Food has a funny way of holding on to memories. A familiar spice can take you back to childhood, while a dish shared around the family table can stay with you for years. For Chef Martin Praja, those memories come from many places, from his childhood in Bogor and Chinese family traditions to the Manado flavours that became part of his family story.
Those personal favourites now appear on the menu at Noesaka Pacific Place through “Cerita Dapur Martin Praja di Noesaka,” a special collaboration created to celebrate the opening of Noesaka’s newest Jakarta outlet. The menu gives Martin’s food memories a fresh interpretation, with Noesaka putting its own spin on each recipe while preserving the flavours that make it even more special.
The first few plates take diners through Martin’s childhood and family background. Ngo Hiang Ayam Udang (Rp58.000++) draws from his Chinese family tradition, while Sate Cungkring (Rp68.000++) and Iga Sapi Soup (Rp128.000++) recall the flavours of Bogor, where he grew up.
Then comes Udang Goreng Asam Jawa (Rp98.000++), inspired by the Ayam Asam Jawa his mother used to prepare. Swapping chicken for shrimp gives the dish an unexpected turn while keeping the sweet, sour and savoury character that makes it so recognisable.
His family story takes another direction with Ayam Tinorangsak, a Manado dish connected to his wife’s culinary heritage. It is available at Rp128.000++ for half or Rp228.000++ for a whole. Meanwhile, Terong Bakar Taoco (Rp48.000++) and Brokoli Sambal Roa (Rp58.000++) show how simple vegetables can become seriously flavourful with smoky and savoury notes.
For the sweet finish, Klappertart (Rp68.000++) brings together young coconut and creamy custard, while Es Teler (Rp78.000++) is served in a coconut shell, giving a beloved Indonesian dessert an extra nostalgic touch.
For Martin, sharing these dishes is as much about sharing memories as it is about food. “Through this collaboration with Noesaka, I wanted to share some of the flavours and childhood memories that have been part of my journey, from the dishes I grew up with in Bogor to the flavours of Manado that have become part of my family memories,” he said. “I hope everyone can experience the warmth, nostalgia, and stories behind each dish we bring to Noesaka.”
The Pacific Place opening marks Noesaka’s fourth outlet in Jakarta, following One Satrio, PIK Lands End and Plaza Indonesia. First opened at One Satrio in 2022, the Indonesian dining concept by Artisan Kuliner Group continues to explore Nusantara flavours through contemporary interpretations.
Now, Pacific Place has its own story to tell. Drop in for lunch, settle in for dinner and order a few plates for the table. For those ready to explore the menu for themselves, Noesaka Pacific Place welcomes diners daily from 10am to 10pm.
For further information and reservation, contact +62 813 9996 700 or follow them @noesaka_id on Instagram.
Noesaka Pacific Place
Pacific Place Mall, Level 1
SCBD – Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53
