Namaaz Dining - Jakarta

If you want to have some unique dining experience which is still rare in Jakarta, you can try Namaaz Dining.

Namaaz Dining is one of the first molecular gastronomy restaurant in Indonesia. It is a fine (fun) dining style, in which you can enjoy around 17 course of menus from appetizer to dessert which served uniquely. Each menu has it's own story and explanation how to eat and enjoy them.

Adrian Ishak, the owner / chef stated that the menu will be changed annually.

The restaurant is only open for dinner, and by 2018, one night, it only accept 28 seats. So, to dine here, you absolutely need to reserve your seat. You can reserve your seat on their website beforehand, and you also have to pay it first via Bank Transfer. Price for 1 person is IDR 1.250.000,-

The Place

Namaaz is located on Jalan Gunawarman. The building is just across KFC restaurant, but the signage is not quite visible, and the front door itself is not on Jalan Gunawarman, but on the side road (Jalan Sanjaya). I recommend you to use Google Maps for exact location of the restaurant. Since it is for Dinner, the restaurant will be accessible started at 7 p.m.

The place is cozy, with open kitchen, which is mainly used for food preparation. The table is specially arranged for guests that night. So table arrangement will be changed every night.

The Food

Note that this is 2018 themed food, for 2019 theme will be different. So it is not a spoiler.

2018 Theme is Cinema. There will be 5 different genre for this theme; Romantic, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Horror, and Sci-Fi

Appetizer

Candle

This is our first menu. What you see is not what you get they said. They served cassave chips with balado sambal. The balado sambal is look like candle but tasted so good.

Cabe-cabean dan Batu-batuan

Tinorangsak chicken with peyek chili sauce. They made the tinorangsak chicken look like green chili and the rock underneath actually the sambal roa.

The sambal is covered by glutinous paste and black seeds so it resembling a rock.

Truffle - Nasi uduk Semur Jengkol

Seasoned rice ball (nasi uduk) with potato mousse and semur jengkol. You just put all of the topping on top the rice ball and it really taste great.

Plot Twist

As for our third course, the waiter announce that it is a plot twist. Like in movies, it is unexpected things which is already in front of us. For our menu, the waiter said that the terrarium which is a decoration in our table is actually a food. He then, shakes the terrarium and after few seconds, the flower turned into popcorn.

Popcorn with rendang flavour then chilled in liquid nitrogen -190 celcius before given to us. After we eat the popcorn suddenly our mouth is fill with smoke just like a dragon!

Novel

They give us a novel wrapped with recycled paper and inside the novel there is paper which is jelly, sugar and edible flower that can be eat. We rolled the paper and put on top of the novel. After that they will give you gado-gado (salad with peanut dressing) to put in the paper roll and you can eat it.

Cotton Ball

Deconstructed tempeh which is made look like a cotton unseasoned.

In this menu, we are proving that it is our nose which enhance the taste of the food. The Tempeh itself is bland. But there are 2 bottles given to us. The left one is mendoan aroma, and the right one is bacem aroma. The instruction is to chew the Tempeh and smell one of the aroma at the same time. That way, the tempeh will taste like mendoan and bacem tempe.

Asinan Bogor

Asinan with a extremely unique look. On top of the straw is peanut, fruit, and veggies while the soury soup is put inside the glass bottle. Just chew the paste while drinking the soup and mixed it in your mouth.

First Main Course

Soto Pekalongan

A brown pottery cup came with various topping inside, after that they pour the soup into the cup. We used potato (perkedel) as spoon to eat and the end the spoon itself will be eaten.

Tasting through colors and music

3 different colors of chocolate is served. They said it's like experimental food. Which one is sweeter? While in tempeh menu, we experimented with smelling, in this menu, we experimenting the effect of what we listen to the food taste.

The chocolate actually have same taste. But you can taste different; slightly sweeter or bitter depending on what song do you hear when eating the chocolate.

Risotto

Seasoned cooked rice topped with galangal as the yolk and fried galangal string with pete (stinky bean) powder to look like abon (floos)

Crime Scene - Ayam bakar madiun

We were served with deconstructed Roasted chicken on the aluminium plate with sugar bottle, sweet soy sauce, shrimp paste sambal (this look like blood). The chicken is tender and it's easy to eat even though you have to hold the chicken feet.

Coconut QR Pudding

Interpretation of Gulai Tunjang (Beef Knuckle Stew). Outer made of kikil (knuckle) and the inside filled with stew. The food concept and the story can be seen by follow the QR code link.

Benang Cap Sikat Gigi - Beef Papiong

Beef papiong (toraja dish) is bamboo grilled beef with shallot garlic, ginger, and lemongrass chilli stew and place on the bottom with rice on top. They made the string from coconut milk. You will love this dish.

Dessert

The dessert is mainly focused on Sci-Fi theme. The story is that there is alien forces which planned to invade the earth. So the dessert course concept are around that.

Sometimes when we still eating main course, the waiter are installing iced Kecombrang above our table, which is dripping into a  container filled with water. The drops then become caviars.
Then on first dessert course, the dripped caviar are taken. In the story it is alien eggs. It is served on egg shell with Mango Pudding base (which is imitating egg yolk)


UFO

Fruit dessert with Honeydew and Pandan haze. You can find noodle of cucumber, watermelon inner skin, condensed watermelon sauce, starfruit granita, and seasonal local fruit on the UFO plate. Very fresh and sweet at the same time.

dessert yang pake pipe

Semifreddo of tonic water pineapple ice cream caviar.

Exploding Dessert - Es Podeng

For the last dessert course, they gave us the raincoat to put on also our bag/camera must be covered with cloth so it wont get damp or wet. After everyone ready, they start a uplifting rock music and serving exploding dessert, which reminding us that fine dining can be fun too. 

By the way this is es podeng but they elevate it with the explode things for us to enjoy not only the food it self but also the presentation! Genius!

Conclusion

It is fine dining and it is long dining. We started the dining at 7.30 and finish around 11.00. But they have a premium and top service. When we visited, there are times when the power is cut off (possibily from PLN) and backup generator is not available. But on that time, they provide each table with liquid nitrogen to manage the cool temperature (because the A/C is off). But they do any possible way they can to keep us feeling comfortable and we really appreciate that. So while it is not perfect, but we can say that it is a good effort to remedy the uncontrolled situation.

Aside from that, thumbs up for the creativity and although it is quite expensive,  it's worth the price and we'd like to support this kind of creativity to make unique food experience. Planning to come back this year when they already change the menu. 

Bangkok Travel Guide

It's no longer a secret that Thailand especially Bangkok is one of the top places must visit in Asia. Despite for it's temples and historical places, there are many places for food, cafe, and shopping that attracted tourists to go there. I my self had visited this country for like 3-4 times and still find something new in there. In this post, I want to share my experience in Bangkok along with information for transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing places. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Bangkok city had several option for their transportation such as: BTS, MRT, Boat, Tuk Tuk, Grab, and Taxi. It really depends on where you want to go. Frankly speaking Bangkok's traffic jam can make you stuck so it's best to check the traffic first.

Here some transportation options for you to choose :

BTS

If you are happened to stay in Sukhumvit area and/or like to go shopping in Siam, chance that you will use this BTS. BTS is elevated train. There are two lines; green and blue, which intersect in Siam. The fare is distance based, and Blue lines, as it is newer seems to be slightly more expensive.

Although some stations do not have escalators, using BTS is quite convenient. If your stops are near the mall, they are usually connected to the bridge.

You can use prepaid card, or buy one use ticket on ticket booth or automatic ticket booth. There is no discount in using prepaid card, it just more less hassle.

On peak hours, the trains is crowded, but you still have breathing space. BTS will slightly more time saving than using Taxi. Especially if your route is mostly Sukhumvit Road on peak hours.

MRT

MRT is an underground train, which cover some areas which is not covered by BTS. There is only one line of MRT by the time we visited. However, MRT is more modern than BTS. The station is clean. Unlike other asian MRT system like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, there are no commercial stores along the way yet.

As in BTS, in MRT you can use prepaid card, or using one time ticket. The unique factor is the one time ticket are using coin like token. Since Bangkok MRT isn't serving major route, the trains is less crowded than BTS.

Grab / Taxi

Other way to reach locations unreachable by BTS and MRT are by using Grab / Taxi. Prior to Grab, Bangkok's Taxis are notorious in touting and charging unreasonable high prices for normal distance. The Grab make standard fares and forced most taxi drivers to join the Grab Taxi scheme.

If money and time is not your concern, using Grab Car in Bangkok is quite satisfying. The car is usually new and on higher class type than regular taxi or Indonesian Grab (Avanza and its expanded family).  We often get Prius, Fortuner, Camry, and Strada (even Lexus) when using Grab Car. The rate is also flat, regardless the traffic. But Grab driver usually avoid highway. So if you want to get to your destination faster, and you know that you can use highway, I recommend you to ask for it.

It is worth noting that on major tourist attraction along Chao Praya River (Grand Palace, Wat Arun, etc), you cannot take Grab Car. The app is forcing you to use Grab Taxi. And for us personally, Grab Taxi are less reliable than Grab Car. The price on app only an estimate, and you are still charge per km. So plan your trip carefully.

Tuk-Tuk

The famous Tuk-Tuk as traditional transport mode might make you want to try that. But for us it is not worth it.

Tuk-Tuk Driver, on our experience in Grand Palace area, open unreasonable high fare which is 2-3 times more expensive than Grab. When you are shocked, they will start asking your price. And magically they will accept, in one condition; they will make several stop in shops, which you have no obligation to buy.  We really do not like this kind of trap and choose not to try it at all.

Later, we found out that if you spend your night in Movenpick, there seems to be free shuttle using tuk-tuk to nearest BTS/MRT stops (Terminal 21). So maybe some other hotels also provide it too.

Boat

Boat is the traditional and natural public transportation in Bangkok since it is developed along Chao Praya River. Today boats and ferries are still roaming along the river and many tourist and local are using it all time.

If you want to use the boat, we recommend you to include it, in your historical itineraries day (when visiting Grand Palace and its surrounding) because, aside from unique experience, it also cheap. Be careful about the safety though, especially if you cannot swim. The boats seems on old condition and no adequate safety floats are available in boats

Car Rental

If your itineraries include trips out of town (going to Pattaya, Hua Hin, or Ayutthaya), you might consider Car Rental. It will considerably make your journey more comfortable since by using Grab Car is quite difficult and using bus is quite hassle.

Rent a car in Bangkok is quite easy as long you have International Driving License. You must prepare to face the traffic though (But it is nothing compared to Jakarta Traffic)

ACCOMODATION

Before venturing through Bangkok, a good hotel is a must. After research we decided to choose hotels in Sukhumvit Street. It is the most jammed area, we know. But you can find some luxury ones with more affordable price. Two of these are:

Sofitel Sukhumvit Hotel

The Luxury Hotel of Accor group. Located between Nana and Asok station. They have great hospitality and spacious room. This is a good hotel choice. 

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel 

Another alternative. Not as luxurious as Sofitel, but more strategic located for public transport and for avoid traffic. Their lobby is on third floor, but on our trip, they provide complimentary iced bottled water on the first floor every morning and afternoon. This hotel beside the Terminal 21 mall that you can access directly by walking.

SIGHTSEEING PLACES

As we know Bangkok is very famous for its historical temples, here are some of the sightseeing place that I list as a must visit while you are in Bangkok.

Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew (The Temple of Emerald Buddha)

The #1 tourist target location to Bangkok. It is very crowded and hard to take pictures you visit it in the afternoon. But you should at least visit this place once.  The palace is massive and divided into two main parts: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)  and the Royal Residence.
In here, all shimmered with gold in the sun. It was hard for me to capture the beauty of it. You really do need to go and see it for yourself.

A strict dress code is applied here. Man should wear long pants and women knee length skirt or long pants. Bare shoulder or see thru clothes are prohibited too. If you showed up improperly dress, you can rent some clothes to cover you up properly with deposit around 200 baht.

Location : Na Phra Lan Rd Old City (Rattanakosin)
Getting There : BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, take exit no 2 then continue to dock Chao Praya Express boat and exit at Tha Chang Pier. 5-10 minutes walk to the Grand Palace entrance.
Alternatively if you are travel with more than 2 peoples, you can use taxi/grab.
Opening time: 8.30-15.30
Admission Fee : 500 baht (include ticket to Vimanmek Mansion)

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is an ancient temple which show you the traditional "thang" (pole shaped) top which is part of Indochina culture. The decorations are made from porcelain and sea shells thats so delicate and pretty. It's a small complex compare to the Grand Palace. Wat Arun is located across Chao Praya River from Grand Palace. Because of that, it is efficient if you visit the place together (And also with Wat Pho). 

Location : West Side of Chao Praya River
Getting There : BTS to Saphan Taksin Station then 5 mins walk to Than Thien Pier to across the river using boat. Alternatively if you are travel with more than 2 peoples, you can use taxi/grab.
Opening time: 8.00-17.30
Adimission Fee : 50 baht

Wat Benchamabopit (The Marble Temple)

This is one of the Budhist temple in Bangkok, also known as marble temple. One of Bangkok's most beautiful temple with magnificient multi tiered red roof and white marble and golden decorated windows. All the pillars, lion statue, and courtyard are all made of Italian marble. Wat Benchamabophit is one of the six temples in Bangkok bestowed with the title of highest grade of the first class Royal temples.

Visitors are allow to take picture in the complex area, but respectful attire is required. Wearing long pants or knee length skirt and not wear top the reveal bare shoulder. You also have to take off your shoes while entering the structure in the complex.

Location : Instersection of Thanon Rama V and Thanon si Ayutthaya
Getting There : Taxi / Grab is most convenient
Opening time: 8.00-17.30
Adimission Fee : 20 baht

Wat Pho (The Temple of Reclining Budha)

Bangkok's largest and oldest temple complex  is a home to 46-meter long of reclining Buddha image. When you visit a temple, respectful attire is required. You need to take off your shoes to enter the building. Also if you wear top that reveals bare shoulders you must cover it with cloth that will be lend to you. Trousers and knee length skirt is also required to enter this place.

When you enter this place you will see the bronze bowl which line in the length of the hall. It consider good luck if you drop the coins to this 108 bronze bowl.

Location : 2 Sanam Chai Rd. (only 10 minutes away to the Grand Palace )
Getting There : Walking 10 mins from Grand Palace
Opening time : 8.00 - 18.30
Admission Fee : 100 baht

Sky Walk at King Power Mahanakhon

Recently open around end of November 2018, this place really give the vibes for attraction in Bangkok. This highest glass skywalk is located in King Power Mahanakhon building at 314 meters high consist of :

• 1st Floor: Lobby. Ticket counter for enter the SkyWalk can be purchased here. A themed digital corridor that led to the elevator. The elevator will take you to the 74th in less than one minute  Also there's some merchandise shop near the entrance.

• 74th Floor: Indoor Observation Deck with 360-degree panoramic views of Bangkok. You can also send postcard to your loved ones via post-box here. 75th Floor can be access with escalator from here.

• 75th Floor: Mezzanine, Restroom facilities, and Glass elevator boarding area.

• 78th Floor: Outdoor observation decks and rooftop bar. Glass SkyWalk to view Bangkok from 310 meters and also Bangkok's highest viewpoint.

Some rules before entering the SkyWalk:

• There 's a queue line before entering the SkyWalk. This queue is to prevent too many people on the SkyWalk. 
• We also have to use shoes cover provided by them before walking into the SkyWalk. 
• You are prohibited to bring camera and smartphone into the SkyWalk to take pictures. Pictures can be taken from outside the SkyWalk. 
• If you are happened to bring bag, you also have to cover the bag with bag cover before entering the SkyWalk. 

Location : King Power Mahanakhon, 114 Narathiwas Rd

Opening Time : 10.00 - 24.00 

Getting There : BTS to Chong Nonsi Station

Admission Fee : 1050 baht (all level), 850 baht (indoor observatory only)

Erawan Museum

If you want different feel of Bangkok, you should come to Erawan Museum. It is a building with big three headed statue elephant which are arrange with religious and cosmology symbol. You will enjoy the journey with the audio guide (provided free) which describe the story behind the building unique design. The Erawan is privately owned, which make a different feel with palaces and temples in Bangkok. The owner is Lek Viriyapan which also owned Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya and Ancient City in Bangkok. 

This museum divided into 3 world : The Underworld, The Earth, and The Heaven. 

• The underworld – The softly lit ground floor exhibits various precious antiques and statues of mythical Naga serpents.
• The human world – The middle floor is beautifully decorated with the intricate stucco moulding with five colored porcelain inlays, fanciful supporting pillars and stained glass.
• The heavens – The top floor is adorned with the exquisite art depicting the solar system and is where the ancient Buddha images are housed.

To get to the top floor of the elephant you can either choose to take a spiral staircase or a quick elevator ride. Photography is not permitted in the basement section of the museum and on the upper floors in some area. 

Location : 99/9 Moo 1 Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan
Getting There : BTS to On Nut Station then use taxi / grab from there.
Opening time: 8.00-17.00
Adimission Fee : From 8.00 - 17.00 ~ 400 baht (adult) 200 baht (kids)
                            From 17.00 - 19.00 ~ 200 baht (adult) 100 baht (kids)

Muangboran The Ancient City

The owner of Erawan also have a big portion of land who showcase the culture of Thailand. It is like Indonesian Taman Mini. Most building is a scaled replica, some of them are made up, and some of them are relocated in site.  The Ancient City was created to preserve Thailand national heritage for the future. In here you can get an overview of Thai history in one day.

This area is quite large, you can rent golf car (start from 150 baht), take  free bicycle, open tram, or walk. Free Audio Guide is also provided. A very comfortable way is to ride the tram. The open tram follows a predetermined route through the Ancient City. The schedule is as follows:

• 10 am - noon
• 1 pm - 3 pm
• 3 pm - 5 pm
• 5 pm - 7 pm

Location : 296/1 Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan

Getting There : Taxi / Grab is most convenient

Opening time: 9.00 - 19.00

Admission Fee : between 9.00-16.00 (700 baht), between 16.00-19.00 (350 baht)


These are the sites in Bangkok which is quite worthy to visit especially if you are into the Thailand Traditional Culture. What is your favourite site? Do you have must visit place which is not listed above? Please comment below !!