Batavia Cafe at Fatahillah Square
“Batavia cafe is a restaurant with both local and international cuisine. The first thing I ate after my arrival in Indonesia were typical Dutch bitterballen (croquette balls) and Asian noodles on the same plate, madness!”
Old Batavia Town has a lot of Dutch history and although it’s not really a cheerful story, typical Dutch things can be found in the restaurant and on the square. Batavia cafe is set in a 200-year old building, mostly made of teakwood, and is the second oldest building in central Jakarta. Visiting the cafe feels like traveling back to the 19th century. The restaurant serves both local and international cuisine, but it’s not the food which makes this place special. An incredible decor and atmosphere make this old colonial house extraordinary.
Although it’s quite pricy and very touristy, the cafe is definitely a must visit when you’re in Jakarta. Ever more interesting than the cafe is the square in front of the cafe: Fatahillah Square. During the weekends it gets crazy crowded with Indonesian youth and families. Making music, enjoying each others company or having a bike ride on a typical Dutch bike. For a few euros you can rent one of the colorful bikes and pretend you’re in the Netherlands.
