Rasa Restaurant serves a variety of local and international cuisine, including dishes such as duck tacos and triple chocolate brownies. (Photos courtesy of Rasa Restaurant)
Food lovers in the city are always in the loop for something new and exciting, and Intercontinental Jakarta’s newly opened Rasa restaurant might just bring them the refreshing food experience they’ve been looking for.
Rasa, which means “taste” in Indonesian, is a contemporary space featuring elaborate columns and artistic wall panels in a unique interpretation of local design.
Different local patterns can be spotted all around the restaurant’s area, along with stylish seating options that are extended to a terraced environment with a refreshing view over the hotel’s swimming pool.
The restaurant, formerly called Java, underwent renovations over the course of several months with the aim to provide both the space and service for guests to enjoy a variety of cuisines that are freshly served throughout their dining time. Rasa’s interior is influenced by traditional Javanese touches, producing a modern, simple, clean and luxurious environment.
The eatery’s new concept revolves around live-cooking stations and close interaction between the guests, service staff and the culinary team of creative chefs.
The restaurant itself has an island kitchen as the central focus point, whereby the seating area is placed around the cooking and buffet stations, which radiates a dynamic quality supporting Rasa’s stimulating concept.
“Rasa’s buffet stations serve small portions of food, which is done to guarantee freshness in our products,” Ayleen Tjandra, the hotel’s public relations manager, explained. “The chefs will cook it right away to fill the platters.”
Gary Palm, the hotel’s executive chef, has shown his innovative skills, creating a menu focused on using only fresh ingredients which are prepared to order by his staff, explained Prissilia Pangemanan, the hotel’s director of public relations.
Gary emphasized his market-fresh menu.
“Some of the spices and seafood are freshly delivered from Bali,” he said. “All the other ingredients originate from different places, reserving an authentic dining experience for our guests.”
Transcending cultural boundaries, the menu itself varies with specialties from different local and international cuisines.
Guests can expect food items ranging from the West as well as India, China and Southeast Asia. Dishes are cooked to order from a hot wok, open grill and tandoor oven.
Rasa also boasts a make-your-own-salad corner, allowing guests to mix their own salad the way they prefer.
Rasa’s buffet selections are rotated on a regular basis and diners can expect different food depending on which day of the week they will stop by at the restaurant.
Blending European and Asian influences, Rasa hopes to create a casual dining experience with a higher level of creativity.
The restaurant’s signature dishes include Rasa duck tacos, Lontong kari ayam, Sanma with garlic, red chili and coriander, BBQ Wagyu and, for those with a sweet tooth, a warm triple chocolate brownie.
The restaurant also aims to serve seasonal delicacies and puts together themed dining events in accordance to the holiday calendar.
“We are planning to have monthly promotions. Currently we have a Vietnamese cuisine promotion for September and we will have Indonesian cuisine in October,” Ayleen Tjandra said.
Rasa Restaurant has a 148-seat capacity, with a family-friendly extension that includes the newly-renovated Pool Bar as part of the outdoor area.
The outdoor space has proven a popular spot for the lavish barbecue that is part of Rasa’s dinners as well as the weekly Sunday brunch.
“The Pool Bar also provides an alternative spot for night events and is the perfect setting for informal corporate gatherings of a social kind,” Prissilia Pangemanan said.
Rasa offers authentic dining and a multi-purpose space with the addition of live-cooking stations that add to its charm.
Overall the restaurant offers an enjoyable and calming atmosphere both indoors and out, providing the perfect ambience to accompany delicious and freshly prepared meals.
Rasa Restaurant
Intercontinental Jakarta MidPlaza, Jl. Sudirman Kav. 10-11Central Jakarta, Tel. 021 251 0888
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