Dinner @ Sulawesis @ Sahid Sudirman

 Jakarta - After a full day exploring Jakarta's historical attractions, I ended the evening with dinner at Suleweis, a well-known restaurant specialising in authentic Manadonese cuisine. Conveniently located in the lobby of Apartemen Sahid Sudirman Residence, right in the heart of Jakarta's bustling business district, Suleweis has built a reputation for serving bold, spicy flavours from North Sulawesi in a comfortable and modern setting.

I had already planned what I wanted to order before arriving. Unfortunately, two of the restaurant's signature items were already sold out—the Bunga Pepaya (papaya flowers), a classic Manadonese vegetable dish prized for its slightly bitter flavour, and their refreshing special coconut drink. While slightly disappointed, it simply gave me the opportunity to explore other items on the menu.

For my main course, I ordered the Sukang Bakar, also known as grilled Leather Jacket Fish. The fish was grilled perfectly, with beautifully charred skin while the flesh remained moist, tender, and naturally sweet. The smoky aroma from the charcoal grilling complemented the fresh seafood wonderfully, and paired with the restaurant's spicy sambal, every mouthful was packed with flavour.

I also ordered an eggplant dish stir fried with Petis Udang, a rich, dark prawn paste commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. Unlike fermented shrimp paste, petis is thick, slightly sweet, and intensely savoury, adding a wonderful umami depth to the soft grilled eggplant. It was a simple dish but incredibly satisfying.

I also couldn't resist ordering a Panada, one of Manado's most famous snacks. Resembling a curry puff, the Panada features a soft, fluffy, slightly sweet bread-like pastry filled with spicy shredded cakalang (skipjack tuna). The contrast between the pillowy dough and the savoury, mildly spicy filling made it an excellent accompaniment to the meal.

Although I missed out on a couple of signature dishes, my dinner at Suleweis was still thoroughly enjoyable through expensive.  The restaurant showcases the distinctive flavours of North Sulawesi with fresh ingredients, expertly prepared seafood, and authentic recipes.