Indonesian Food at its Finest at 1945

Talking about Indonesian food, what usually comes into our mind will be either our mom’s or housemaid’s homemade dishes, or the ones we have at small stalls by the street (kaki lima), or perhaps the better ones that we have in cozier restaurant; yet still it rarely comes into our minds that it will be a fine-dining one. Well, I’ve been to tons of Indonesian restaurants in my lifetime, but never have I experienced being as mesmerized as I was in 1945 restaurant.

Located at the luxurious 5-star hotel, Fairmont at Senayan area, 1945 restaurant wins my nomination as one of the best Indonesian restaurants I’ve ever been. It comes up with a brand new way to delicate the guests with Indonesian cuisines as it tries to deliver the gourmet and exclusive concept in serving authentic Indonesian taste. Using premium ingredients and deluxe presentation, the ordinary dishes that you usually have at home have been magically transformed into high-class foods sold at superior price.

Brought by Sari Rasa group, the founder of Sate Khas Senayan and Tesate, 1945 brings a totally different idea, entering the high-end class of Indonesian food customers. Representing this, the venue is designed so uniquely that it reflects the elite atmosphere, yet contains Indonesia’s traditional theme.

When it comes to service, it’s absolutely doubtless that it will be a first-class one, considering that it’s located at a deluxe hotel, it serves finest foods, and the guests do have to pay premium prices to earn this. The waiters and waitresses are all well-trained and highly knowledgeable as they’re very responsive and capable to explain every single dish in detail. 

Iced Soda Gandul (Longan & Blue Pea Flower)

Visiting 1945 at a hot sunny Saturday afternoon, having this Iced Soda Gandul, combination of homemade syrup and ginger soda, was such a perfect idea. I tried the one with Blue Pea Flower and Longan Flavors, which were both nice though I fancied the latter one more.

Fruity Lime Granita (Mulberry & Passion Fruit)

Having not enough thirst-quenchers, I had some more on the table and this second round went to these beautiful glasses of Fruity Lime Granita with Mulberry and Passion Fruit Flavors. If the first one carried out the combination syrup and ginger soda, these ones came up with icy lime granite, which were the choices I opted for. The same refreshing taste was successfully delivered, yet these ones suited my preference as a not-into-soda person better :).

Kemangi Squash* (IDR 112k)

*Contains alcohol

  

If you were also into cocktails, then your need could be fulfilled here as 1945 did serve alcohol-based drink with innovative ingredients. Still bringing the traditional Indonesian concept, the components of the cocktails would contain at least one Indonesian special plants/fruits/leaves/etc. I was having a little bit dilemma when I was about to choose which one to try. My choice then fell on this mixture of crushed lemon basil and lychee, lemongrass syrup, dry gin, and soda water. When lemon met lemongrass in my cup, I guessed I could never say no.

Sayur Asem Octopus (IDR 95k)

Starting the lunch with something light, I had this sweet and sour broth with pan seared baby octopus, scallops, prawn, Shimeji mushroom, and veggies as the toppings. Yes, it might be named as Sayur Asem, yet the components were totally different from the common ones. Nonetheless, the strong broth flavor still conveyed the authentic taste from Sayur Asem, which always came with rich combination of herbs and seasonings.

Martabak Wagyu (IDR 140k)

Bringing Martabak to a completely new level, there was the crispy fillo pastry stuffed with curry flavoured wagyu beef, scrambled duck egg, green onions, and leeks. This street food, which was usually packed in plain unattractive carton box or even paper, now turned to be gorgeous and elegant dish. But still same as the ‘ugly-presented’ one, this charming version also didn’t fail to sinfully indulge my palate. Taste indeed never lied as I could feel the juiciness and tenderness of the wagyu beef!

Buntel Rice Burger (IDR 110k)

 

Following the saying “when you’re an Indonesian, not having rice equals to not eating”, 1945 served burger in completely Indonesian-taste-bud-spoiler way, the Rice Burger! Well, this one might be not my preference as I’ve never been able to handle lamb smell in my lifetime. However, it might come into your must-try list in case you’re a lamb lover as it did happen the same to my friends who hated no single thing about lamb but the cholesterol. LOL.

Chicken Oyster Satay (IDR 90k)

What’s Indonesian food feast without something with peanut sauce included in the list? Missing treasure for sure! I was deeply in love with almost all Indonesian dishes served with peanut sauce; Gado-gado, Pecel, Siomay, Batagor, Tahu Telor, just named it. Absolutely not to exclude, Satay! If the previous two dishes came with beef and lamb, now it’s the turn for chicken. Served with short wooden sticks, this dish was not only eye catchy, but also flavorful. The thick-texture of the peanut sauce perfectly complemented the luscious and tender chicken satay.

Pepes Seafood (IDR 250k)

Putting the climax at the end, this Pepes Seafood impeccably closed the awesome lunch at 1945. If you were currently thinking of seafood mix wrapped in leaf, then sorry, you got it wrong. This distinctive Pepes Seafood actually brought out the seafood mix in crispy fillo pastry wrapping, letting you to enjoy every single components of the pepes, including the wrapper. The slightly crispy skin became flawless companion to the moist scrumptious fillings. This one was unquestionably my most recommended dish from 1945!

My last and my most favorite dish finally summarized my delightful experience dining in 1945 restaurant. The dishes might look a bit pricey, yet the taste and the quality of the ingredients did pay off the pennies spent. One great news, special for August, the anniversary month of 1945 as well as the birthday month of Indonesia’s independence, 17.08% discount is given away to all customers who dine in the restaurant. So better not missing the great deal ;)

Taste: 8/10

Place: 8.5/10

Service: 9/10

Price: 7.5/10

Thanks for Reading! :)

1945 Restaurant

Address: Fairmont Hotel 3^rd Floor, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Jakarta

Phone: +62 21 2903 9179

Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11am – 3.30pm / 6.30pm – 10.00pm (Lounge only 11am – 10pm)

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