There are probably as many Chinese restaurants as there are streets in Jakarta. To guide you through this maze of culinary delights, we made this list of what we consider are the best in the city. Of course we have forgotten some, so please help us keep this page updated by adding your comments or your suggestions at the bottom. Many thanks, Thibaud.
Ah Yat Abalone
in Golden Boutique Hotel, Jl. Angkasa St, Central Jakarta, Ph: +62-21 612-8833
in Mid Plaza 2, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 10-11, Ph: +62-021/570-7333
High-end dining popular with the older generation. Known for pricey delicacies like abalone, scallop, and sharks' fin. Dimsum on weekend is quite good but not really worth paying the full price (look for discounts offered by various credit cards instead).
Angke
in Kelapa Gading Square, Ph: +62-21 458-66333
in Ketapang, Jl. Zaenal Arifin, Ph: +62-21 634-3030
The undisputed darling of the older Chinese generations, especially those coming from out of Java. Extensive menu featuring all the classics with generous servings fit for the number of people around the huge round tables.
Apollo
in Jalan Gadja Madah no8, Ph: +62-21 6392064
A hidden gem in Jalan Gadja Madah (Kota). You can taste the quality ingredients in the fragrant hainanese rice and fresh clean taste of the chicken broth.
Specialty: Hainanese chicken rice
Atek
in Jalan Tubagus Angke, Komplek Taman Duta Mas, Ph: +62-21 5649115
The sign outside their place said "the best roast pork in town", and they have truly earned the right to boast.
Bubur Ayam Mangga Besar (Bubur Hostess)
Main location in Jl. Mangga Besar I No. 46 A, Ph: +62-21 6280474
Late night porridge place in Kota (hence the nickname : hostess - the eighties indonesian slang for "working girls"). Limited menu available, but people really do come here for the porridge and thousand year egg (telur phitan).
Specialty: Porridge, Thousand Year Egg
Cahaya Kota
in Jl. KH. Wahid Hasyim No. 9, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 3143077
Unremarkable décor, unforgettable food. Since the 1940s, they have catered to the who's who of Jakarta (including former Presidents, high-ranking government officials and celebrities). Oldie but goodie.
Cahaya Lestari/Sinar Lestari
in Jl. Hayam Wuruk no 124, Ph: +62-21 6397528
Old school establishment known for its fish head soup and butter fried frogs, also serves Hakka style dishes - which is quite uncommon for Jakarta.
Ce Wei
in Intiland Tower, Jalan Sudirman, Ph: +62-21 5785 2579
in Mall Kelapa Gading III, Ph: +62-21 4587 6421
in Pluit Village, Ph: +62-21 6667 0189
Bbq specialties, quite expensive for an average quality.
Sentral / Central
in Jl. Tomang Raya No. 29, Ph: +62-21 568 1712 / 566 7766 (main branch)
in Jl. Taman Ratu D11 No.18, Ph: +62-21 565 1544 / 565 1548
in Jl. Boulevard Raya Blok I 4 No. 7-8, Ph: +62-21 452 6453 / 452 6526
in Jl. AM Sangaji / Petojo Utara Raya No. 8, Ph: +62-21 633 4187 / 633 3852
in Jl. Bulungan Raya No. 22, Ph: +62-21 724 6900 / 726 0089
A classic favorite, especially for formal wedding banquets. Specialized in luxurious dishes designed to impress your in-laws, like sharks fin soup, lobster with fruit salad.
Chopstix
More than 10 locations in Jakarta: Grand Indonesia, Kemang, Cilandak, Pondok Indah, Gandaria, etc...
Greasy goodness of wok fried street food at reasonable price. Don't bother with reservations, people tend to finish their meal quickly and escape the ever busy tiny space.
Crystal Jade Palace
Many locations, please check their website.
Elegant dining experience with wide selection of dishes. Multinational chain originally from Singapore.
Specialties: Suckling Pig, Lamian Noodles
Depot 369 Shanghai Dumplings & Noodles
in Pluit Village, Ph: +62-21 66670367
in Prisma Kedoya Plaza, Jl. Raya Perjuangan, Kebon Jeruk, Ph: +62-21 5310001
in Jl. Mangga Besar Raya, Ph: +62-21 6594613
Simple tasty dishes commonly found on foodstalls in Shanghai. Variety of noodles, fried rice, dumplings and xiao long bao. Some say their xiao long bao is better than Din Tai Fung's
Specialty: Xiao long bao, Shanghai noodles with clear broth and bacon
Dian Xiao Er
in Mall Taman Anggrek, 3rd Floor, Ph: +62-21 5639 679
in Emporium Pluit Mall, Ph: +62-21 6667 6635
Their herb roasted duck offers something different than the usual Peking style duck dishes. A bit on the pricey side but well justified.
Din Tai Fung
Many locations, please see website for complete list.
The place to go for xiao long baos (the yummy dumplings filled with tasty broth inside). Also servers à la carte Chinese dishes with excellent quality, small portions and quite pricey. International Chain originally from Taiwan. Pork available in selected locations.
Specialty: Dumplings (xiao long bao)
Dragon Flames
in Jalan Kemang Raya No.29, Ph: +62-21 7182963
All-you-can-eat halal dimsum in Kemang under IDR 100K. Good value for money, especially in pricey Kemang.
Fong Tu
in Jl. Pluit Barat 1 No. 1, Ph: +62-21 6696017, 021 6696118
Tasty home-cooked Hakka dishes made from fresh ingredients. Quite difficult to secure a seat during lunch hour since the place is quite small.
Fook Yew Shanghai Bistro and Bubble Tea Lab
in Grand Indonesia Mall, 3rd Floor, Ph: +62-21 23580810
in Gandaria City, LG, +62-21 2900 7897
Chinese roadside foodstall turned hipster by the Ismaya group. Surprisingly tasty although prices quite steep considering the small portions. Try their alcoholic bubble drinks (a twist on the classic bubble milk tea currently trending in Jakarta) .
Furama
in Jalan Hayam Wuruk no. 45, Ph: +62-21 625 7272
The Hayam Wuruk institution has seen better days. Still quite popular as a wedding venue but the food is not quite what it used to be.
Hailai
in Jl. Lodan Raya, Ancol, Ph: +62-21 6459868
Located in Ancol theme park complex, the place has seen its glory days in the 80's. Popular wedding reception venue on weekends, chinese businessmen crowd on weekdays.
Hay Thien
in Jl. Boulevard Raya, Ph: +62-21 45841682
in Ruko Pasar Puri Indah, Jl. Puri Indah Raya, Ph: +62-21 58353347
Chinese version of Hanamasa DIY style restaurant, with both steamboat/shabu-shabu and the usual grilling plates available. Good value for money. Poor exhaust system, so be prepared to walk out smelling like your meal.
Hong Kong Café
in Jalan Sunda no. 5, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 310 7868
Located next to Sarinah, the chic minimalist décor and sunlit space is somewhat unusual for a Chinese restaurant. The menu features HK/Macau dishes with Portuguese influence (baked rice, creamy desserts). From the group behind Penang Bistro and Seribu Rasa.
Hunan Kitchen
Jalan Mangga Besar 1 St. No. 61, Ph: +62-21 6252666
Next to Jayakarta, good value Sichuan food with some odd dishes. Close very late which is convenient for clubbers.
Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao
in Plaza Indonesia, Ph: +62-21 3983 5100
Specialized in La Mian (hand held noodles) and Xiao Long Bao (dumplings). One of the most popular in Jakarta.
Jiuzhai Valley
in Jalan Marina Raya, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Ph: +62-21 3300 3007
Spicy szechuan dishes cooked by a native Chef, popular with families living in North Jakarta.
Jun Njan
Several locations, please check their website www.junnjan-seafood.com
An oldie but goodie. Order anything with their name on the dish and you got satisfaction guaranteed
Specialty: Seafood (Jun Njan sauce squid, Jun Njan braised prawns)
Kaca Mata
Several locations in Kelapa Gading, Penjaringan, Grand Wijaya Center, PIK, Puri Indah Pesanggrahan, Gading Serpong, Green Bay Pluit, Taman Palem Lestari.
Not sure what glasses has to do with the honey grilled pork, but they sure are delicious! Also serves staples like noodles, porridge, and basic dimsum items.
Kamseng
in Jalan Mangga Besar I no.26, Ph: +62-21 649 2319
The place to go for chinese style porridge. Wide varieties of toppings and side dishes, cheap, opens 24 hours. Serves Pork.
Specialty: Porridge
Lac Mei Che
Jalan Mangga Besar 1 No. 63K, Ph: +62-21 7078 3892
Authentic Szechuan seafood dishes. Spicy and fresh - you can pick and choose from the live ones on display (including the famous sea snails, turtles, and oysters).
Lai Ching
in Four Seasons Hotel, Jalan Rasuna Said, Ph: +62-21 252 3456
Expensive. One of the few places to go for Sunday all-u-can-eat dimsum brunch in South Jakarta. Serves Pork.
Lim Thiam Kie
in Jl Kh. Agus Salim (Sabang) No. 48, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 310 0465
Vintage restaurant from the 70's, probably more popular for their steamed buns (bakpao)
Little Sheep Chinese Shabu-Shabu
in Jalan Gajah Mada Raya No. 17, Ph: +62-21 6387 5080
Actually more Mongolian, than Chinese. The usual mix of protein and veggies is available to pick and choose for DIY cooking fun. Mix and match broth with the various sauces available to suit your palate. No pork.
Liyen
in Jl. Asemka Raya no. 168A, Ph: +62-21 693 0108
in Jl. Batu Tulis Raya No. 37, Ph: +62-21 345 1504
Old school restaurant near Kota Train Station. Prawns with salted egg yolk and crispy baked pork prepared in classic Hakka cooking style. Quite pricey but definitely worth it.
Mandala
in Jl. Wolter Mongonsidi 80, Ph: +62-21 739 8537
Probably the only vintage chinese restaurant serving pork in South Jakarta, next to Santa Supermarket in Jl. Wolter Monginsidi. Consistently great classic dishes such as Nanking Chicken, Crispy Eel with Veggies, and Prawn Spring Rolls
Mangkok Putih
in CITOS, Cilandak Town Square, Ph: +62-21 759 20300
in Wisma Mulia City Plaza, Ph: +62-21 529 71204
in Setiabudi Building I, 2nd Floor, Ph: +62-2152 10548
Quick and simple basics with more localized (sweet) taste profile. Affordable yet unmemorable.
May Star
in Le Grandeur Hotel, Mangga Dua, Ph: +62-21 612 7880
in Emporium Pluit Mall, 4th Floor, Ph: +62-21 6667 6280
in Central Park Mall, LG, Ph: +62-21 5698 5422
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Jakarta. Specialized in exotic seafood, excellent dimsum, lovely dessert. Pork available in selected locations only.
Specialty: Exotic seafood (shark snout, lobster sashimi), coconut pudding
Ming Dine and Chill
Epiwalk Rasuna Epicentrum, 2nd Floor, Ph: +62-21 2991 2323
Stylish high-end establishment in South Jakarta, usually crowded with businessmen. Features a bar in the middle of the restaurant, which makes it more western fusion rather than authentic chinese. Belongs to Tunglok group, also behind Taipan and M.A.D. It is not related to Ming Village in Senayan City.
Nan Xiang Steamed Buns
in Sultan Hotel, Jalan Gatot Subroto, Ph: +62-21 570 3600
Mainstream dishes with westernized taste profile, a bit on the pricey side.
Oen Pao
in many locations across Jakarta (Radio Dalam, Kemang, WTC, etc), Ph: +62-21739 9763
Halal hawker dishes : noodles with variety of toppings, hainanese chicken rice, basic dimsum items. Lacks the freshness that identifies quality chinese cuisine (noticeable poor texture and color of reheated dishes).
Paradise Dynasty
in Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Ph: +62-21 5790 0146
Belonging to the Singaporean Paradise Group, which is behind Taste Paradise, Canton Paradise, Paradise Inn, and which is also related to Boga Group (Bakerzin, Pepper Lunch). It is known for its eight colorful fusion xiao long bao with exotic fillings like foie gras, black truffle, cheese, and crab roe.
Specialty: Xiao long bao
Paradise Inn
in several locations in Jakarta, see website for details.
Teahouse-style simple yet unique dishes and desserts, casual chic atmosphere. Same owner as Paradise Dynasty above.
Specialty: Double boiled soup, infused tea
Paramount
in Menteng, Jl. R.P. Soeroso, Ph: +62-21 31923111
Legendary wedding banquet venue for upperclass Chinese of the 70s-80s with exotic delicacies like deep fried pigeon and sweet&sour garoupa with lychee. Quite hard to believe that the owner is closely related to the owner humble Trio Restaurant right next door.
Pearl
in JW Marriott Jakarta, Ph: +62 21 5798 8992
Large selection of dishes all-you-can-eat for IDR 365 ++ per pax includes suckling pig and Peking duck. Cantonese food, naturally rather expensive as it is in a 5-star hotel.
Putri Kenanga Nasi Campur
Several locations in Jakarta (Plaza Semanggi, Kuningan City, Central Park, Grand Indonesia, Bay Walk, Kemang Village, Alam Sutera, Lotte Ciputa Mall, Supermal Karawaci, Electronic City, Plaza Indonesia, Emporium Pluit, Mega Glodok)
Fragrant rice topped with all sorts of porky goodness : pork satay, pork siomay, crispy/honey grilled pork, braised pork ear and intestines, ngo hiang (pork rollade).
Rendez vous
in Jalan Johar, Menteng, Ph: +62-021 31923468
The name might sound French, but it's one of the oldest establishments in old-money Menteng area. Unpretentious setting with vintage red folding chairs, excellent choice of classic chinese dishes. Quite pricey but the generous servings and consistent quality justifies it.
Red Bean
in almost every malls in Jakarta, see website for detail list.
Affordable chain restaurant serving halal popular dishes like sweet and sour chicken, salt and pepper calamary, and faux asparagus soup.
Rose Garden
Gedung Graha Indramas, Jl. KS. Tubun Raya No. 77, Slipi, Ph: +62-21 5367 3235
Tasty all-you-can-eat dimsum and lunch at affordable price.
Samudra Seafood and Dimsum Restaurant
in BRI Tower II, Jl. Jend. Sudirman kv. 44-46, Ph: +62-21 571 3600
in Jl. Wijaya 1 no.17 Kebayoran Baru. Jakarta, Indonesia. Ph: +62-21 7223 958
in Alam Sutera Living World Mall, Ph: +62-21 2923 9509
Known for their head-spinning variety of dim sums and desserts on their all-you-can-eat buffet. The à la carte dishes are rather bland, although still quite good.
Sense Dining Theater (previously called Sands)
in Mangga Dua Square, 5th Floor, Ph: +62-21 6231 2888
Affordable all-you-can-eat dim sum at below IDR 100K per person. The place is always crowded so be prepared to get aggressive and persistently stalk the waiters to get your orders. It is also the location of a male spa and karaoke.
Shang Palace
in Shangri-La Hotel, Jalan Sudirman, Ph: +62-21 2939 9562
All you can eat dim sum for IDR 288 ++ on weekends covers appetizers, steamed dim sums, fried dim sums, chang fens, and desserts.
Shanghai Blue
Jalan Kebon Sirih 77-79, Ph: +62-21 391 8690
Created and managed by the people of Tugu group (Lara Djonggrang, Dapur Babah), it is more a lounge/bar than a restaurant. Beautiful setting worthy of an epic Ang Lee movie. The updated menu features a quirky Chinese/Betawi/Dutch fusion like Rijstaffels, Nasi Semur, Bebek Goreng Shanghai, and Udang Mabok (drunken prawns) .
Shantung
Jl. Antara No. 31, Pasar Baru, Ph: +62-21 3441415
Established over 35 years ago, this humble place is a piece of history. The owner hails from Shandong Province and till now his granddaughter still serve the traditionally prepared kuotieh (pork dumplings).
Specialty: Pork dumplings (kuotieh) - fried/steamed/grilled
Siaw a Tjiap
in Jalan Pancoran 60 for the good branch
Old school establishment with several branches around Jakarta, although with somewhat inconsistent quality between branches. So always opt for the original one in Pancoran.
Sinar Medan
in Jalan Batu Ceper No 42, Ph: +62-21 345 5959
in Jalan Boulevard Raya No 22-23, Ph: +62-21 458 58545
in Jalan Gading Selatan no 22-23, Gading Serpong, Tangerang, Ph: +62-21 564183
Underrated no-frill place serving excellent seafood dishes. The spicier taste profile shows the Medan influence and sets it apart from the other chinese restaurants.
Singapore Kwetiauw Kerang
in Jalan Pluit Selatan Raya No. 61, Pantai Mutiara, Ph: +62-21 662 3232
in Jalan Purworejo No.28, Menteng, Ph: +62-21 391-7789
A North Jakarta institution, the place is always crowded with families. Don't let the extensive menu divert you from the true shining star : What else? Singaporean Clam Kwetiauw.
Soup Restaurant
in Plaza Indonesia 3rd floor, Ph: +62-21 39838220
in PX Pavilion @ St Moritz 1st floor, Ph: +62-21 583 56063
in Lippo Mall Kemang UG Floor, Ph: +62-21 2952 8353
in Senayan City 4th Floor, Ph: +62-21 7278 1331
The healthier side of Chinese cuisine, serving herbal soups and steamed dishes highlighting functional ingredients like ginseng, ginger, and lotus root
Specialty: Samsui Ginger Chicken, Double boiled healthy soups, Deep fried venison
South Beauty
Thamrin Nine-Podium, UG, Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Ph: +62-21 29937227
Fine dining establishment serving spicy szechuan style dishes
Sun City
Lindeteves Trade Center, 6th Floor, Jalan Hayam Wuruk N°127, Ph: +6221 6220 1900
One of the fancier establishments in Kota Tua. Mostly booked for wedding banquets. Have VIP rooms with karaoke and a men's spa. Serves Pork.
Surya Rumah Makan
Jalan Raya Bogor No 54 (near Kramat Jati Plaza), Ph: +62-21 809 6039
A hidden gem - probably the only Chinese restaurant that serves pork - in East Jakarta (near Taman Mini). Old school, no frill pork fried rice, fried noodles and fuyunghai is the must have here.
Ta Wan
19 branches in all Jakarta, see website for full list
Affordable family restaurant with rich flavors. Also known for their porridge.
Specialty: Three flavor porridge, Tahu lapis (layered tofu)
Table 8
in Hotel Mulia, Jl. Asia Afrika Senayan, Ph: +62-21 5753271
One of the few places in Jakarta where the fanciness of the décor matches the quality of the food. A must try, especially if you're dining with VIP guests to impress. Serves pork. Possibly the best Chinese restaurants in Jakarta.
Taipan
WTC Mangga Dua, 6th Floor, Ph: +62-21 3001 8877
The mecca of dim sum establishments. Impressive settings, great variety of dishes. Part of Tunglok group (Ming, MAD)
Taste Paradise
Plaza Indonesia 4th floor, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Ph: +62-21 2992 3838
High-end Cantonese style cooking. Quite tasty but rather over-priced. Part of the Paradise Group (Paradise Inn, Paradise Dynasty, Canton Paradise).
Specialty: Sharks Fin soup, Cantonese style Foie Gras
Teo Chew Palace
Pluit Village Mall, Festival Walk, GF, Ph: +62-21 6683 688
Typical Teo Chew dishes (less salt/pepper/oil used, mostly steamed/braised/poached) focusing on the fresh seafood ingredients.
Specialty: Yin Yang porridge, steamed dishes, teo chew yam/taro desserts
The Duck King
Easily found in all major shopping malls in Jakarta (see list here). A bit on the pricey side but well worth it. It has a more sophisticated version called Grand Duck King.
Specialty: Peking Duck
The Mango
Citos, Cilandak Town Square, LG, Jl. TB Simatupang, Ph: +62-21 021 75920269
Modern Chinese bistro popular with the South Jakarta non-chinese crowd for its halal dishes and casual chic setting.
Tian Xi Traditional Roast Duck and Seafood
Senayan City Mall, LG, Ph: +62-21 7278 1532
Halal chinese cuisine in Senayan City. Good clay-pot dishes, quite pricey.
Tien Chao
in Gran Melia Hotel, Jalan Rasuna Said, Ph: +62-21 526 8080
Cantonese and Szechuan dishes elegantly served with some interesting seasonal twist like dragon fruit or mandarin orange incorporated to the dish. One of the few hotel restaurants that serves live crabs. Impressive set menu for Chinese New Year at IDR 788,000++ per pax.
Trio
Jl. Soeroso No29A (Gondangdia Lama), Ph: +62-21 319 36295
A stubbornly vintage place from the 40's (no air con, no frills). Don't let the modest setting fool you. They serve the tastiest dishes in town (ham fried rice, prawn springroll, crispy eel with veggies) and the menu features unique Dutch-Chinese fusions like Huzaren Sla (fruit salad with ham and cheese).
Photo credit: Taken from https://www.facebook.com/JunNjan/. Don't forget to add a comment about your favorite Chinese restaurant in Jakarta at the bottom!