Eating in Jakarta: Top 5 breakfast spots

1) Common Grounds

Definitely the best place for anything egg-related. The location is around the provincial streets, and within the close range with major office buildings and five-star hotels. Eggs Benedict might be the first safe choice, but get the best deal with Huevos Rancheros con Rendang – a fusion of Mexican and local, spicy beef dish that results in a rather heavy portion of heavy breakfast. Common Grounds also upgrades basic meals like pancakes, buritos, and sausages to the next level. In the coffee department, go for their espresso shots. The house blend includes Yrgacheffe beans, and pulled out of the Slayer beast, resulting a kicking cup with a dazzling sweet note. This place will redefine your mornings.

Common Grounds at CityWalk Sudirman Level 1, Jl. KH Mas Mansyur, Central Jakarta 10250, Tel: +62-21-25558963

2) Authentique Bakery

Run by the owner and her family, Authentique  is as French as you can get in Jakarta. Since 2012, Authentique Bakery has been the hidden gem in Kemang area where expats find their favorite baguette, and crumbling-and-springing croissants. Sophie Boyer bakes the pastries twice a day on site, and the breads three times a day. The high-ceilinged place is made extra homey with handpicked ornaments, handicrafts, and all things French. Amidst the invasion of bakery with big names, Authentique Bakery stands independent, and – well – authentic indeed.

Authentique Bakery, Jl. Kemang Selatan I No. 20A, South Jakarta 12730, Tel: +62-21-7180011

3) Le Café Gourmand

Originally established in Surabaya, East Java, Le Café Gourmand opened in Jakarta a few weeks ago with a bang. The ambitious establishment offers the widest range of menu – pastries, cakes, crepes, macaroons, salads, gelato, sorbet, tea, and coffee – and most of them are home-made. We recommend: the generously stuffed Beef Pie that comes with a small portion of green salad. The Raspberry and Cheese Croissant is unique and has a great texture. The espresso is processed by the cool Kees van der Westen engine, and goes to the dark side. The bar manually brews a wide selection of both coffee and tea.

Le Café Gourmand, Jl. Gunawarman no. 65, South Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-29305522

4) Bubur Ayam (Chicken Congee) A Guan

Enough with the Western breakfast, enough with the healthy food, and enough with the fancy place! Let’s get some carbs, and none has been serving better chicken congee than A Guan in the seedy street of Jalan Mangga Besar I. A Guan has been serving bowls of chicken congee for more than three decades. The fact that the place never looks any better is a cool sign. Though the brand is “bubur ayam” (chicken congee), there is a plenty of pork meat here. Price is definitely hawker fare, and opening hours is uniquely 6-11 AM, then 6-11 PM. Dress code: lumpy t-shirts and worn-out sandals.

Bubur Ayam A Guan, Jl. Mangga Besar I No. 20B, West Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-6499963

5) Sabang 16

Everybody’s little corner in the vintage street of Jalan Sabang, Sabang 16 is specialized in Kaya Toast that is quite different with the ones usually found in Singapore. The bread is thick but soft, and brought directly from a homegrown bakery in Medan, North Sumatera. The kaya jam is also home-made. Sabang 16 depends on its simplicity and friendliness that makes them a favourite spot for quick, hassle-free breakfast. They also serve the best Vietnamese drip coffee in town.

Sabang 16, Jl. H. Abdul Salim (Sabang) 16B, Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-31926726

Ve Handojo

Photos: Ve Handojo, Authentique Bakery