Love old movie vibes? Lock this "Grandma's House" in Menteng onto your list.
qponx
2026-01-24
Step back in time at Sagoo Kitchen, a hidden gem in Menteng with a charming "Grandma's House" vibe. This spot feels like a Wong Kar-wai film set, serving up delicious Peranakan home-style cooking for nearly 20 years. Don't miss their signature dishes like the smoky Bihun Goreng or the unique Nasi Goreng Kecombrang. It's the perfect cozy escape for a nostalgic meal with family or friends, offering a unique taste of Jakarta's culinary history.
Whenever I pass by Menteng, I always feel like the restaurants here are super fancy and expensive, making my wallet tremble 🥶. But this time, I dug up a hidden gem! The moment I stepped inside, the hustle and bustle of Jakarta was instantly shut out. My ears were filled with soothing old-fashioned instrumental music, and the air was thick with the scent of old times. It felt like I had stumbled onto a Wong Kar-wai film set, or like I was back in my grandma's living room as a child.[1]
This restaurant, called Sagoo Kitchen, has apparently been open for almost 20 years. It specializes in the kind of Peranakan home-style cooking passed down through generations[2], and the flavors were a pleasant surprise!
What did I eat? Can't-go-wrong recommendations!
My friend and I just randomly ordered a few recommended dishes, and the result... Anjay! They were all so delicious!
- Bihun Goreng (Signature Fried Rice Vermicelli): A must-order![3] Full of that smoky wok aroma, savory and flavorful, with every strand of vermicelli coated in sauce. It was so good I wanted to order another one to-go.
- Nasi Goreng Kecombrang (Torch Ginger Fried Rice): This was absolutely amazing![4] The unique aroma of the torch ginger was completely infused into the rice, making it very appetizing. It's a flavor you can't find anywhere else.
- Nasie Ajam Goreng Wangi (Fragrant Fried Chicken Rice): The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside[5], served with fresh sambal and shredded lemongrass, creating an incredibly rich and layered texture. Plus, the portion size is very generous; even a guy would be totally full after one serving.[6]
Let's be real (a little complaint)
Although the main courses were Mantap, to be honest, the drink I ordered was a bit too sweet[7]. For those who aren't used to it, you might just want to go for mineral water. Also, the service can be a bit hit-or-miss. During peak hours when it's crowded, it's indeed a bit hard to get a waiter's attention[8], so you'll need a bit of patience. However, the waiter we had was super nice and even offered to take a photo for us, so that's a plus.
📝 A Lazy Guide & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
I've put together a few tips for the girls who want to check it out. I suggest saving this first!
- 🚗 Parking: There are very few parking spots in front of the restaurant. If you're driving, I suggest using the valet parking, which is only 20k Indonesian Rupiah. It saves you time and trouble.[9]
- 👨👩👧👦 Who is it for?: It's especially suitable for family gatherings or getting together with a few friends to Chill and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere. It's also great for a date night, very relaxing.
- 🎉 Gatherings: They have a VIP room that can accommodate 15 people, which you can book in advance for a small department team-building event or a birthday party.[10]
- 🥬 Note for Vegetarians: Options are quite limited for vegetarian friends. The main vegetarian dish on the menu is basically Gado Gado[11], so it's good to know this in advance.
- Jakarta's chaos melts. Old tunes, nostalgic scents – Wong Kar-wai film set or grandma's [1].
- Nearly 20 years strong, they offer heirloom Peranakan. Torch ginger fried rice? Uniquely aromatic! [2][3].
- Signature fried vermicelli? Incredible wok hei, savory sauce on every strand. Crave it! [4].
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