IG: biteorbye (Nisa & Nadya)

Biteorbye? Bite, 100%.

Why you will love it ❤
1. THE FOOD. If love had a flavour, it will taste like Social Garden. Here is what I ate:
-The highlight of the meal was easily the 48H Braised US Short Ribs. The beef ribs is exquisite, it is on the sweeter side however is balanced with the nasi uduk puree (yes, underneath that beef ribs is actually nasi uduk that has been pureed so you can really taste the coconut milk flavour!). It comes with Vietnamese coleslaw topped with puffed rice. You know the dish is a labour of love and the chef pours his heart out to create it.
-Tasmanian Salmon Ceviche is the dish that looks super simple yet able to surprise you. The ceviche has been cured for 5 hours so all that fishy flavours? Gone. Only thing left is the smooth salmon taste with ikura on top but the crispy garlic and nuts really add that intriguing dimension. Honestly, this looks super simple but you can taste the complexity. They say you only fall in love once, Social Garden proved that is wrong because every bite feels like we fall for the flavours over and over again.
-Wingko Babat Bakar is interesting! Who knew they can bring a very interesting twist to a local dish and elevate it even more. The most interesting part is this citrus taste which gives an element of surprise and refreshing taste served with vanilla ice cream. The portion is generous for 2-3 people, so get this to enjoy with your date, friends, family, friendzone, etc.
-Wagyu Bibimbap Bowl is not a typical bibimbap bowl as it uses Japanese Curry and floss I believe which really makes every bite a treat, bibimbap with Social Garden’s twist.
-Quattro Formaggi Pizza was enjoyable because well, cheese. Brie, mozzarella, gorgonzola and grana padano parmesan. You can never go wrong with cheese honestly. AND HONEY.
-Spinach Agnolotti is a vegetarian option with great taste! Usually pasta with no meat is not the best (for us, at least), but they proved us wrong.
-Mango Passion is served with ice cream and highlights the sweetness of the mango and slight (very slight!) sourness of mango. Great option for you who want something refreshing yet sweet.
2. They experiment with drinks to find what works! Here’s our favourite:
-Passion Colada! Must-order. Love the passion fruit because it sour and has a hint of sweetness, really refreshing especially since it awakens the palette after all the great food. Also a plus, the drink looks super pretty. Note though, this is on the sour side, so might not be for everyone. If you prefer sweet drinks, go for the Strawberry Fizz.
-Strawberry fizz is also a popular one, it has a sweeter flavour profile so if you are not a big fan of sour drinks, definitely go for this one it has coconut, strawberry, aloevera, chia seed and basil. They really love to play around with the food and create art!
-Garden specialteas, make sure you get it. It’s not just a treat for the eyes but also the taste buds. Calming and relaxing feeling served in a cup.
3. The chef can also personalize the menu if you want a vegan or gluten-free meal. Really appreciate that they cater to various dietary restrictions.
4. The ambience is really something. There are two areas, the inside of the mall which is more well-lit and you can get more artsy photos here due to better lighting. But I personally prefer the outdoorish - not really outdoor though/darker area. People can smoke here, but I guess the exhaust works really well you cannot smell smoke and the temperature is just right, not too cold or too warm. Perfect place to chill and relax with family, friends and that special someone during brunch, lunch or dinner.
5. The service is great, but not really surprised on this one because, well… Ismaya always have great service and concept. Thanks Mas Ardy for the hospitality and explaining our menu!

What could be improved 🙏
1. Personally thought Fresh Tomato Carpaccio was a bit on the salty side. But this could be due to the ratio of feta pistacchio puree and tomato though - it's generous on the feta pistacchio then again a generous topping never hurt 😉. However, I ate here with 4 other people and they did not complain.
2. Quattro Formaggi Pizza’s crust would be better if it were thinner. This really depends on your crust taste, because some people might enjoy this. But in terms of taste, this reminds me of the Quattro Formaggi in Social House in GI which is one of the best pizza in Jakarta (under the same Ismaya brand so I guess I can mention the name? 😉).
3. 48H Braised US Short Ribs was easily my favourite, I think an element of freshness or hint of sourness would have been interesting to compliment the sweetness of the ribs and the savoury of the nasi uduk. While the coleslaw was enjoyable, thought a refreshing/tangy salad would have complimented the dish better. 😊
3. I think a bell for each table would be useful. Nonetheless, staff did a great job in terms of attentiveness and friendliness considering the restaurant was packed. Can’t wait for my next visit to Social Garden, planning it already!

Place: Social Garden, Senayan City
Menu:
Tasmanian Salmon Ceviche (140K): 9.3/10
Fresh Tomato Carpaccio (85K): 8.2/10
Wagyu Bibimbap Bowl (150K): 8.9/10
48H Braised US Short Ribs (275K): 9.3/10
Quattro Formaggi Pizza (135K): 8.8/10
Spinach Agnolotti 8.3/10
Wingko Babat Bakar 8.5/10
Mango Passion 8.4/10
Passion Colada - non-alcohol (60K): 9.1/10
Strawberry Fizz - non-alcohol (60K): 8.6/10
Garden Specialteas (60K): 9.0/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. Broth is super flavourful they cook it for 12 hours so no wonder it tastes so delicious.
2. If you like to enjoy your pho with generous serving of herbs, this is the place to go.
3. The sliced australian beef and brisket was melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
4. Not a big fan of meatballs in general (with few exceptions), but Saigon Delight's meatballs are super good!
5. Greatttt service, super friendly and responsive. It was a delight being in Saigon Delight.
6. Open until night time so if you have pho cravings at night, do come here!

What could be improved 🙏
Price in this restaurant is a bit steep, but with the taste that they offer you get what you pay for. If you are a fan of Vietnamese food, definitely worth it. You might become a fan of Vietnamese food if you try Saigon Delight's food. Only tried their pho, but I can assure you, I will come back pho more!

Place: Saigon Delight, Street Gallery
Menu:
Pho Dac Biet (95K): 9.02/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. The Quattro Formaggi is the best pizza I have tasted flavourwise in Jakarta. They combine brie, mozzarella, gorgonzola and parmesan. The pizza uses mushroom and sun-dired tomatoes as well. But what makes it special is that drizzle of honey. LOVEEEEE. It awakens all the ingredients’ flavours and and magnifies it even more.
Pizza portion is generous enough for two.
2. Love the ambience. The music is not too noisy that it allows for an enjoyable conversationa and the tables have a nice space between them - the restaurant is indeed spacious. Great for meetings, dates or eating with friends to catch up.
3. Ismaya Restaurants, always bring great concepts to life, Social House included.
4. Great service. When we ask for a recommendation, the waiter is able to explain the specials.

What could be improved 🙏
1. Price point is higher here, but you get what you pay for. The food is great, service is top notch and the ambience is definetly great. So as long as you do not mind paying more, this place is worth a bite.
2. Though the flavour of the pizza is definitely on point, I do wish the pizza itself for the crust was not too hard to cut. The pizza is fine, just the crust was on the harder side to cut with a knife. Not too hard to the point that it was inedible, but at the price point wish the crust could be better. With that being said, will definitely be back for this pizza and try other menus.
3. You have to pass a department store before entering the restaurant. Would be great if they have signages towards the restaurants, albeit the restaurant being very popular already so people already know.

Place: Social House, Grand Indonesia
Menu: Quattro Formaggi (125K) 9.4/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. The best dish of the night was Crispy Potato Pave. At a glance, even though the dish has a beautiful presentation, it looks simple. But once you taste it, it's an epitome of a dish that highlights the magnificent taste of each ingredient. Eat it whole in one bite to obtain the perfect experience! The potato stacks adds an interesting element of crunch, spicy beef tartare is just a bit spicy to add that slight kick and black caviar on top. This is the dish that love songs are inspired by. It's exquisite, intriguing and and definitely an experience you will never forget.
2. Carpaccio Al Tarturo looks lovely, but it tastes even better than it looks. With beef tenderloin, black truffle and garlic roasted aoli the dish manages to feature the balance of taste of all ingredients. It has even a slightly cheesy taste, but nope it's actually the garlic! The truffle is also quite generously given on this dish. Italy on a plate.
3. Funghi E Pepperoni. What makes it special is the dough has rested for two days, this allows the yeast to work on itself and won’t trouble our stomach. The dough is served with beef pepperoni, mushroom meddley and mozzarella. Since the chef is always going around the restaurant to talk with the guests, now we know the right way to eat pizza! Eat with your hands, fold it, eat the topping and a bit of the crust so you get a nice balance.
4. Seafood Linguine Piccanti is made of chili linguine, clams, mussels, prawns with spicy pink sauce. They keep it simple here so it’s all about making sure the ingredients are the star and skillful cooking technique that shows off the taste of great ingredients.
5. Cotoletta Ala Torinese is a bit on the saltier side, but turns out that is because they add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It’s chicken cutlet using turkey ham and provolone cheese. The pasta uses angel hair, but for all the menu here you could request if you would prefer another kind of pasta instead. The angel hair pasta is rich in truffle flavour, but I think it would be interesting to see this dish with another kind of pasta. One of the favourites in this restaurant.
6. For drinks, the Mediterraneo was delicious. That combo between kiwi, passion fruit, cranberries and sparkling water is refreshing. It's quite sour, so if you prefer your drinks sweet, do order something else. But if you like it sour and refreshing this is it!
7. For desserts, I had Tiramisu Classico and Affogatto Alla Nutella. Tiramisu is great if you do not like dishes that are too overwhelmingly sweet. Affogatto Alla Nutella is better if you enjoy sweet fudge brownies, paired with hazelnut semifreddo and espresso crema inglese. If you like both, order both. Life is too short to not enjoy two desserts in a meal, no?
8. Service is friendly, attentive and the staff can explain the menu well. Always appreciate restaurants that train their team well. The warm staff really ensures you to be spoiled and enjoy a fine-dining experience, including the chef who often comes around the tables asking how you find the dishes.
9. Lovely ambience, it’s classy and elegant, a reflection of the food and service they have here.
10. For thursday, friday and saturday they have live music. The restaurant is closed on sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.

What could be improved 🙏
1. The greeter in front should always be present. When I entered, seems like he/she was busy. Since the restaurant is on the higher-end, the greeter to direct guests to the seat would be fantastic.
2. Seafood Linguine Piccanti tastes beautiful. With that being said, the pasta was a bit on the oily side. Turns out, this is the oil from the seafood (which is great because all that flavours, yum!), but you can request to reduce the oiliness here, so don’t worry about that. We like the flavour, but if it were less oily, would have been even better.
3. For us, Cotoletta Ala Torinese was already good even without the little sprinkle of salt on top. Do request for sea salt on the side (if you would like to add a bit of salt on top), so you can control the saltiness level yourself.
4. The price is a bit higher here, but this is a fine-dining experience, and if you take into account the ambience, service and of course the fantastic food, every Rupiah you spend here is worth it. It’s not just eating, but an experience you will always remember.

Place: GIA Restaurant & Bar, Sudirman (Sampoerna Strategic Square)
Menu:
Crispy Potato Pave (175K) 9.8/10
Carpaccio Al Tarturo (180K) 9.6/10
Funghi E Pepperoni (115K) 8.5/10
Seafood Linguine Piccanti (175K) 9.0/10
Cotoletta Ala Torinese (210K) 8.3/10
Tiramisu Classico (95K) 8.2/10
Affogatto Alla Nutella (90K) 8.8/10

Biteorbye? Bite (without a doubt).

Why you will love it ❤
1. The Ayam Sasak is love. I think it has that tangy, sweet, spicy and savoury kick. It engages your pallette in a way that you have never felt before. Every bite reminds you of days when you are in Lombok, just enjoying the beach and somehow all your problems seem so small. Rice not included. Portion is generous enough for 2-3 people. Our favourite, must-try.
2. Ayam Taliwang is super flavourful. I thought even without the sambal it was great already. Medium level is not too spicy, but you can order it spicy if you want to. Their flavour profile is on the sweeter/spicy side, which I prefer. I wish it was a bit softer thought, would make the experience even more enjoyable than it already is.
3. Bebek Betutu Gianyar has great texture! Well-cooked, flavourful. Although we are not a big fan of the betutu kind of cooking, this is great for those who do not want their duck fried.
4. Sop Iga Garang Asem Bali has a nice broth but most importantly the meat is super easy to cut. Well-cooked and quality meat is used.
5. Sate Lilit Ayam has a well-balanced flavour, while Sate Lilit Bebek is umami. Really depends on what you like because well they are both good! Sate Ayam Plecing Denpasar is also worth a try - they are on the spicier side.
6. Tape Goreng is good for dessert. The outer layer is crispy and the tape has just the right amount of sweetness.
7. I really like how the names are the places in Bali. Great job on naming the drinks! The best one we tried is the Lovina Paradise. Did not expect it to taste so fresh and exotic.
8. The mysterious menu that somehow tastes so good is the Tempe Bacem. Please, please, please order it if you are here! It somehow surprises you. The quality of the tempe used and the flavours they use. Unlike any Tempe Bacem we have ever tasted before.
10. Friendly, fast and attentive service.
11. Lovely ambience that make you forget for a while you are not on holiday, yes, you are still in Jakarta.
12. They do not use plastic straws. Yeay! If you order juice, would be better if you bring your own metal straw because the glass is pretty and tall, but it could be a bit challenging to drink.

What could be improved 🙏
1. I think it would be better if the Seminyak Mojito were a bit sour. Would be complimentary to the whole meal to balance it up. Though if you do like pineapple, mint and prefer sweet drinks this might be just for you.
2. The Sop Iga Garang Asam Bali I wish were a bit more sour. Because that is the kind of Garang Asam I am used to. But even with that being said, this is still a good dish it's just not the flavour profile I am used to for Garang Asam.
3. Wish the Rujak Gula Bali was a bit spicier. It was more on the sweet side, but I guess for this you should be able to request and adjust the spicy level.
4. We hope they have Sate Lilit Ikan! Because if their duck and chicken version is this good, we cannot even image their take on Sate Lilit Ikan.
5. This is on the pricier end of the restaurant, however, when you consider the price, quality, service, ambience and the fact you do not need to fly all the way to Lombok/Bali to get quality food. This is all worth it. We will be back, definitely! And bringing friends and family because they need to know, this is a wonderful restaurant!

Place: Taliwang Bali, Pacific Place
Menu:
Ayam Sasak (69K): 9.4/10
Nasi Ayam Bakar Taliwang (67K): 8.8/10
Bebek Betutu Gianyar (98K): 8.6/10
Sop Iga Garang Asem Bali (105K): 8.2/10
Sate Lilit Ayam (50K): 9.3/10
Sate Lilit Bebek (60K): 9.3/10
Sate Ayam Plecing Denpasar (38K): 8.8/10
Tempe Bacem (18K): 9.0/10
Tempe Mendoan (24K): 8.6/10
Rujak Gula Bali (30K): 8.0/10
Tape Goreng (18K): 8.5/10
Lovina Paradise (29K): 8.6/10
Seminyak Mojito (30K): 7.9/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. The sweet and sour crispy chicken is what dreams are made of. It's sweet and sour has just the perfect balance and chicken cooked to perfection, crispy but still maintaining good texture of chicken.
2. Crispy salted egg golden corn is superbbb. Love. The taste of salted egg compliments well with the crispy golden corn and it's sweet and savoury flavour profile will sure please your taste buds.
3. Love the hakau! Ha kau special fook yew for me was good but the taste of the original ha kau itself is lost so I prefer the OG one.
4. Love the ambience, very aesthetic yet somehow comforting and not pretentious.
5. Great service.

What could be improved 🙏
1. Not a big fan of the xiao long pau, broth lacked flavour and the skin was very vulnerable. One wrong touch and the broth seemed to be gone.
2. Cheong fun go hiong might not be for everyone, the strong anise star (?) might be a bit overwhelming for some.
3. I love the branch in Gandaria City, but the branch in GI somehow sometimes is not up to par in terms of food served. Different branches, somewhat different food.

Place: Fook Yew
Menu:
Ni Chang sweet and sour crispy chicken 9.34/10
Crispy salted egg golden corn 9.28/10
Four season xiao long pau 4.27/10
Ha kau 9.00/10
Ha kau special fook yew 8.88/10
Cheong fun go hiong 6.23/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. We love the shrimp summer rolls! The rolls itself is already great and refreshing, but with that peanut sauce dipping. It’s the equivalent of having a crush on someone, and then finding out he/she likes the same books and bands as you do. MAGIC. They. Instantly. Become. 120%. More. Attractive.
2. Grilled Chicken Skewers Vermicelli was great. Perfect for sharing for two, because the portion is indeed generous. Get another main course or order an extra appetizer if you want to share this. We love the fried shrimp rolls. Super flavourful. However, the chicken skewers could do more seasoning. It is good, but has the potential to be great.
3. Friendly, attentive and fast service. The waitress seem to remember all of our orders despite actually writing it. Props to her!
4. Great ambiece to have a lovely brunch, lunch or dinner.

What could be improved 🙏
1. While the Shrimp Summer Rolls is already fantastic, we wish it was a tad bit more generous on the coriander. It never hurts to enhance the flavour with coriander.
2. Pomelo Salad with Seafood is not the best pomelo salad we have had so far. It lacks the tanginess from the pomelo and the flavour was more on the safe and subtle side. While you might enjoy it if you prefer a more subtle Pomelo Salad flavour, I prefer it a bit sweet with a punch of sourness and spiciness.

Place: Saigon Delight, PIM 3
Menu:
Shrimp Summer Rolls 9.0/10
Pomelo Salad with Seafood 7.2/10
Grilled Chicken Skewers Vermicelli 8.7/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. Gao zi is my favourite menu in Imperial Kitchen. Hands down. But the gao zi here is on another level. Generous coriander (without being too much) which makes the dish pop even more. MUST. ORDER. GAO. ZI.
2. Fong Zau has a nice balance between spicy with a hint of sweetness.
3. Ha kau is good, you can never go wrong with ha kau.
4. The fried mantau is a great closing to the meal.
5. Great service, the staff are friendly and attentive. I think this is the best Imperial Kitchen I've been to tastewise and servicewise.

What could be improved 🙏
1. Tim bakso sapi was not the best. Don't get me wrong, tastewise was okay, but it was too fatty and you do not expect that consistency of bakso in a dimsum. Though if you like soft texture of bakso, this would be great for you.
2. Cakwe udang mayonaise lacked flavour. But I think this would be great with soup or porridge because it does have a crunch, so if you order the cakwe udang mayonaise do order porridge, soup or another main dish to complete it.

Place: Imperial Kitchen, BXC
Menu:
Gao Zi 9.4/10
Lumpia ayam saus tiram 7.2/10
Fong Zau 8.5/10
Mantau Goreng 8.2/10
Ha Kau 7.8/10
Wan Ton Goreng 7.6/10
Cakwe udang mayonaise 2.3/10
Tim bakso sapi 1.8/10

I visited on the 13th of July, so all of the first dim sum cost 13K, the second one is normal price.

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. Gurame Cobek will transport you to a magical land. It's that great! Looks super simple just fried gurame with a bit of clear sauce underneath. But don't be fooled by the appeareance! That little sauce underneath has a citrus, tamarind taste that is so refreshing. It's a match made in heaven. There is also kemangi which makes the dish so fragrant even more enjoyable.
2. Ayam Goreng Basah looks super normal. But one thing we have learned when eating in SHSD is do not judge a book by it's cover. The flavours go all the way into the chicken. It's cut into very small pieces which means... Taking two or three is okay right? 😉
3. Tumis Kangkung has quite a rich flavour profile be sure to order this is you like kangkung. Great for sharing.
4. Sambel Dadak and Sambal Hejo available, they both go well with the food of your choice.
5. Nice ambience! One of the most notable things is how the restaurant shines super bright from the outside. You have an airconned and the one where you can just enjoy the breeze.
6. Great service. Went here during peak hour and a weekend honestly their service is fast, friendly and attentive.

What could be improved 🙏
1. Not the cheapest, but considering the taste, service and ambience this is worth your money.
2. Not a big fan of the Perkedel Jagung. Which it was sweeter and crispier.
3. I do wish the sambal were just a bit spicier. While I prefer a sweeter sambal profile, this sambal could use more kick!

Place: Sambel Hejo Sambel Dadak (SHSD), Ciputat
Menu:
Ayam Goreng Basah (9.5K): 8.8/10
Gurame Cobek (98K): 9.0/10
Tumis Kangkung (25K): 8.7/10
Perkedel Jagung (7K): 6.0/10
Sambel Dadak (7K): 8.0/10
Sambel Hejo (6K): 7.8/10

Biteorbye? Bite.

Why you will love it ❤
1. Spicy Chibab has a very nice level of spiciness. Not too spicy that it numbs your tongue, but the chicken has a kick and slightly sweet flavour profile. The seaweed-flavoured rice is super fragrant, which is perfect paired with the bold spicy chicken. I also think this dish is designed for libras. Because there are three kinds of carbs here for those who are unwilling to choose: rice, fries and sweet potatoes.
2. The cream of nest snow tastes beautiful. You know how in romcoms, the guy usually sees the girl in a dress and he says "You're beautiful." Yes, imagine that but chicken. Then you have the mashed potatoes which goes well with the chicken and whipped cream.
3. The portion is quite generous, a regular portion serves two hungry people so ordering two regulars would be more than enough.
3. Corn tea taste is quite strong but not too strong, which I love.
4. Waiters and waitresses are very quick to respond when the tea needs more refill.
5. Cute ambience without being pretentious.

What could be improved 🙏
1. More branches in the selatan area, besides Chir Chir in Senopati that is.
2. The parking spot here may be a bit difficult to find, so if you want to avoid parking drama better come at non-peak hour. I got stuck for 20 minutes in the parking lot because we were lining up to get out, but granted it was sunday night so I guess I deserved that.

Place: Chir Chir, PIK
Menu:
Spicy Chibab regular (99K): 9.47/10
Nest Snow regular (89K): 8.76/10