Shout out to all Chinese food lovers. Let me introduce you my newest favourite place to dine in with family, Jia Contemporary Dining by Shangri-La Jakarta.
Jia means Home, and Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta brings a kind of home to their establishment hoping that patrons get a taste of home away from home. The thing with Chinese cuisine, it actually brings a homey kind of experience. Everything about Chinese cuisine, similar to Indonesian cuisine, will remind you about the warmth and happiness that food brings. The combination of simplicity and complex ingredients that will produce something really hearty and satisfying.
Replacing Shang Palace, Jia takes the lead by introducing traditional Chinese cuisine with modern approach. The result is an extensive array of contemporary Chinese dishes which will definitely make you beg for more. I’m begging for more now.
One thing that is really important to note is that Jia considers patrons’ experience very seriously, and by this vision, Jia compromises by lowering the prices of food here, BUT without compromising even a bit of the quality. In fact, despite the more affordable pricing, Jia thrives to serve even better than ever cuisine.
Let’s see some of the dishes below.
# Signature Peking Duck – Half (IDR 218 k)
Starting with the ultimate signature dish, Jia presented us the super tender duck with ultra crispy skin. No peking duck in my life was ever as good as this. The spices and the sauces were spot on, complementing the gorgeous tender duck. This is definitely a must-order when you visit Jia.
Anyway, it comes with Second Way of our choice, and it was Wok-fried with black pepper sauce. The thing is, I forgot to take its picture and dived in too quick. =D
# Crispy Fried Beef in Honey Sauce (IDR 58 k)
This one is another signature of Jia. At first, I was a bit skeptical (meh!) and didn’t think that crispy thin beef slices could be good, but oh boy, I was wrong. As dry as it might look, the actual taste was somehow indescribable. It was crispy, of course, but texture-wise, it didn’t feel either to thin, or too hard to chew. The crispiness was in between, producing a very delightful experience in the mouth especially with a touch of the silky honey sauce. This is also a must-order!
# Steamed Shrimp Dumplings topped with Bird’s Nest and Tobiko (IDR 98 k)
We were really curious with how this strange dimsum (with freaking bird’s nest!) would taste like so we eventually ordered this. Turned out these trio were good! The bird’s nest texture didn’t ruin the goodness inside, and instead, it brought a different sensation in the mouth. I think this is definitely a good change to the usual hakau or siew mai! And anyway, talking about exotic dimsum, they also have this delicious-looking Pork Siew Mai with Abalone! Perhaps, save this for next visit!
# Steamed Pork Ribs with Crispy Garlic (IDR 35 k)
As ordinary as it looks, these steamed pork ribs were delish! The tender meat and fats were real good!
# Steamed Custard Buns with Salted Egg Yolk (IDR 32 k)
These cuties were not to be underestimated! The salted egg custard inside was really generous and every time we broke down the piece, the sexy salted egg just burst out messily. So, you should prepare for some finger-licking situation, in which case, I didn’t seem to mind at all. ;D
# Steamed Soup Crab Meat and Pork Dumpling (IDR 36 k)
Jia’s Xiao Long Bao is my QUEEN! It tasted freaking good and so juicy in the inside. The crab meat and pork combination brought out more flavours in this bao and I could have 2 or 3 baskets only for my selfish self. Blame Jia for this!
# Si Chuan Dandan La Mian Noodle Soup with Pork (IDR 68 k)
Unexpectedly, Jia’s taking their La Mian very seriously too. At first, I didn’t think that the La Mian here was for real. I meant, it’s Chinese Restaurant, so La Mian selections are obligation only. Turned out that this Si Chuan Dandan La Mian was a killer! It was so fine with house-made La Mian with that bouncy springy and thick texture. The red hot soup was de best, with all gorgeous spices and chilies, producing a bold savouriness, heat and a hint of refreshing sourness to my tastebuds. MUST ORDER!
# Crispy Roasted Pork (IDR 98 k)
These lil’ pork is not to be overlooked! Oh God, I’m complimenting almost all the food here I must seem like an over-dramatic foodie who never eats anything good in his life! But no, I’m not kidding, this crispy roasted pork was so good I could taste the juiciness of the fat and hear the sexy crackling sound in my head! I would like to repeat order this please!
# Deep Fried Swan with Almond Sauce (IDR 32 k)
Last but not least, the pretty swans of Jia. This dimsum is actually more like a dessert since it has this almond paste inside it. To be honest, it’s a pretty sight but not really with the taste. The almond paste filling inside was rather bland without certain noticeable characteristic or taste profile. Well, but you might want to still order this for the sake of instagrammable picture! =P
# Cold Brew Pu Er
This is totally new and Jia makes something similar to the coffee cold brew but with tea!
For me who prefer cold beverages, this is a great choice! Loved the fragrant pu er.
All in all, Jia by Shangri-La Jakarta did impress me so much, I will definitely come back in a heart beat. All of those dishes I mentioned above were so good and only the swans didn’t feel right for me but well, that’s one hell of a work! The chef really did a fine job in creating all those heart-warming dishes and I just have to give my hats off.
I just really hope that Jia will manage to maintain its quality and service for the long run and I’m sure, Jia will bring the house down as one of the finest Chinese restaurant in Jakarta. It’s home after all.
JIA CONTEMPORARY DINING | JAKARTA
Shangri-La Jakarta Level 1
Kota BNI JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, 10220, Indonesia
Phone: +6221-2922-9999
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/jakarta/shangrila/dining/restaurants/jia/
Instagram: @jia.dining
Operating Hours
Weekday (Lunch & Dinner): from 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Weekend (Lunch & Dinner): from 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6.00 p.m.to 10.30 p.m.
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted in Jia.
