000, ~USD9.69) is undoubtedly the star of the show. This mixed rice dish uses the same aromatic rice as biryani but differs in that the broth from the meat is used to add flavor to the rice, resulting in an especially flavorful rice dish.
There’s plenty enough to serve two and the aromatic spice used for the dish helps temper the rather unique aroma of lamb. That said, the more palatable Chicken Mandhi (Rp. 106,000, ~USD7.28) is also available if the lamb’s too strong for you.
The rooftop area is partly covered so rain won’t be much of a problem
Image credit: @khotimatulfitria
Aside from the food, the ambiance in Al Jazeerah, consisting of 4 floors in total, is also what makes it a standout in the city’s dining scene. The first floor of the restaurant houses the shisha lounge while the main dining area with its lavish Arabian Nights decor is up on the second and fourth floor of the building.
If you happen to visit on the rare days when Jakarta’s weather is showing its oft-unseen gentler side, the rooftop has a lovely view of the surroundings. It’s also often booked for private events though so we recommend making a reservation ahead first.
Address: Jl. Johar No.N0.8, RT.18/RW.6, Kb. Sirih, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10340
Opening hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 3190 7590
2. The Halal Guys – world-famous New York-style gyros and falafels
Gyro Platter with a mix of white and hot sauce
Image credit: @vimanda_
An integral part of the New York street food scene since the 90s, The Halal Guys’ gyro platters are a beloved halal alternative to the hot dogs of the Big Apple. Their outlets in Jakarta continue that reputation, bringing along their trademark secret white sauce, the recipe of which is as coveted, and heavily guarded, as KFC’s 11 herbs and spices.
For the uninitiated, gyro is essentially the Greek version of doner kebab. However, The Halal Guys’ signature Gyro Platter (Rp. 55,000, ~USD3.79) however, differs in that instead of coming stuffed in pita wrap, it’s served on a plate with yellow pilaf rice. The default meat is beef but chicken and a combo of both is available if you’d like to mix and match.
Additional falafel can also be ordered on top of your platter
Image credit: @thehalalguysid
Catering to vegetarians, their Falafel Platter (Rp. 50,000, ~USD3.44) switches out the meat for falafel — tasty ball-shaped treats made out of deep-fried ground chickpeas. Do note that vegetarians might want to forgo the white sauce as well but BBQ and hot sauce are available as an alternative.
The gyro can also be served in wraps if you’d prefer it that way
Image credit: @thehalalguysid
Owing to their street food origin, The Halal Guys in Jakarta operates like a healthier version of a fast-food joint. If you happen to work near the shopping malls where they’re located, they might be just what you need for your Middle Eastern food quick fix.
3. Accha Indian Soul Food – curries and naan delivered to your doorstep
Boneless Chicken tikka served with biryani
Image credit: @accha.jkt
With both employing a wide variety of spices and the prominence of flatbread, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines are like two peas in a pod. Ergo, when the craving hits and you don’t feel like going out, simply open up your favorite online food delivery service and look up Accha Indian Soul Food.
We’re particularly vulnerable to the naan and butter chicken combo
Image credit: @accha.jkt
Part of the cloud kitchen boom that has swept the capital in the last few years, their curry and naan combo is what sets them apart. Our favorite is the quintessential Indian Butter Chicken + Naan (Rp. 39,900, ~USD2.74) but vegetarian variants such as Saag Paneer + Naan (47,900, ~USD3.29), or Indian cottage cheese served with spinach curry, is available.
Channa masala, made of spiced chickpeas and tomatoes and served with bhatura bread, is a great vegetarian option
Image credit: @accha.jkt
If you’re the type to prefer breaking your fast with sweet treats, their Chocolate Naan (Rp. 25,000, ~USD1,72) might be more your speed. Just make sure to preheat them right before iftar if you’ve ordered them early as naan is a dish best served warm.
With 12 kitchens spread across Jakarta ready to deliver straight to your doorstep after only a year of operation, it seems we’re far from the only ones who’ve fallen in love with Accha’s Indian comfort food.
4. Eatz – authentic Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine from a Moroccan chef
Crispy curry puffs, available with chicken or beef fillings
Image credit: @eatzresto
With recipes coming straight from a Moroccan-Sri Lankan chef, there’s no doubting the authenticity of Eatz. From curry puffs, various shawarmas and kebabs, to the Indian dessert falooda, they serve everything you need to make your iftar a memorable one.
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of falooda for iftar
Image credit: @eatzresto
To kick off your iftar feast, we recommend ordering the Curry Puff (Rp. 39,000, ~USD2.68), the Indian version of pastel filled with thick curry and chicken or beef. For thirst-quenchers, go for the Royal Faluda (Rp. 45,000, ~USD3.09), a cold, refreshing mix of jelly, basil seeds, milk, ice cream, and homemade rose syrup of Persian origin.
For the main course, we’re partial to the Lamb Cheese Kebab (Rp. 85,000, ~USD5.84) with the melted cheese, lamb, and white sauce proving to be quite a combination. As the variety of dishes on offer is a big part of Eatz’s appeal though, we don’t think there’re actually any wrong choices here.
Though a bit small, their outlet in Radio Dalam has a pleasant ambiance
Image credit: @inamarelina
Their main outlet in Radio Dalam, South Jakarta is a bit cramped and traffic around the area can be gnarly. But luckily, they’ve just opened a new location in Kelapa Gading, Jakarta Utara, with a slightly more upscale concept named Eatz Signature still with all the flavorful dishes we’ve grown fond of.
Eatz
Address: Ruko, Jl. Margaguna Raya Jl. Radio Dalam Raya No.125, RT.3/RW.11, Gandaria Utara, Kebayoran Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12140
Opening hours: 10AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 0858 14404193
Instagram
Eatz Signature
Address: Jl. Boulevard Raya Blok PA II No.9-11, RT.3/RW.14 Pegangsaan Dua, Kec. Klp. Gading Kota Jakarta Utara, Jakarta 14240
Opening hours: 11AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 0813 10234394
Instagram
5. Fez-Kinara Dining & Lounge – opulent dining hall with Middle Eastern, Thai, and Indian cuisines
Fez-Kinara’s central pond is always a popular photo spot
Image credit: @sapikiw
Combining three different cuisines into one opulent dining hall, Fez-Kinara Dining & Lounge caters to the most hardcore of foodies and social media butterflies alike. Their Instagram-worthy decor is a highlight and you can often spot dedicated diners donning Middle Eastern garb here purely for the sake of Instagram.
The ambiance in Fez-Kinara is practically made for an Arabian-themed iftar
Image credit: @fez_kinara
Thankfully, their kitchen is just as polished as their interior design and no matter which way you go — Thai, Indian, or Middle Eastern — you’re guaranteed an appetizing meal.
Various cold dips served with homemade pita bread
Image credit: @fez_kinara
In the spirit of Ramadan though, we recommend going for the Cold Mix Mezzah Platter (Rp. 95,000, ~USD6.52). Consisting of tabbouleh parsley salad, hummus, eggplant dip moutabel, and crushed wheat couscous salad, the platter serves as a dip for the accompanying freshly baked pita bread perfect for kicking off your iftar feast.
The Moroccan Mint Tea makes for a refreshing iftar companion
Image credit: @fez_kinara
For the main course, we like the Gosht Vindaloo (Rp. 154,000, ~USD10.58) lamb curry. Vindaloos in general are spicier than other tomato-based Indian curries and they fit the palate of sambal-loving Indonesians to a T.
To cap off your evening, try out the Umm Ali (Rp. 48,000, ~USD3.30), an Egyptian bread pudding that’s always a must whenever we walk into a Middle Eastern joint.
Address: Jalan Kemang Raya No.78B, RT.4/RW.2 RT.4, RT.4/RW.2, Bangka, Jakarta, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta 12730
Opening hours: 11.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 719 2677
6. Abunawas Restaurant – lesehan-style private dining room
The private dining room is always great for iftar reunions
Image credit: @herlinr
We might live on opposite ends of the world but us Indonesians and Middle Easterners do share one common belief — we love to eat while sitting on the floor. If you want to eat the way Middle Easterners do, the private dining rooms of Abunawas Restaurant, designed after Arabian tents where diners sit on the rug with the food served at the center, are as close as you can get.
For larger groups, Abunawas also offers a package with a whole lamb
Image credit: @abunawasrestaurant
With that kind of setup, make sure to order the Quarter Lamb (Rp. 450,000, ~USD30.90), served with your choice of mandhi, biryani, or zurbiyan, a type of biryani that adds potatoes into the mix. The dish supposedly serves 5 people but from our observation, even a party of 7 would have trouble finishing off the plate.
In Egypt, the Umm Ali is a common sight around dinner tables during iftar
Image credit: @abunawasrestaurant
We’re also a huge fan of the dessert selection, ranging from classics like Baklava (Rp. 35,000, ~USD2.40), layers of pastries filled with pistachio, to our all-time favorite, the Umm Ali (Rp. 38,000, ~USD2.61).
When it comes to a love for tea, the Middle East isn’t far behind the British
Image credit: @abunawasrestaurant
If you’ve got time left for teas, we recommend sipping some of their signature Adani Tea (Rp. 38,000, ~USD2.61), or Yemeni spiced milk tea. The addition of milk pleasantly balances the spice blend and it kind of reminds us of the Indonesian traditional herbal drink jamu in a good way.
Do note that around iftar, like in many Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta, the private dining rooms in both Abunawas locations are almost always full and we recommend booking a spot early on if you plan on visiting.
Abunawas Kemang
Address: Jl. Kemang Utara No.15, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730
Opening hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 7179 4691
Abunawas Matraman
Address: Jl. Matraman Raya No.15, RT.1/RW.1, Kb. Manggis, Kec. Matraman, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13150
Opening hours: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 858 3914
7. Turkuaz – Turkish fine dining with fancy ornamental lights
The Ezme Soslu, spicy lamb shank served with sauteed vegetables and chili paste
Image credit: @turkuazrst
The Ottoman Empire might be no more but its splendour lives on through Turkuaz, a Turkish fine dining establishment in the hip neighborhood of Senopati, South Jakarta. Owned and run by Turkish chef Sezai Zorlu, his dedication for authenticity went as far as having his own custom wood charcoal oven built on the premises.
And the result is self-explanatory as their various lamb shanks are simply divine. Our favorite is the Hunkar Begendi (Rp. 400,000, ~USD27.61), served on a bed of mashed eggplants, or aubergines in fine dining lingo, mixed with mozzarella cheese that unless you’ve been starving for days, we’re certain you won’t be able to finish it alone.
The pastry counter is going to make you forget all about your diet
Image credit: @ottypangastuti
While we’re still on the subject of the Ottomans, Turkuaz’s baklavas are equally excellent. The Classic Pistachio (Rp. 100,000, ~USD6.90) is a classic for a reason but we’re also surprised by how much we love the Almond Chocolate (Rp. 85,000, ~USD5.87) and we’d never miss the opportunity to pack some to-go from the dedicated pastry counter.
These ornamental lights aren’t just for show, they’re actually for sale
Image credit: @yovitaardenk
Of course, while your eyes might be transfixed to the table due to how appetizing the food always looks in Turkuaz, do remember to look up once in a while. The ornamental lights they’ve set up do look gorgeous and they even have a dedicated Instagram-worthy space for the lights in the corner.
If you actually prefer a more laid-back vibe, Turkuaz also operates the more casual Turkish joint Warung Turki in Kemang, South Jakarta. The menu is more limited but with chef Sezai in charge of both, the quality of the food is still equally high.
Turkuaz
Address: Jl. Gunawarman No.32, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110
Opening hours: 10AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 7279 5846
Website | Instagram
Warung Turki
Address: 11, Jl. Kemang Raya No.18A, RT.11/RW.5, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730
Opening hours: 10AM-10.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 021 2905 5898
Website | Instagram
8. Alahap – affordable nasi kebuli specialist
Alahap’s version of nasi kebuli sits on the middle ground between mandhi and traditional Indonesian fried rice
Image credit: @atrisinggih
While plenty of Jakartans might not be familiar with Middle Eastern rice dishes such as mandhi and kabsa, most are familiar with the localized variant nasi kebuli, or kebuli rice. Kebuli typically uses the more common white rice but the resulting dish is just as fragrant and flavorful as its inspiration, especially in the hands of kebuli specialist Alahap.
The headliner here is the LaLi Dabba (Rp. 54,000, ~USD3.73), or lamb kebuli fried rice. Modified according to Indonesians’ palates, it’s served with a side of sambal, omelette, kerupuk crackers, and the vegetable pickle known as acar, a mainstay of fried rice stalls across all of Indonesia.
If you prefer something more authentic, the Lamb Shank Mandhi is always available
Image credit: @alahapjkt
If you’d like to compare notes with the OG, order up the Lamb Shank Mandhi (Rp. 90,000, ~USD6.21), which, in terms of taste, punches up way above its price point. We also like the Cheese Samosa (Rp. 18,000, ~USD1.24) as the gooey and generous cheese filling is just what we need for iftar.
Because of their dedication to kebuli, Alahap doesn’t have much in terms of variety compared to other Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta but with the usual generous portion and equally generous prices, we’re sure you won’t mind the limited choices.
Address: Jalan Raya Kelapa Hybrida Blok GOS/C 18 Kompleks Rukan Orchard Square Summarecon, RT.9/RW.1, Sukapura, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta City, Jakarta 14140
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 0819 2828 0808
9. Berlin Doner – takeaway Turkish kebab by way of Germany
The challenge in eating Berlin Doner’s kebab is how to not make a mess of yourself
Image credit: @mrrobertindonesia
The Germans might be known for their many sausages but ask them what their favorite guilty pleasure is, and most would surprisingly give doner kebabs as their answer. So, it’s not at all surprising that Berlin Doner, where you can find one of the best kebabs in town, comes by way of Germany.
Their signature menu is also their namesake, the Berlin Doner (Rp. 60,000, ~USD4.14), with grilled chicken, feta cheese, and veggies. Unlike the takeaway kebabs we’ve grown used toin other Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta, this kebab uses the Turkish pita bread as a wrap, making them look a bit similar to tacos, but just as delicious.
Uniquely, they also serve the poutine-like Berlin Box, where the meat is served in a box together with french fries
Image credit: @berlindoner_id
If you’d prefer the more classic experience though, they have that too under the name of Berlin Durum (Rp. 60,000, ~USD4.14). For something a bit closer to the Berlin experience, try ordering the kebabs with the tangy yoghurt sauce and we personally love mixing the yoghurt and garlic sauce together.
As with The Halal Guys, Berlin Doner works best as takeaway food, especially if you’ve still got work to do after iftar and are in need of a tasty and convenient Middle Eastern fix.
Berlin Doner fX Sudirman
Address: Lantai Basement fX Sudirman, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 0812 1265 3287
Berlin Doner Kuningan City
Address: Lantai Lower Ground, Kuningan City, Jl. Prof. DR. Satrio No.18, RW.4, Kuningan, Karet Kuningan, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12940
Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 0822 1188 3715
Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta
From lambs, curries, and various flatbreads and their dips, these Middle Eastern and Indian restaurants in Jakarta have everything you need to start an Arabian-themed iftar.
With the annual Hajj pilgrimage and international travel still on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they might just be our only way of getting closer to the holy land for the time being.
For more guides to the capital city, check out these stories:
- 8 parks, islands, and nature attractions around Jakarta
- Branchsto is a family-friendly equestrian park an hour away from Jakarta
- 2D Coffee & Tea opens in PIK with Parisian-themed monochromatic decor
Cover image adapted from @aljazeerahsignature, @vimanda_, and @turkuazrst
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