Lunch at Dapur Baba Elite - Top 10 must visit restaurants in Jakarta

Jakarta - This afternoon, I enjoyed a memorable lunch at Dapur Baba Elite, a charming Peranakan restaurant that beautifully blends culinary heritage with cultural artistry. 

The moment I stepped inside, I felt as though I had walked into a living museum of Peranakan history — vibrant, elegant, and full of character. 

The walls were adorned with striking artworks depicting scenes of Baba-Nyonya life, from traditional weddings and family portraits to intricate floral motifs that echoed the richness of the culture. Antique cabinets, pastel-coloured tiles, and ornate wooden carvings added to the warm, nostalgic atmosphere, creating a dining space that felt both intimate and steeped in history.

The restaurant’s ambiance was inviting, with soft lighting that brought out the vivid hues of the displayed porcelain ware — classic tiffin carriers, delicate tea sets, and hand-painted plates that are signature to Peranakan aesthetics. 

Each corner seemed thoughtfully curated, offering guests not only a meal but a visual journey into a unique cultural world. It was the kind of environment that encouraged you to slow down, appreciate the details, and let each moment linger.

For my meal, I chose the Nasi Kare Kepiting, a flavourful crab curry rice dish that was as visually enticing as it was aromatic. The curry arrived rich and golden, giving off a warm, coconut-laced fragrance that instantly made my appetite come alive. The restaurant used blue crab and the crab meat was dry as it was deep dried before, and the curry had just the right balance of spices — bold enough to make a statement but not overpowering. Paired with fragrant rice and a side of pickled vegetables, the dish brought together textures and flavours that felt authentically Peranakan, with a gentle touch of refinement. Every spoonful was comforting, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist trying the Pisang Goreng Radja, a royal-style fried banana dish that lived up to its name. The bananas were perfectly ripe, fried to a crisp golden brown on the outside while remaining soft and sweet inside. What impressed me most was the way the restaurant elevated a simple classic — the pisang goreng was served with a delicate drizzle of sliced coconut and slices of hardened brown sugar. It was indulgent, nostalgic, and the perfect ending to my meal.