Lara Djonggrang

Hot on the heels of its popular precursor, Dapur Babah (Top Tables, Apr./May 2005), Lara Djonggrang has opened with great fanfare in central Jakarta. Tugu Hotels' Anhar Setjadibrata again capitalizes on his love of Indonesian heritage to create an enchanting venue laden with sumptuous antiques. Inspired by the great 14 th -century expeditions of Javanese king Hayam Wuruk, the enthralling menu reads like a gastronomical map of the archipelago. Every dish has its own history, and as the countless variations of rice specialities will attest, all are equally good. Artfully presented and masterfully prepared, even simple dishes such as soybean cake fried in turmeric, tamarind-marinated prawns, and Balinese fish satay get a new lease on life (Jalan Teuku Cik Di Tiro 4, Menteng, Jakarta; 62-21//315-3252).