5 Middle Eastern-themed Restaurants in Jakarta for Iftar

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar that Muslims worldwide embrace as a month filled with worshipping activities. Not only that, but it's also the perfect month as momentum to strengthen their ties of friendship. Usually, Muslims use breaking fast together or Iftar moment as a meeting point to gather with family, workmates, class, or friendship groups who have not physically met for a long time.

Middle Eastern food may not be familiar to many's palates, but there's no better month to embark on a new journey than Ramadan. This year, we have compiled five Middle Eastern-themed restaurants in Jakarta that you can choose for Iftar in Jakarta.

5 Middle Eastern-themed Restaurants in Jakarta 

1. Have a taste of Yemeni cuisine for Iftar at Hadramout

Enrich your culinary experience with Yemeni cuisine at Hadramout Restaurant. Revel in a casual atmosphere where you indulge in a range of palate-tantalizing menus while sitting on the floor, Middle Eastern-style. One must-try menu in Hadramout is Mix Ya Hala Grill. An assorted grilled consisting of lamb and chicken is the perfect companion while talking to friends and family on Iftar.

Aside from the main dish, try Hadramout's Baklava, which is also available to take home. Hadramout is located in Jl. Tambak Raya, Manggarai, Jakarta Selatan. Make a reservation before your Iftar visit for Hadramout has limited space.

2. EATZ, casually styled Middle Eastern cuisine

If you're looking for a restaurant where you want to try Middle Eastern cuisine in a casual atmosphere, then EATZ should be your go-to. You don't have to spend big to enjoy a big Iftar meal at EATZ. EATZ offers an  affordable Iftar package, perfect for a big group.

Our recommended menu for Iftar at EATZ is Crispy fried Samosas, Soft Hummus that pairs well with Middle Eastern bread, salads from Arab countries, Nasi Mandi and Nasi Briyani with plenty of cuts of goat and chicken shawarma. For dessert, try the Faluda, a jelly-like mixture of rose syrup, basil, milk and vanilla ice cream. This beautiful looking and refreshing drink are pretty popular in West, Central, and South Asia. EATZ is located in Jalan Radio Dalam, Jakarta Selatan.

3. All you can eat package for Iftar at Al Jazeerah Lounge

If you're looking for a satisfying and hearty meal of Middle Eastern cuisine, head to Cikini and enter Al Jazeerah Lounge. Here, you can indulge in a full meal, all you can eat package without a limited time. Make sure you dress appropriately eye-catchy for the many cool spots you to take pictures together at.

Must-try menus, among others, are Tabulah and Mutabbal, which go well with Maryam bread or Khubus. For the main course, you can enjoy all the menus served at the buffet, like Nasi Mandi and Briyani with goat and chicken and Kufta, a grilled seasoned minced meat.

4. Get a glimpse of the Turkish sultanate era at Turkuaz

Turkuaz is a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic menus from Turkey. Located in Jalan Gunawarman, Jakarta Selatan, Turkuaz offers cuisines rarely found in other Middle Eastern style restaurants in Jakarta.

For instance, Ahtopot Salatasi, tender grilled octopus, or Patlican Kuzu Incik, mutton served with eggplant and a homemade sauce that tastes second to none. Want a more intimate Iftar without sharing the same room with others? Turkuaz has two private rooms that you can use limited for your event. How fun!

5. Abunawas Restaurant, perfect for big groups

Abunawas may be the most famous Middle Eastern style restaurant in Jakarta, and it would be a misstep to omit it from our recommendation list. In Jakarta, Abunawas has two shops located in Kemang Utara and Matraman. You can also find Abunawas in Bali. Spacious yet comfortable, this restaurant is perfect for you who come in big groups for Iftar gatherings.

For Iftar, Abunawas offers several packages that you can choose according to the number of pax. All of those packages include an option of Middle East style rice like Nasi Mandi, Nasi Briyani, or Nasi Zurbian. You can also have chicken and goat cooked with typical Middle Eastern spices. If you're looking for other menus, worry not because Abunawas offers abundant others, from appetizers and salad to desserts like Muhallabyah – silky milk pudding topped with chopped pistachio.

To ensure a fun and fresh Iftar event, leave your transportation matters to the TRAC, a trusted car rental. With a car rental service with a driver, you won't have to worry about looking for parking space, picking up your loved ones, or struggling with the heavy afternoon Jakarta traffic before Iftar. Using a car rental service allows you to rest a little for a fresher Iftar event.

Book a car directly from your smartphone using TRACtoGo, which you can download from  Google Playstore or Apple App Store. Get interesting offers and attractive promos when you’re booking from the app.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, TRAC is committed to initiating a health protocol to ensure the safety and well-being of both our drivers and customers through the SMART Protocol, which includes:

1.   Disinfecting all units before and after duty

2.   Providing hand sanitizer in all units on duty

3.   Social distancing in all units on duty

4.   Installation of fiber-made barrier between the driver and passengers

5.   All drivers on duty are required to undergo a series of health checks

6.   All drivers on duty are required to wear a mask and gloves

7.   Drivers are not allowed to make physical contact with passengers

Not only for inner-city service, but TRAC also offers intercity services that you can use when traveling to other cities. With networks spread in several cities in Indonesia, it’s undeniable that the TRAC car rental service is always reliable to support your mobility.