Jakarta’s vibrant nightlife has a lot to offer, varying from beer houses, Irish pubs to swanky bars. Asian-inspired bars appear to be a new trend. In these places, which mostly are located in Senopati area, South Jakarta, people can sample Japanese sake or soju (Korean vodka) while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Those wanting to know more about these Asian-inspired bars may have a look at the complete article below.
1. Pao Pao Liquor Bar
Pao Pao offers a Chinese house ambiance. Once you step inside the restaurant-cum-bar, you will discover an interesting interior, featuring Chinese-style wall calendar and traditional Chinese herbal medicine cabinet.
Pao Pao Pao focused on Asian-inspired cocktails, such as Kinky Yuzu and Shanghai Star. The Kinky Yuzu uses tequila, sour rhubarb liqueur and yuzu jam, creating a refreshing taste. Meanwhile, Shanghai Star mixes vodka with star fruit, basil leaves, fresh lemon juice and passion fruit syrup. For the food, they serve dim sum staples, including siu mai, har gau, prawn cheung fun and more. On weekdays, the place is usually filled with people from the offices nearby for an after-hours drinking session. However, on weekend, the crowd is mostly aged 20 to 30.
Pao Pao Liquor Bar
Address: Jl. Senopati No.16, RT.1/RW.2, Selong, Kby. Baru, South Jakarta
Phone Number: 021 27510698
Operational Hours: 17.00 until late night
Instagram: @paopaojkt
2. Arasseo
Located next to Pao Pao, Arasseo is a Korean-inspired restaurant-cum-bar. Although the establishment has a relatively small capacity, Arasseo's blended soju (soju mixed with various fruits) and blended rice wines make the place worth a visit.
Photo Source: @arasseojkt
Arasseo offers soju Yakult that you should give a try. Furthermore, the establishment is currently offering soju bomb (shots of soju that are dropped into beer cups). For satisfying your belly, you can order their Korean fusion dishes, such as Mr Chef Pasta (Korean bolognese spaghetti with mushroom, cream cheese and gochuchang sauce) and Kim Bop (Arasseo's kimchi fried rice). Every once in a while, the bar hosts a karaoke session called Arasseo Noraebam, allowing guests to sing their favorite K-pop tunes together.
Arasseo
Address: Jl. Senopati No.16, South Jakarta
Phone Number: 021-27510187
Email: hello@arasseo.com
Operational Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12.00 – 23.00 WIB, Friday and Saturday: 12.00 – 02.00 WIB
Instagram: @arasseojkt
3. Sake+
As its name, the bar specializing in sake. Offers an extensive collection of Japanese rice wine, including junmai daiginjo and sparkling sake. The establishment occupies a two-story building, allowing you to have either business lunches or an after-hours session with colleagues. Furthermore, Sake+ also offers various Sake-based cocktails, such as Yakuza and Kyuri.
As for the food, Sake+ offers authentic foods from the Land of the Rising Sun, including fresh sashimi and yakitori, as well as omakase dining (a meal consisting of dishes selected by the chef, not based on your order). On Wednesday until Saturday, the Japanese bar also hosts DJ performances.
Photo Source: @sakeplusid
Sake+
Address: Jl. Senopati No. 54, Selong, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
Phone Number: 021 – 7250002
Operational Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11.00 – 01.00 WIB, Friday & Saturday: 11.00 - 02.00 WIB
Instagram: @sakeplusid