Surrounded by Glodok’s characterful heritage shophouses and dynamic food scene, few things evoke nostalgia quite like the aroma of freshly baked traditional cakes. Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980 is breathing new life into Peranakan Chinese baking that offers an enticing selection of heritage cakes crafted from recipes passed down through generations and presented with a fresh contemporary touch.
Located within the bustling Petak Enam complex, the newly opened cake house adds another reason to explore Jakarta’s historic Chinatown. While Glodok has long been celebrated for its temples, markets and legendary street food, Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980 introduces a destination dedicated to one of the region’s lesser-known culinary traditions: authentic Peranakan cakes that honour the past while appealing to modern tastes.
The story behind the brand is deeply personal. Founder Andrye Setiawan, a descendant of the Wen family, grew up baking with his relatives and gathering around the family table to enjoy traditional Peranakan delicacies. Those treasured childhood memories became the inspiration for Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980, where every recipe is rooted in family heritage and every cake is intended to evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness.
“For us, cakes are much more than sweet treats; they represent family, togetherness and warmth. Through Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980, we hope to share those values and keep the memories of Peranakan Chinese baking alive for future generations,” says Andrye.
With that vision in mind, Andrye has adapted traditional recipes without compromising their authenticity. Time-honoured flavours are presented in elegant contemporary packaging, making them equally suited as thoughtful gifts or as treats to enjoy while wandering through Glodok’s historic streets.
Although inspired by recipes preserved within the family, the bakery combines heritage with modern production standards. Premium ingredients are carefully sourced, while every product is prepared in-house to ensure consistency, quality and the craftsmanship that defines each creation.
To further perfect the collection, the team travelled extensively across Malaysia and Singapore to study traditional Peranakan Chinese pastries before refining the recipes for Indonesian palates. The result is a menu that remains faithful to its origins while offering flavours that feel familiar, balanced and approachable.
Among the highlights are the bakery’s signature mooncakes, available throughout the year rather than exclusively during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Flavours include dauyong, red bean, pandan and yam, alongside savoury pia filled with halal chicken char siu and chicken meatballs. Sweet chocolate and cheese pia, traditional chicken lemper, and an assortment of classic Peranakan cakes complete the selection.
Its location in Petak Enam is no coincidence. As the cultural heart of Jakarta’s Chinatown, Glodok has long been home to generations of Peranakan Chinese families and remains one of the capital’s most vibrant culinary destinations.
“Our concept naturally belongs in Chinatown,” Andrye explains. “This is where people come not only to experience the local community but also to discover Jakarta’s rich culinary heritage.”
Whether exploring Glodok’s centuries-old temples, browsing its bustling traditional markets or sampling its renowned street food, a stop at Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980 offers another way to experience the neighbourhood’s rich cultural legacy. More than simply a cake shop, it is a celebration of family traditions, cherished memories and the enduring flavours of Peranakan heritage.
Rumah Kue Peranakan Tuan Wen 1980
Jl. Pancoran No. 43, Glodok, West Jakarta
@tuanwen1980
