Radja Ketjil

If you have ever had a chance to visit a house from the Dutch colonial era in Jakarta, you will see the resemblance it has to Radja Ketjil. Unlike its other branch near Terogong Raya in South Jakarta, Radja Ketjil at Pondok Indah Mall is much more cozy and accommodating to large crowds. Their concept is pretty much to offer a mixture of Malay and Chinese delicacies popular in the time of Dutch occupation and now as well.

Many of the dishes here are essentially Chinese food infused with a Malay taste and one can only really tell, if they were familiar with both cuisines. We would like to think that we are. The simple menu offers common delicacies like Fried Bihun(thin strings of boiled rice), Sapi Lada Hitam Manis (Stir fried beef in thick black paper sauce), Hongkong Chicken, Fried Chicken served with salty chicken skin. 7 Seas Tofu, fried Japanese tofu (tender tofu) served in a rich seafood sauce. Appetizers like Tauke Petekoan egg roll (Shrimp egg roll). The main course portions are slightly lacking and we suggest ordering different types of dishes to share, which will allow you to experience most of what they have to offer. To finish up we opted for some Chinese tea which is common practice after a meal in Chinese or Malay restaurants, especially after an oily meal.

Kerosene lamps and wooden windows will surely bring back some happy memories for many, and we we trust that the warm atmosphere that Radja Ketjil has to offer will not be disappointing to anyone and everyone.