Wiro Sableng 212 is a must seafood restaurant in Jakarta. They are known for their grilled seafood offerings. We visited on our last night and this therefore, turned out to be our last meal in this beautiful city of Jakarta. We were most looking forward to trying Ikan Bakar and jumbo prawns. The ikan Bakar is something that has evaded me since our last visit to Malaysia. I love grilled fish, so to miss out on the opportunity to try it was a regret that I had last time round. So, I wasn’t leaving this part of the world without trying this. Read on to find out our thoughts on the dishes that we did try.
Ikan Bakar
Let’s start with Ikan Bakar, a popular Indonesian dish that translates to “grilled fish.” In Jakarta, this dish is a beloved staple, and we couldn’t wait to savour it. We opted for a beautiful, whole fish marinated in a blend of traditional spices. The fish was expertly grilled to perfection, imparting a smoky and charred flavour to the tender and moist flesh. Served with a side of sambal, a spicy chilli-based condiment, the Ikan Bakar was a true treat for the taste buds.
What did we think? Slightly underwhelming if I’m being completely honest. I love grilled fish and it is one of my favourite dishes. So, my expectations were high of this. I love the savoury and especially the smoky flavours of grilled fish. Unfortunately, this was siding on the sweeter side. I assumed the sauces or spices used may contain some sweetness (maybe soy sauce?) and that for me changes this dish completely. From a 9/10 to a 6.
Grilled jumbo prawns
Continuing our seafood extravaganza, we couldn’t resist trying the grilled jumbo prawns. These prawns were a sight to behold, beautifully charred and glistening with a tantalising glaze. Each succulent bite was a burst of sea-kissed flavour. The freshness of the prawns shone through, making this dish a true indulgence.
It was delicious and probably the best dish on the table, but again quite underwhelming. It didn’t really hit the heights that we had thought it would. I guess I just like my grilled seafood a particular way (e.g. Bengali and Arab).
Sautéed water morning glory
Balancing our meal with some greens, we ordered sautéed water morning glory (also known as water spinach), a delightful and nutritious vegetable dish. The morning glory, stir-fried to perfection, retained its vibrant colour and crispness. The simple yet flavourful seasoning allowed the natural taste of the greens to shine. It was a refreshing complement to the richness of our seafood dishes.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t as good as some of the other places we’ve had this dish at, but nonetheless still a star of a dish! Definitely, the find of this trip.
Avocado juice and a fresh coconut to drink
To quench our thirst, we enjoyed two refreshing drinks: avocado juice and fresh coconut. Avocado juice was a revelation—a creamy and luscious concoction that balanced the spicy notes of our meal. Fresh coconut water, served straight from the coconut, provided a perfect tropical refreshment, making it the ideal choice for Jakarta’s warm climate.
Our culinary adventure in Jakarta was a delicious exploration of some of the city’s finest dishes. From the smoky allure of Ikan Bakar to the succulence of jumbo prawns and the freshness of sautéed morning glory, each dish offered a unique culinary experience. To wash it all down, the creamy avocado juice and refreshing fresh coconut water added the perfect finishing touch to our Indonesian feast. Jakarta’s culinary scene is a true delight for food enthusiasts, and this meal was a testament to the city’s rich and diverse gastronomy.
Getting there:
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