Excellent Indonesian Bistro, Pala Adas
Last night after thinking all too often of going to Pala Adas, a new Indonesian restaurant in PIK North Jakarta, I finally got the chance to go. I had already heard so many positive things about this restaurant, and was super excited to see if it would live up to all the hype.
Lower ground seating area
To be honest these days, I really enjoy getting out of South Jakarta. I'm unfamiliar with so many areas in the city and it's really interesting to try new areas which offer great cuisine. It seems that recently, I have been eating out in PIK more often, with each time proving to be memorable. So I was eager to find out how Pala Adas would measure up to other restaurants in the area.
Indonesian Style decor on the lower ground
The restaurant is set over 2 floors, and seeing as the downstairs area was already full, we were escorted upstairs. On the upper level, you have the choice of dining inside or outside on the balcony. As I wanted a relaxed setting, I opted for the outside area. The lower and upper levels are slightly different in regards to decor. I found the lower level to be a little more traditional in style. But the ambience is secondary to the food for me! So here's what I ordered.
Bebek Cabe Ijo, 98k
I actually went to Pala Adas because I knew they serve Bebek Cabe Ijo. This dish is Indonesian style duck topped with green chilies. It’s definitely not easy to find this dish in Jakarta, and with that being my main reason for going to Pala Adas, I hoped it would taste as good as the photos looked on Instagram! Well I need not have worried, because the duck was simply out of this world amazing!! The meat was perfectly cooked and paired with the sambal ijo, I was in food heaven. Crispy skin and juicy meat. I really have to give a heads up to the chef, as the Bebek Cabe Ijo was truly sublime.
Ikan Gurame Matah, 72k
I’m definitely a seafood lover, and going to Pala Adas did not disappoint. Lucky for me that they have so many seafood options, which all seem equally as appealing! I opted for the Ikan Gurame Matah, which is Gurame fish topped with red chilies. Once again this dish was superb! The skin of the fish was super crispy and the flesh was divine. This is without a doubt, one of the best fish dishes I have tried in any Indonesian restaurant. I can highly recommend ordering this dish.
Tahu Isi Pala Adas, 35k
I had actually intended on ordering the Sate Pala Adas, which looked amazing in the photo but unfortunately it had sold out. Probably all the more reason to assume that the Sate dishes are yummy too! To compensate for the lack of Sate, I chose the Tahu Isi Pala Adas, which is fried tofu filled with vegetables and prawns. Well what can I say? yet another delightful dish. To be honest, I was really loving Pala Adas, at this point it seemed they can do nothing wrong. The tofu was crunchy on the outside with the delicious filling inside, making for a perfect starter.
Tumis Duan Gingseng, 20k
I have tried quite a few Indonesian style vegetables options over the past 3 years. But this Tumis Daun Ginseng is probably one of my favorites. At Pala Adas every single dish I tried was exceptionally good. So all I can say is that whichever part of Jakarta you live, the journey to PIK is more than worthwhile!
Tropical Dragon Juice, 30k
If you have read my previous posts, you will know I’m a big fan of Dragon Fruit drinks. Despite being very healthy, this drink is also delicious. At Pala Adas I chose the Tropical Dragon Juice, which is more similar to a smoothie than other Dragon Fruit drinks I have tried. Nonetheless this drink is definitely worth a try. I would recommend ordering some water or tea along side, as the drink is quite thick in consistency.
It is always a great pleasure for me to write a review about an amazing restaurant. I would highly recommend Pala Adas for anyone who is looking for authentic Indonesian cuisine in Jakarta. I live in South Jakarta, but would happily make the journey North, even considering the terrible traffic situation here. Enjoy guys!
Pala Adas Indonesian Bistro
Pantai Indah Kapuk
Jalan Laut BLVD
No 8,9,10
Jakarta Utara
Opening Hours - 11am - 10pm