[Ramadhan Specials] E&O, Kuningan, Jakarta

E&O (Eastern & Oriental) is undoubtedly *still* one of my favorite restaurants in Jakarta and I was very excited to be invited to try their Ramadhan Specials menu which are available throughout this holy month EVERYDAY from 6 PM onwards.

In case you don’t know, E&O is yet another brand under the well-known Union Group (along with Union, CASA, Loewy, Canteen, Benedict, Caffe Milano to name the few) and is actually a unique collaboration between acclaimed Chef Will Meyrick of Sarong and Mama San restaurants in Bali, and the creators of Loewy and Union. Chef Will Meyrick himself is popularly known as “Street Food Chef”, because while he comes from London originally, he has been exploring culinary world of Southeast Asia, where he fell in love with the exotic spices, flavors and textures that make the cuisine and cultures so unique.

E&O is located on the first floor of Menara Rajawali building in Kuningan area, South Jakarta. From the first glance, we can spot the strong similarities of the interior with other Union Group’s establishments, from the tables and seating, the large glass windows, the bar counter, luxurious and elegant quilted couch, and the decorated ceiling. The difference is that E&O has an Eastern Oriental touch, particularly Thai and Southeast Asian countries related decor here and there, that suit the theme perfectly.

Another thing that I love about E&O is, like other establishments under Union Group, the place is well-decorated and perfect for any occasion, from casual dining to romantic dates, family/friends gathering to business meeting. The place is very versatile and it’s an all-in-one spot when it comes to decide where to have our lunch or dinner.

So, to celebrate Ramadhan this year, E&O released some Ramadhan Specials menu consisting of authentic Southeast Asian dishes by the acclaimed Chef Will Meyrick.

The Booster IDR 50,000

Bok Choy, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Passion Fruit Syrup

Honestly, I am not really a fan of vegetable juice, and bok choy is definitely not my favorite ingredients to be included in my juice. Surprisingly, this juice didn’t have any distinctive taste of bok choy, but dominated with citrus flavors from the orange, lemon and passion fruit. I actually kinda like it, and I think it’s a great thirst quencher to break the fast and also has many health benefits contained inside.

Kurma ‘Sour’ IDR 50,000

Date Palm Essence, Mango Puree, Coconut Puree, White Chocolate Foam

Whoever created this drink should get a raise because this is just genius! Although the name might be “unappetizing” for breaking your fast (nobody wants to start with something sour, right?), but it’s not sour at all. The smooth texture of the drink blended so well with strong hints of mango and coconut puree, and surprisingly we could taste both flavors distinctively without feeling sick of any. The date palm essence brought a nice hint of dates taste and the sweetness was just perfect. I must say I was deeply impressed!

“Kerabu Nangka & Tempeh” IDR 60,000

Malaysian-style Urap Salad with pineapples, tempeh, tofu, long beans, jackfruit, chili lemongrass dressing and coconut sauce.

If you’re a fan of “urap” or mixed vegetables, you should try this. The ingredients were well-seasoned from the outside but once I chewed them, the flavors kind of disappeared, understandable because the ingredients were not marinated with the dressing but only tossed with it.

Although I think this one is pretty colorful in term of appearance and flavors, I still prefer Indonesian version of “urap” with the golden-colored grated coconut, yumm-o!

“Sambal Goreng Petai” IDR 130,000

Served with Jumbo King Prawns, Bamboo Shoots and Kemangi Leaves

I was ecstatic to find this menu as it’s one of my forever comfort food. FYI, I am an avid “petai” (stinky beans) lover, and I enjoy it the most eating it raw without the skin. I don’t even care if some older people say that it’s taboo for a girl/woman to eat stinky beans due to the bad smell it will cause afterwards.

At the first glance, it didn’t look like typical “sambal goreng petai” because I only saw the gigantic jumbo king prawns lined up beautifully. Yes, this is like the classier, luxurious version of “sambal goreng petai” because apparently, the king prawns took the spotlight here.

The prawns were super fresh and meaty, no dirty hands needed to peel the skin off, and the flavor was sweet, spicy and addictive. The stinky beans were perfect, added a nice crunchy texture and familiar taste that made me feel at home. Needless to say, this was -hands down- our favorite dish that day.

Peranakan Crispy Barramundi with Ginger Flower, Chilli, Shallot and Lime Leaf IDR 180,000

Fish dishes are my weaknesses and when it’s cooked with various herbs and spices from Southeast Asia, I will surrender for good. The barramundi wasn’t only gigantic but also very meaty, topped with Balinese bongkot, tomato, chili, and acar sauce.

The sauce has a unique sweet and sour taste, unlike typical Chinese sweet and sour, but more fragrant and extraordinary. I love how the flavors absorbed so well until the inside of the fish, with the texture of crisp on the outside and softness in the inner side. And psst, I think it can be shared amongst 3-6 person!

‘Es Buah’ E&O IDR 50,000

Black Tea, Fresh Fruit Jelly, Mixed Fruit Syrup

This fancy drink might be mistaken as dessert, but I think this also applies well as a dessert. Served beautifully with “ice cubes” inside falling glass, we would think immediately that those are ice cubes with fresh fruits inside. The ‘Es Buah’ is actually a deconstructed fresh fruit jelly with a side of black tea, not so common yet unique to be photographed.

I love the black tea, very fragrant and not too sweet. The jelly had no taste but the fruits had natural sweetness and sourness that balanced the flavor. I agree that this is categorized as a drink instead of dessert, but I still think it also can be enjoyed by more than 1 person.

Overall, we really enjoyed the Ramadhan Specials menu from E&O and our ultimate favorite would be the “Sambal Goreng Petai”. As predicted, E&O didn’t fail to impress with the new creations and I hope they will keep the quality up. I am sure to come back soon and for you who do fasting (or don’t), please enjoy this limited Ramadhan Specials menu while they are still available! 😉

*The Food Escape team are not paid whatsoever for writing this post.

** This review is written based on our visit on 22 June 2015.

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E&O (EASTERN & ORIENTAL)
Menara Rajawali 1st Floor
Jl. Dr. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Lot#5.1
Kawasan Mega Kuningan
South Jakarta 12950
Ph.: +62 21 5761645

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 11AM – 1AM

Ramadhan Specials are only available throughout Ramadhan month from 6PM onwards.