It’s that time of year again. As Jakarta’s shopping malls’ halls are decked with boughs of plastic holly, carols are played in heavy rotation in every shop one dares to wander into, and tanned Santa Clauses sit happily atop colourful winter wonderland displays cuddling little angels and cherubs. We look to another year of divine overindulgence with our friends and family. Below is a compilation of the most unique treats and delicious holiday feasts in Jakarta. Happy holidays.
The Fairmont Hotel Jakarta
The Christmas “WOW” factor is in full force at the Fairmont. There will be a wide choice of exceptional delights from the festive afternoon tea set at Peacock Lounge to exquisite brunches, and even a children’s choir all available at the hotel.
In addition to a classic Christmas Eve and Day buffet at Spectrum Restaurant, Sapori Deli will be transformed into a vibrant Italian market-like dining venue for Christmas, showcasing humble traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy delectable dishes from the Italian buffet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day brunch starting at Rp.388,000++ per person. On Christmas Day, the children’s choir will visit each of the restaurants to entertain guests with Christmas carols.
The Grand Hyatt Jakarta
If you are searching for a real gourmet meal this Christmas, C’s Steak and Seafood restaurant will indulge diners with all of the festive favourites. Fresh salmon, lobster and roasted meats will be complemented by indulgent highlights such as homemade French foie gras terrine, salmon carpaccio and roasted pumpkin soup, traditional oven-roasted turkey, slow-braised lamb shank and Lobster Thermidor with double cream sauce. Save room for the traditional Christmas yule log, white chocolate parfait and eggnog ice cream for dessert – all on the dinner menu for Christmas Day. For reservations call 021 2992 1283 or e-mail [email protected].
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
Both Signatures Restaurant and OKU offer special Christmas Eve and Day buffet brunches with a wide array of Indonesian and Western classics at Signatures and modern Japanese creations at OKU.
OKU offers an eleven-course Japanese style Christmas Eve dinner at Rp.1,400,000++ per person and an eleven-course Christmas Day lunch or dinner at Rp.1,400,000++ per person. For reservations, call 021 2358 3896 or email [email protected].
Kempi Deli and Sweet Boutique also offer festive hampers, which include Christmas cookies, vanilla kipferl, oat ginger raspberry cookies, white rocher, caramelized almonds and much more. You can also create your own personalized hamper with prices starting at Rp.440,000.
JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta
Set foot inside the lobby of the JW Marriott this year and be enchanted by the magical Santa’s House filled with favourite Christmas goodies. Then, celebrate at Pearl Chinese Restaurant for a Cantonese twist on the classic Christmas meal, and enjoy an enticing array of yum cha on Christmas Day brunch starting at Rp.398,000++ per person.
Shower your loved ones, friends or business associates with a thoughtful gift from the JW Marriott’s culinary team. Select from a wide range of cakes, macaroons, ginger cookies, along with a nice bottle of red wine. Pick and choose your own style of hampers and grab everything you need from Santa’s House. For more information and to make a reservation, call 021 5798 8888.
Keraton at the Plaza, Jakarta
Keraton Lounge presents a special Christmas-themed high tea set. The Christmas High Tea will feature delicacies of Christmas from all around the world carefully selected by the culinary team. High tea includes scones, macaroon with chicken liver pate and crispy parmesan fillings, homemade smoked salmon, Chinese burger bun, vanilla swan choux, Christmas pudding, pina colada and a pot of tea of your choice. It is available throughout December at Rp.360,580 nett for two people.
From 7:00pm and on, Bengawan’s Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet will feature live music entertainment and an endless photo print at Rp.955,000 nett per adult, inclusive of a free flow of non-alcohol beverages and welcome cocktail. Delight in a splendid array of international delicacies with the most elaborate seafood station including crayfish, oyster, mud crabs, escargot, Norwegian salmon, just to name a few.
As an addition to this year’s Christmas Eve dinner, Chef Gennaro has also prepared a live grill station offering endless servings of Lombok lobster, prawns, red snapper, squid, Kobe beef, lamb chop, marinated chicken, and beef tenderloin with varieties of condiments to choose from.
For further information or to make a reservation, contact 021 5030 2993 or email [email protected].
The Raffles Jakarta
Want to help the less fortunate as you make your special holiday purchases? At the Raffles, with every purchase of a festive hamper, they will donate Rp.50,000 to Yayasan Sinar Pelangi on your behalf. In return, you will receive a handcrafted gift created by the children that you support. Choose from one of their signature festive hampers or customize and personalize them.
Elf Hampers are Rp.850,000 and include large macarons, mince pies, cheese grissini, cinnamon stars and Awani jam. Santa Hampers start at Rp.2,000,000 and include truffle sling, mixed nuts, assorted olives, Awani jam, homemade candles, wine, cheese grissini, cinnamon stars, large and small macarons.
To reserve a hamper, call 021 2988 0888 or email [email protected].