OKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT – KEMPINSKI Jakarta

ZEN, that was the first thing on my mind when we arrived at OKU premium Japanese restaurant situated in Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta.

Combining simple minimalistic wooden furniture, Japanese outdoor landscape and laid-back calming music, the interior of Oku simply portrays a great atmosphere of Japanese restaurant, just the way we love. With strong Japanese vibes, the restaurant reminds us of the good times we had in Japan, we can sit there for hours.

Now let’s talk about the food, led by Chef Kazumasa Yazawa, Oku serves traditional Japanese dishes with modern twist, from the use of ingredients, taste, till presentation, you will find an interesting yet unique twist created by the chef.

Oku Karaage IDR 110k
Don’t get fooled by the strange black looking dish because it tastes sooo good!! It’s actually karaage or deep fried chicken thigh with black squid ink batter, that explains the black color and it’s not any ordinary chicken karaage because once you bite it, creamy spicy mayo sauce hidden inside will explode in your mouth.

Salmon Teriyaki IDR 195k
salmon confit with crispy skin

Ajitama IDR 50k
We’ve been a big fan of Japanese ajitama or marinated soft boiled egg and Oku simply brings the simple egg dish into another level by infusing smoky aroma into the egg. Imagine savory well marinated egg with melty yolk and smoky aroma, DAYUM!!

Unagi IDR 95k
3 pieces of charcoal grilled Japanese eel over rice cracker with catchy looking presentation using edible flowers. It was enjoyable but it didn’t leave any memorable impression on us personally.

Karasumi Pasta with Sea Urcin IDR 320k
Heavenly combination of angel hair pasta with ikura, seaurchin, and bottarga. It was savory with subtle umami taste and delicate texture. Presentation wise, taste wise and price wise, it’s a one fancy angel hair pasta dish!! LOVE!

Oku Aburi Salmon Roll IDR 180k
One of the most favorite sushi dishes in Oku is their signature aburi salmon roll with Tasmanian salmon, salmon roe, lumpfish caviar. The sushi roll was smooth yet creamy, major love for the charred arome from the torch-grill process.

Truffle Gyudon IDR 295k
The number one best selling dish in Oku has got to be their Truffle Gyudon or rice bowl with US Beef, black truffle sauce and onsen egg, and we couldn’t agree more since it tastes sooo damn GOOD!!
Imagine the heavenly combination between fluffy Japanese rice, creamy melty onsen egg, sweet yet savory sauce, and tender beef in one mouthful, you certainly won’t be able to stop after the first spoonful. Gotta love the addition of garlic sprinkles on top, it seriously enhances the taste of beef bowl nicely.

Sashimi IDR 450k
7 kind of Chef selected Tsukiji Market seasonal seafood, great variety, fresh and sweet ingredients, pretty presentation, couldn’t ask for more 🙂
If you notice the cute brown fish-shaped jelly, it’s actually as a condiment to the sashimi made of soy sauce.

Yuki Chocolate IDR 120k
This is a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, rich dark chocolate with mousse-like texture, yuzu cloud, hazelnut praline. It’s an interesting combo where all ingredients balance and complement each other nicely, you will get the rich bitter sweet taste from chocolate, tangy citrusy taste from yuzu and crunchy texture from praline.

Green Sundae IDR 80k
Matcha or greentea custard with dense pudding-like texture served with azuki, not overly sweet and enjoyable till the last spoon.

Mizu Water Mochi
The unique looking dessert got us hooked immediately after the first spoonful. It consists of transparent mochi with anmitsu sauce and kinako powder, the mochi has a very smooth silky texture, slightly similar with jelly but with more delicate texture.

Overall, AnakJajan personally think that the pricing in Oku is a more on the high side, still and all, considering the innovative yet yummy taste with great quality of ingredients, AnakJajan got to say that Oku is a great addition to Jakarta’s vibrant culinary scene.

Address:
OKU Premium Japanese Restaurant
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
Jl. MH. Thamrin No.1, 10310, Jakarta
Phone: (+6221) 23583896
Instagram: @okujakarta
Opening Hours: Lunch 12.00 – 15.00, Dinner 18.00 – 22.30

Map: