Welcome to Cikini: From century-old coffee houses and cultural landmarks to new dining spots, here’s how to spend a day exploring one of Central Jakarta’s best-known neighbourhoods on foot.
There’s a reason Cikini continues to draw both first-time visitors and locals. Once part of the estate of celebrated Indonesian painter Raden Saleh, the neighbourhood has changed considerably over the years without losing its identity. Historic buildings turned cafés meet long-standing institutions like Taman Ismail Marzuki, showcasing a harmonious blend of the city’s past and present.
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Bakoel Koffie & Post Kantoor
Kick off your day’s walk with a quick coffee stop at a Cikini institution. Bakoel Koffie, established in 1878, is one of Jakarta’s oldest coffee houses and still holds on to much of its original character. The menu focuses on Indonesian coffee, from traditional brews to beans sourced from across the country. Traditional snacks and Indonesian favourites are also available, with options ranging from light bites to hearty meals. Coffee beans, vintage grinders and old photographs scattered throughout the café offer small reminders of its long history. Nearly 150 years on, the café continues to welcome regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Right next door is Post Kantoor, a former post office transformed into one of Cikini’s newest dining spots. Much of the building’s original architecture has been preserved, including postal features that reflect its history. Visitors are invited to relive the olden days by browsing through illustrated post cards, commemorative stamps, as well as vintage souvenirs and an antiques collection.
Jl. Cikini Raya No.25, Cikini, Kec. Menteng I @bakoel_koffie
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)
No visit to Cikini is complete without spending time at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), the heart of Jakarta’s modern arts and culture. Start at Perpustakaan Jakarta, the Jakarta Library, a contemporary public library designed by architect Andra Matin, one of the city’s favourite reading spaces. Then explore the rotating exhibitions featured at Galeri Emiria Soenassa and Galeri S. Sudjojono; and if you’re visiting on the right day, wander through TIM’s open courtyards where performances and community events often spill into public spaces.
If you have the time, the Jakarta Planetarium, also found within the TIM complex, is one the area’s highlights and worth a visit.
Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Cikini, Kec. Menteng I @tim.cikini
Lunch at Restoran Trio
A short walk from TIM brings you to Restoran Trio, a Cantonese restaurant that has been part of Cikini since 1947.
Named after its three founders, this legendary restaurant has welcomed generations of diners and was once a favourite among Jakarta’s political figures, including former governor Ali Sadikin. Its menu spans more than 300 Cantonese dishes, from crisp prawn spring rolls to comforting fuyung hai, oriental fried noodles and black pepper chicken, with many recipes remaining unchanged for decades.
Jl. R.P. Soeroso No. 29A, Gondangdia, Menteng
Raden Saleh House
Continue the walk to Raden Saleh’s House, one of the neighbourhood’s most significant historical landmarks.
Located within the grounds of RS PGI Cikini, the neo-Gothic residence was designed by the pioneering Indonesian painter himself and inspired by Germany’s Callenberg Castle. Open by reservation, visitors can explore its grand interiors and original architectural details are complemented by displays of Raden Saleh’s personal belongings and painting equipment.
Jl. Raden Saleh No. 73, Cikini, Menteng
Pitstop at Giyanti Coffee Roastery
Head south to one of Jakarta’s best-known specialty coffee shops.
Roasting their own beans, Giyanti serves a rotating selection that highlights Indonesian coffee from different regions. The eclectic ‘vintage garden’ design gives the place its unique character, with the open roasting filling the café with a fresh aroma of coffee, with savoury dishes, sandwiches and freshly baked pastries also available.
Jl. Surabaya No. 20, Cikini, Menteng I @giyanticoffee
Antique Market
Established in the 1970s, the antique market lining Jl. Surabaya (technically Menteng) is one of Jakarta’s best-known destinations for collectors, with vendors selling everything from vintage cameras and vinyl records to Dutch-era ceramics, antique furniture, old maps and curious memorabilia. Even if shopping isn’t on the agenda, it’s worth taking a look around.
Dinner at Iconic Cikini Venues
Finish the day by dining in one of two classic restaurants in Cikini.
Set inside a heritage house filled with antiques, sculptures and traditional artworks, Lara Djonggrang takes its name from the legendary Javanese princess. The menu features well-known Indonesian classics alongside regional specialties from across the archipelago.
Jl. Cik Di Tiro No.4, Menteng I @lara_djonggrang
If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine instead, head to Kikugawa, welcoming diners since the late 1960s. Recognised as Jakarta’s first authentic Japanese restaurant, the menu covers classic dishes, from sushi and sashimi to tempura and udon, all prepared in the traditional style that first made the restaurant well known.
Jl. Cikini IV No. 13, Cikini, Menteng I @kikugawa_jkt
