From cheap to chic: The best noodles in Jakarta

Noodles or bakmi, or simply mie, may not be the most authentic Indonesian food, yet Jakartans are crazy over them. It is the next best thing to steamed rice, and that is exactly why Indonesian instant noodles are a big export. While classic Bakmi GM is the safest bet when it comes to local noodles chains, here are six must-tries that you can find the streets, seedy alleys, and stylish joints alike.

Bakmi Gang Mangga / Bakmi Doyok

For generations, this street vendor never moves out of the narrow and dodgy street of Jalan Kemurnian. Head north to Kota – or The Old Town – via Jalan Gajah Mada, and find Jalan Kemurnian IV at the left hand of the street, opposite the big Lindeteves trade centre. The alley will be soon divided, and please take the right one, and immediately you will see the noodle kitchen by the right. Order “bakmi komplit” – or “complete noodle” for a joyful bowl of sweet, yellow strings topped with chicken and pork. A lot of chicken and pork. Get the big baso goreng (dip fried meatballs) as well. Get sweat and eat like nobody’s business. This place opens until 3 AM. In fact, the best time to go there is for supper and around midnight.

Jalan Kemurnian IV no. 38B, Tel: +62-21-6313237

Bakmi Lung Kee

In the intersection of Jalan Yusuf Adiwinata and Jalan Lombok in Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Lung Kee is the heart of a small, unofficial, unnamed food court comprising of delicious satays, steamed local dimsum, and fried chicken a la Malaya. Lung Kee has another joint in Jalan Hayam Wuruk, down in the North, yet this one is home for noodle lovers who opt not to eat pork. The chicken broth is clear and super tasty, and the mie itself is thin and rich. Opens from around dinner time until before midnight depends on availability. Usually they run out of noodles by 10 PM. Make haste.

Jalan Lombok / Jalan Yusuf Adiwinata, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-94582294

Bakmi Bintang Gading

It is even further in the North Jakarta, but the trip is more than worth it. Kelapa Gading district is home to everything tasty. Bakmi Bintang Gading is originated here, in a two units of shop house. The Makassar (South Sulawesi) style of noodle has medium size of thickness. The pork cuts are crunchy, and the chicken well steamed. Salty broth complements the overall taste.

Jalan Boulevard Raya, Block QA5/20-21, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-45857082

Mee Keepang

Taking the delicious street bakmi to the comfort of Foundry 8 in the business district, Mee Keepang still keeps the small, intimate canteen look to preserve the hawker atmosphere. The mie itself is quite thick and heavy, while the chicken broth is definitely the best in town. It tastes fresh and flavourful. Mee Keepang is the best choice for a stylish quick noodle o’clock.

The Foundry 8, Lot 45-46, Sudirman Central Business District, South Jakarta, Tel: +62-813-80870470

Mie Ayam in Koffie Warung Tinggi

Shopping malls usually do not serve decent bakmi, especially for street side connoisseurs. Yet, Koffie Warung Tinggi in Grand Indonesia mall manages to serve a fine noodle that is light and not oily. The mie itself is already perfect hence the small portion of the watery broth just to complement. It comes with a small bowl of excellent spicy sauce on the side.

Grand Indonesia – West Mall, Level 5, Central Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-23580312

Seafood Noodle in Otel Lobby

Upscale restaurants seldom dare to serve with real mie, and opt to play it safe with pasta. Yet, Chef Maya Aldy answers the challenge boldly by creating a very balanced homemade noodle dish served with seafood. The hot broth immerse all flavours in a harmony. This bowl steers clear from the competition with street side vendors, yet it is a definite delicacy on its own. Topped with a teaspoon of spicy sauce just enough to lift up all the flavours.

Jalan Epicentrum Tengah, The Annex Building of Bakrie Tower, Kuningan, South Jakarta, Tel: +62-21-29941324

Ve Handojo