Tatemukai

If I were given a choice to live on just one type of food for the rest of my life it would be Japanese. Naturally, on rare occasions when I do splurge on food, I spend it on good omakases (Japanese for chef’s choice menu).

Tuna Sashimi

There are 3 top places for Japanese omakase in Jakarta. By order of preference; Kinokawa, Tatemukai and finally, Ippachi. All of them are quite pricey, between Rp1 to 2 million per person.

Note that these restaurants receive their fresh produce on every Tuesdays and Fridays, so try to visit them on those days for the best quality.

Aburi Toro (fatty tuna) and Foei Gras Sushi

My checklist for an omakase is quite simple: The freshness of ingredients, the taste of the sushi rice, the variety of seafood and last but not least, how generous they are with their Toro servings.

Yes, I am an avid Toro fan!

Uni (sea urchin) Sushi

Unlike the other two places, here in Tatemukai, they do not serve ala carte, only Omakase. It is headed by Tate-san, who used to be the man behind Kinokawa.

Hamachi Sashimi with Ponzu Sauce

Tatemukai’s entrance is camouflaged by a stretch of unique wooden pattern in the crowded Grand Indonesia Mall. Despite having been there a few times, I still struggle to find the actual door.

If you are observant enough, amidst the Japanese-inspired wooden display, you will spot a sign “Tatemukai Japanese Fine Dining”.

Aburi Toro with Miso Paste and Bonito Flakes Sushi

The interior is covered with wooden panels and features a u-curved sushi bar, leaving space in the middle for the chefs in leather vests to perform their art.

The restaurant walls are covered with paintings and interesting messages/drawings on numerous wooden plates written by patrons dedicated to Tate-san.

Aburi Ebi Sushi with Fish Roe

I missed the chance to take photos of some of the dishes but I am pretty sure I took at least 80% of them.

Aburi Toro Sushi with Miso and Edamame Paste

Similar to Kinokawa, Tatemukai appeals to Indonesian palette due to their Aburi style serving technique in my opinion.

Aburi is a technique whereby the chef uses a red hot iron to partially grill the topside of the raw fish, giving it a charred fragrance that is so adored by the locals.

Unagi (eel) Sushi with Sweet Sauce

What differentiates Tatemukai from the rest is the generous use of sauces and the large amount of Toro served, though  it makes the meal a bit too rich for me.

I tend to visit Ippachi for a more authentic and “cleaner” omakase (less sauces and aburi style dishes).

Crab Meat and Aburi Foei Gras Sushi

Another plus point is that Tatemukai is more fluid with its menu, in comparison to Kinokawa, who tend to serve similar dishes over and over again.

Aburi Salmon Sashimi in Ponzu Sauce

The pictures should be quite self-explanatory in justifying why Tatemukai made my best 3 omakases in Jakarta.

Stay tuned for the reviews on the other top two omakase places!

Matcha (green-tea) Shaved Ice with Ogura (red bean) Paste

 

Food: |****  | Ambience: |****  | Price: |$$$$  |

Opening hours: Everyday 10am-10pm

Location: Grand Indonesia Mall, Floor 3A – Sky Bridge, Jl. MH Thamrin

Telephone: +62 21 2358 1807

Posted by PrincessFiona