Pantrynette is situated in one of the new shophouses on Jalan Karang Tengah in the Lebak Bulus area of South Jakarta. A little off the beaten track maybe, but we’ve been hearing a lot of good things about this place. The restaurant is managed by the same people who own the popular Gorjes Hair Salon, and sure enough, their newest branch is located on the top floor.
The décor here is decidedly pretty. The interior is dominated by the white colored furniture and wall paneling, with some touches of light green on some chairs and parts of the walls. The knick knacks on the cabinets and framed photos on the wall add a certain homey feel. All in all, it’s very casual and comfy.
Pantrynette serves a hearty mix of classic café fare and Indonesian favorites. Real down-to-earth food. We visited them recently, and wanted to have a taste of their cooking.
We began with the Bitterballen (22k); a typical savory Dutch snack, they are basically deep fried, breadcrumb battered balls with ragout filling. And with a side of mustard as a dip, this is one very popular appetizer here.
The Big Breakfast (40k) is also a well-liked dish. A plate of French toast, sausage, sautéed mushroom, egg, and tomato that will start your day in the right way. Don’t get us wrong, though; you’ll be content with this simple yet tasty dish at any time of day!
Up next is the Spaghetti Aglio Olio (30k). The al dente spaghetti is cooked with lightly sautéed garlic in olive oil, garnished with chili flakes, and generously topped with cheese.
If you’re more into local food, try the Mie Ayam Jamur (23k) or flour noodles with a good helping of seasoned chicken and mushroom with some lettuce. The bowl of soup and meatballs that just brings it all home.
We also want to point out the jars of pickles on the table. One is the regular jar of pickled cucumber, carrots, and shallots. The other one though, packs quite a punch with the addition of sliced chilies. And this local type of salsa is a big hit among Pantrynette’s patrons! It’s especially good to go with your local dishes.
Another notable dish here is the Asem-Asem Buntut (23k); a sour and spicy beef oxtail soup. And we mean, exceptionally hot! The herbs and spices blend very nicely with the oxtail, but the chilies really give it a good kick. If you’re into spicy food, you’ll love this dish!
They also have Pancakes and Crepe dishes (25k) for your sweet tooth. For drinks, the Lychee Iced Tea (22k) is very refreshing. And the Wedang Jahe (22k) – a pot of Javanese hot ginger drink, and Hot Caramel Latte (26k) are great for after your meal. The coffee here is particularly good.
For a smallish, unassuming eatery, it’s really nice to see that they put special care into the food and we liked the good quality of the ingredients very much.
With its relaxed feel and easy weekend vibe, Pantrynette is a good choice for a laid back afternoon of interesting company and casual food.
(Budi Iskandar)