Jakarta comes alive during the year-end holiday season, attracting locals and tourists eager to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the city's dining scene. With festive energy, explore some of Jakarta's culinary spots, conveniently near MRT and Transjakarta stops for easy access. These popular restaurants offer a taste of Indonesia's culinary diversity, with seamless access to city exploration.
1. Bopet Mini-Benhil
Photo: Himawan Nugraha
Bopet Mini, a legendary Padang restaurant, has been drawing visitors since 1981, and it’s especially popular around the holidays for its unique, buffet-style service. Located 450 meters from the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) Transjakarta stop, this spot offers a comforting escape from holiday shopping and city touring. Unlike typical Padang restaurants, Bopet Mini’s buffet setup allows diners to customize their plates with favorites like rendang, grilled chicken, and gulai ikan kakap (snapper curry). For breakfast, try their traditional ketupat sayur or pical pecel, both classic Indonesian dishes that embody holiday warmth and hospitality. With prices starting from IDR 15,000 (about USD 1.00), Bopet Mini is a delightful and affordable way to experience the richness of Padang cuisine in the heart of Jakarta. It’s open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, making fitting into your holiday schedule easy.
2. Pujasera Blok M
Photo: Himawan Nugraha
Another must-visit for a meal experience is Pujasera Blok M, located within Blok M Square near the MRT station. Known for its variety, Pujasera Blok M is an ideal destination during the year-end season, as the food court brings together diverse cuisines, from traditional Indonesian to popular street foods. Mie Ayam Baso Dondon, an iconic Solo-style chicken noodle dish, is a crowd favourite among its offerings. At the same time, Kedai Rukun Yakarta serves Jogja specialities such as mangut lele and garang asem. You’ll find delicious mango sticky rice at the Thai Baby stall, perfect for a sweet holiday treat. Prices here start around IDR 18,000 (USD 1.20), making it a great spot for families and friends looking to sample a variety of flavors. With operating hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can easily spend a relaxed afternoon here after exploring nearby shopping centers or festive holiday displays.
3. Futago Blok M
Photo: Himawan Nugraha
For a taste of Japan, head over to Futago Blok M, a cozy Japanese street-food-style eatery where the holiday crowd gathers to enjoy comforting bowls of Creamy Miso Udon with sambal matah, onigiri, and the crowd-favorite Pudding Gula Aren made with traditional Indonesian palm sugar. Futago’s cozy, communal seating fosters a festive, social vibe during the holiday season, though it can get crowded, plan to arrive early or during off-peak hours. Located close to Blok M MRT Station, it’s a convenient stop for holiday shoppers and sightseers. Prices range from IDR 50,000 to 100,000 (USD 3.30 - 6.60), making it a delicious and affordable holiday dining option.
4. Nom Nom Nom - MRT Lebak Bulus
Photo: Instagram nomnomnom id
In the southern part of the city, Nom Nom Nom is a quaint, Instagram-worthy café located just 2.5 kilometers from MRT Lebak Bulus. Its cozy, festive decor is ideal for photos and holiday vibes. It offers a mix of Indonesian classics like *gado-gado* and *nasi goreng* and Western options like Swedish meatballs and spaghetti. With prices starting at IDR 50,000 (USD 3.30), this spot is perfect for solo diners, couples, or groups wanting a relaxing break from the holiday rush. Open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Nom Nom Nom’s extended hours make it a flexible choice for a meal before or after holiday festivities.
5. Warung Bali Pak Gede - Haji Nawi MRT Station
Photo https://x.com/txtdrkuliner/status/1653034311619317762
Lastly, Warung Bali Pak Gede offers a Balinese twist on Jakarta dining, conveniently located near Haji Nawi MRT Station. Serving up nasi campur with a selection of meats, vegetables, and flavorful Balinese sauces, this eatery is ideal for those looking to experience unique holiday flavors. Situated at Jl. RS. Fatmawati Raya No.33D, this cozy spot is within easy walking distance from the MRT station, making it accessible for those exploring South Jakarta during the holidays. Prices start at IDR 32,000 (USD 2.10), and the eatery is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For a smooth holiday culinary journey, using the Transjakarta and MRT systems is best, avoiding the heavy year-end traffic. Many dining spots tend to be more crowded than usual during the holidays, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid lines. And don’t forget to check out Jakarta’s holiday events, from seasonal decorations at shopping malls to festive outdoor activities in popular areas like Bundaran HI, and Ancol.
With the ease of MRT and Transjakarta, exploring the city's culinary gems has never been simpler or more exciting. From authentic Padang flavours to cozy Japanese street food and vibrant food courts, Jakarta offers a delicious blend of cultures and tastes, perfect for any holiday outing. As you wrap up the year and dive into Jakarta’s rich culinary scene, make these dining spots part of your holiday adventure.
For more inspiring travel ideas and exciting experiences across Indonesia, follow @wonderfulindonesia on Instagram and explore #WonderfulIndonesia. Happy holidays and happy feasting!
