Dimsum Festival (VIVAnews/Nurcholis Anhari Lubis)

8th floor, BRI II Center Parking Lot
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 44-46
Jakarta Selatan
Tel. 571 3600

So seasoned you almost feel safe—and you will, if you stick to some choice dim sum: a few plump and juicy ha kau, for one, and perhaps the prawn in bean curd skin with oyster sauce, a couple of fried chive and prawn dumplings (ignore the slightly doughy—and very green—skin), followed by the deep-fried sesame balls, whose red bean filling is quite brilliant, and, if you’re into even more green, the pandan bun, which tastes as though a dozen eggs has gone into the mix.

The a la carte menu is less assured despite the steely confidence: you won’t be dissatisfied with anything though nothing will make you jump with joy either. The roast duck is okay, so are the steamed and the Thai-style deep-fried garoupa. Beef, seafood and vegetables are all serviceable, though steer away from the insipid squid with cucumber and vermicelli. Forget the hot and sour soup too.

The narrow entrance belies the oceanic space beyond, a stretch of nearly half a kilometer filled with well-spaced tables. But the system, as all regulars know—is next to none—they’ll anticipate your every wish even before you think it. The prices are quite reasonable too, which is why they keep packing ‘em in.

Price range: Around Rp 130,000 for 2 (dim sum); Rp 300,000 for 2 (4 dishes
including dessert)
Operating hours: 11:30 – 15:00 (lunch);
18:30 – 22:00 (dinner); 08:30 – 15:00
(lunch on Sundays and public holidays)
Dress code: casual
Atmosphere: spacious, efficient
Alcohol: yes + wine list
All major credit cards accepted
Reviewed: February 2008