I actually live in Taman Palem Lestari, Cengkareng area, but perhaps you know that I also live around kelapa gading area, hence my gading culinary trace on instagram.
Well, Taman Palem is getting more and more attention for its street food, from simple robak, indomie, bakmi, char kwoey tiaw and chinese food. But, these past few months (or since a year ago), a lot of cafes and restaurants targeting younger patrons have risen, especially in Citra 6 area. One of the famous cafes is Ninotchka which I personally think, the first cafe to actually be successful in this area.
Well, but I’m here not to talk about it. I just happened to visit a new curry joint in Citra 6. It was late and I was looking for Warung Ce. But apparently, Warung Ce is closed already. So, we walked a bit and finally found a place that looked promising. It’s the only place that looked bright and comfy during that time. It’s Karei-Ya Fusion.
The place looked good, all wrapped up in beige colour. Wooded tables and wooden paneling were easily spotted, and the design created a japanese atmosphere. Well, for Karei Ya it successfully made a good impression with its minimalist wooden concept. The place looked neat and clean with suffice lighting. Too bad my camera’s battery was amazingly minimal, so I couldn’t get any pictures of their interior.
We did not only have a good impression towards the place, the service was pretty notable as well. All smile from the waitress that even my mom seemed to love her attitude. The other waiters had good helpful attitude as well.
That night, we didn’t try many, since we actually had just had our dinner at Locale. We’re only looking for a place to chill. So, we ordered the signature dish which is the curry rice, a dessert, and drinks. Let’s see the outcome.
Since curry is the recommendation here, we just couldn’t say no (but I am actually not a japanese-curry-person). Especially with the cute presentation displayed on the menu book. There are curry with the shaped rice of a dolphin, rabbit, hello kitty and even baymax! We were told that for baymax and avengers (iron man or hulk) shaped rice, we have to add at least 1 topping. We eventually decided to have the rabbit, since we didn’t feel like adding anymore toppings.
When it was presented on our table, the rabbit-shaped rice was uber cute. I took literally two snaps, and my camera’s battery died instantly! Damn. But I heavy-heartedly continued to grab a spoon and taste the curry. The curry was apparently pretty okay. It wasn’t really that good, just a seemingly normal japanese curry, with light seasoning. Again, I’m not a fan of japanese curry, so, I might be biased.
But the kaarage was pretty good on the other hand. To give constructive input, I think it could be better if they seasoned the chicken with a little pinch of salt.
The fried oreo was dang good! I always like oreo for my snacking session, but this fried oreo just kicked it up a notch. The batter which I suspected coming from the batter of the martabak, was puffy and soft. It had that savoury taste which complemented the sweet-ish oreo very well. With the chilling touch of one scoop of vanilla ice cream, it really rocked my taste buds!
The ocha is free flow, so, no problems for those who are really thirsty ;P
One funny note is that, this Karei-Ya does sell Martabak as well. Couldn’t possibly understand the connection but perhaps, they are just really good in making martabak! I didn’t try it since it was quite late at night for a sinful stuff like this. But I’ll save it for some other time!
If you are a curry-maniac, you should come try it (and probably admire the cute-looking figures in curry bath). They also have some ramen selection and some nice desserts. I do think that Karei-Ya will be suitable for both youngsters and older patrons, either to chill or to have lunch/dinner.
KAREI-YA FUSION | JAKARTA
Jalan Peta Utara, Ruko Sixth Avenue
Citra Garden 6 – Cengkareng
Jakarta Barat 11810
Phone: +6221-54211175
Facebook: Karei-Ya Japanese Cafe and Curry House