A Taste of Japan in Jakarta's Little Tokyo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Not all Jakartans are leaving the capital for Eid homecoming or mudik. Some chose to spend the holiday in the city, visiting unique places such as Blok M's Little Tokyo in Melawai, South Jakarta.

According to Jakarta Tourism, the shopping neighborhood can pretty much give you a sense of what it feels like to be on a culinary trip to Japan. 

Blok M's Little Tokyo is home to restaurants serving authentic Japanese cuisine. One of them is Izakaya Taichan—the area's oldest diner, which has been around since the 1990s. Yakiniku and hot ocha are just some of the menus in the izakaya  that offers its visitor a taste of Tokyo's Shinjuku ward. 

Another place is Yagiya, a restaurant situated on the street corner, with red torii gates on its entrance to welcome diners. Yagiya also serves fusion menus in addition to Japanese localities. 

There is also Yuki, a restaurant-bar and karaoke venue, that serves your typical agemono (deep fried) and yakimono (grilled or pan-fried) dishes, as well as sushi and sashimi. 

Not only Tokyo food, Little Tokyo also offers treats mainly associated with the Kansai region, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. One restaurant in particular is Kashiwa, which is also famous for its Mochi Ice Cream.

Food and drinks are not the only things to look for in Little Tokyo Blok M. Visitors can definitely enjoy the atmosphere, which, although not exactly the same, is enough to provide a glimpse of what Tokyo's omisedori—a street of shops—vibe is.

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BERNADETTE JEANE WIDJAJA