Home to historic buildings, Kota Tua is a popular destination in Jakarta for both local and foreign tourists. Its main attraction is Fatahillah Square, an open space area surrounded by colonial buildings. Here, visitors can do some museum hopping or stroll around the outdoor area. In addition to visiting museums, Kota Tua is also offers many culinary selections. Even you can find several cafes with colonial design, here are three of them.
1. Café Batavia
The restaurant was established in a two-storeyed 19th-century building. The building of Café Batavia was constructed in the 1830s. A bar, a performance stage, and a lounge area are located on the ground floor. A staircase of Javanese teakwood leads to the upper floor. The interior of Café Batavia was refurbished in a 1930s theme. Vintage photographs of 1930s celebrities and royalties well-decked the main dining hall.
Photo Source: @cafe_batavia
Café Batavia has become an iconic culinary spot in Kota Tua. In 1884, the building was used as a trading office for E. Dunlop & Co and in 1920 turned into Kantor Kapal Hadji (Kongsin Tiga). It was then changed into a café in 1992. Until today serves a plethora of dishes, including bitterballen (a Dutch meat-based snack), pasta, Classic Eggs Benedict, steak and egg, dim sum and Indonesian dishes. In the middle of Jakarta’s hot weather, the café offers alsofresh drinks such as Exy Dragon, Pino D’Marquisa and Exotic Bunaken.
Café Batavia
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, Kota Tua, Pinangsia, Tamansari, West Jakarta
Phone Number: 021-6915531
Operational Hours: Mon – Thu: 09.00 – 00.00 WIB, Fri & Sat: 08.00 – 01.00 WIB, Sun: 08.00 – 00.00 WIB
Instagram: @cafe_batavia
2. Kedai Seni Djakarte
From the outside, the café’s design looks simple with white walls and a bit green, of course in a colonial style way. Before the building get renovated until become great like today, the building owned by individual was named Gedung Bar-Bar and not used since 1960s. On the wall you can see many paintings made by local artists as well as documentation photos related to the café. Although it named Kedai Seni Djakarte, but you will not find any art things for sale.
Photo Source: @kedaisenidjakarte
Mostly they offer Indonesian signature for the food. If you come here, you should try Soto Betawi (Rp 35.000) and Sop Buntut (Rp 37.000). You will find the portion is not big, but we sure you will love the taste.
Kedai Seni Djakarte
Address: Kota Tua Taman Fatahillah, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 17, Taman Sari, West Jakarta
Phone Number: WA 081808374431
Operational Hours: Mon: Closed, Tue – Sun: 09.00 – 21.00 WIB
Instagram: @kedaisenidjakarte
3. Kopi Kota Tua
The coffee shop in Kota Tua is simply designed. The old building walls still can be seen at the outside and at the non-smoking room. While at the second floor which is their smoking room is designed in industrial style just like mostly trending cafes in Jakarta. Wooden chairs and tables welcoming you as you stepping your foot at their yard. At the upper floor, there are also a cozy hangout place.
Photo Source: Alinear doc.
They offer complete coffee menu at Kopi Kota Tua, from Espresso, Latte options, to their signature coffee Kota Tua Coffee Mix. Alinear have tried their Iced Hazelnut Latte, and it’s well-balanced between the coffee, the milk, and the hazelnut. For those doesn’t wanting coffee, the café provides also non-coffee selections such as Green Tea Latte, Chocolate, Milk Tea, and Milkshake.
Kopi Kota Tua
Address: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.11, Pinangsia, Tamansari, West Jakarta
Operational Hours: Mon - Fri: 08.00 – 20.00 WIB, Sat & Sun: 07.00 – 20.00 WIB
Instagram: @kopikotatuajakarta