Date of publication: 29-03-2013
The izakayas in Jakarta are serving up a authentic Japanese pub experience curious locals and homesick ex-pats
A walk in Jl Melawai, Blok M, Jakarta, at night is vastly different from that in the daytime.
When the Sun is, most buildings look like mean little offices and the streets themselves are quiet by Jakarta standards.
The only characters hinted that the area is often synchronized Jakarta's Little Tokyo are exported in the form of Japanese characters and unlit neon lighting.
"Come back here around 8 pm and they will be full of Japanese people," Rahman, a parking attendant said, adding that he often local celebrities dining there also spotted.
Blok M is since the 1990s, a favorite meeting place for a melting pot of Japanese expatriates, ranging from Japanese language teachers to company CEO 's, in Jakarta to let loose after a long day at the Office.
A popular guide to Indonesia published in Japan compares the area to Shibuya, a bustling nightlife spot in Tokyo.
Izakaya in Jakarta
"Japanese people tend to really trust their friends recommendations and travel guides as" Arukikata ", so it's no wonder they flock to Block M," said Ryo Teruya, a Japanese work as a game consultant in Jakarta.
It's so that Jakarta Japanese expat community Jl Melawai pressures, especially her izakaya branches.
"Izakaya" is a word used by the Japanese to describe eateries specializing in home-cooked dishes and drinks. The word barrel a characteristic Japanese pub culture.
Even on week days, the establishments are busy, catering to employees meeting clients, celebrates successful projects, and so on.
"I always make time to go to an izakaya with my Japanese friends at least once a week. Usually we spend about two to three hours drinking, "said Tatsuhito Muramatsu, the founder of a startup.
Taichan, Kushigin and Boci Boci are several izakaya establishments in Jakarta he has to-his personal favorite being who boci Boci thanks to the food, beverage and Interior, with wide tables and tatami.
Another favorite of Tatsuhito was Ajihara, which has since been moved to Kemang.
He said the izakaya establishments in Jakarta the same convenience and atmosphere like those in Japan.
' The food, drink and service is so very many Japanese that it made me homesick, "he confessed.
Anton Soeharyo, who spent six years in Tokyo, once.
"While in college, my friends and I usually went to izakayas after classes to have a drink," he said. "There are some rituals that I learned from my Japanese friends. Only we can start the toast after all people have their hands on a glass at the table. Then we drink together. "
After roasting, they order dishes like edamame (boiled green soy beans), meguro moriawase (tuna), yakitori (skewered chicken), yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles), gyudon (Japanese beef bowl of rice) and close it off with hambagu (Japanese jumbo-size hamburger).
A difference that tatsuhito noticed was that some Japanese expatriates brought their children with them while having dinner in izakayas in Jakarta. "In Japan, izakaya would be banned for anyone under 20 because they serve alcohol," he said.
The reason is probably because, like steel company owner Tommy Halim said, izakaya establishments in Jakarta still very modest, in contrast to those in Japan.
"In Japan, people can drink until they get carried away and start dancing on the table," he said.
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