Who says Halal Cantonese food has no soul? This Jakarta spot changed my mind... halfway.
qponx
2026-01-23
Craving authentic Halal Cantonese food in Jakarta? Three Uncles in West Jakarta aims to deliver with a retro 90s Hong Kong vibe. This bustling spot gets high praise for its incredible Yang Chow Fried Rice and molten Salted Egg Pao. However, the review offers an honest, mixed take, noting that some other dishes and the milk tea can be underwhelming. It’s a hit-or-miss experience with a fantastic atmosphere, and this article tells you what’s truly worth ordering.
How hard is it to find authentic and Halal Cantonese food in Jakarta? Any girl who's lived here long enough knows. Every time I scroll past a place that"claims" to be a Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng, my heart sinks a little, afraid it's just another rip-off.
This time, a friend recommended Three Uncles in West Jakarta, and seeing its high 4.6 score on Google, I decided to give it"one more try" and went for it. Honestly, the moment I arrived and saw the tight parking situation[1] and the crowd of people queuing, I was so overwhelmed, I almost went anjay and turned right back around.
Travel Back to the Streets of 90s Hong Kong
The moment I squeezed into the restaurant, mmm, the vibe was right! The retro green walls, the small booths[2], the handwritten menus on the wall, and the air filled with the aroma of food—it instantly felt like I was nongkrong at a small eatery on the streets of Hong Kong. Even though the space is a bit small and the tables are close together, this lively, bustling atmosphere actually makes it feel very cozy and familiar.
A few of us went all out and ordered all the signature dishes:
- 扬州炒饭 (Yang Chow Fried Rice)[3]: The best dish of the night! The wok aroma was so incredible, it was heavenly. The rice grains were perfectly separated, not oily or greasy at all, and they were generous with the ingredients inside. It's a level of quality that even my mom would find hard to replicate at home.
- 咸蛋黄流沙包 (Salted Egg Pao)[4]: A must-order! You have to eat it while it's hot. Gently break it open, and the golden molten filling just gushes out—a mix of salty and sweet, with a super creamy and smooth texture. So good I wanted to get another order to go.
- 肠粉 (Cheong Fan)[5]: This was also mantap! The rice noodle sheets were made so thin and smooth, my chopsticks could barely pick them up. The sauce was seasoned just right, not too salty.
But, Let's Be Real for a Second…
While I absolutely love the atmosphere and those few signature dishes, to be fair, not every dish is worth all the hype. For example, the Hong Kong-style milk tea felt a bit"watered down" to me. The tea and milk flavors weren't well-integrated, making it a bit bland[6]. Some of my friends also complained that some dishes were a bit on the bland side and didn't meet their expectations for an"authentic Hong Kong flavor." The portion sizes are also a bit of a mystery. The fried rice is a good portion, but some of the dim sum items are adorably mini. Considering the price is around 150,000 IDR per person[7], guys with bigger appetites might need to order a few more dishes to feel full.
Tips to Avoid Hassle/Save Time (Bookmark This!)
For the girls who want to check it out, remember these tips, they'll save you a lot of trouble:
📍 Three Uncles
Jl. Panjang No.5c, Kb. Jeruk, Jakarta Barat
- 1. 🚗 Getting There: Don't drive! Don't drive! Parking is extremely limited, and it's basically impossible during peak hours. I recommend just getting a ride-hailing service, it's much less of a headache.
- 2. ⏰ Best Time to Go: It gets super crowded during lunch and dinner, so be prepared to queue. If you want a more chill experience, I suggest going on a weekday afternoon. They open at 8 AM, but the full menu is only available after 10 AM[8]. If you go too early, they only serve dim sum, porridge, and noodles.
- 3. ✅ Eat with Peace of Mind: This place is 100% Halal[9], so our Muslim friends can go for it without any worries. It's great for family meals or bringing friends.
- 4. 🦐 Ordering Tip: If you have any food allergies (like a shrimp allergy), you must! must! double-check with the staff about the ingredients in the dishes when you order, because the menu might not list everything[10].
- Crack it open: golden lava "whoosh" bursts out, sweet-savory, super creamy smooth – you'll want to take it home! [1]
- Step in, time-travel to 90s Hong Kong! Retro green walls, cozy booths, handwritten menus create a warm, authentic vibe. [2]
- Jakarta, craving authentic, 100% Halal Cantonese? Muslim friends feast worry-free here! [3]
Similar Articles
Calling all Matcha Heads! This shop cured my “Fake Matcha PTSD”
Finally, a cure for "fake matcha PTSD" in Jakarta! This article reveals a hidden gem, The Tokyo Matcha, located in a quiet corner of Cengkareng. Forget sugary green tea; this spot serves authentic, high-quality matcha with a rich umami flavor, properly whisked in a minimalist "Little Tokyo" atmosphere. It's a paradise for true matcha enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience. Find out if this small, remote shop is worth the trip and what to order on your first visit.
Bad service and cash only: How has this Jakarta spot been a hit for 50 years?
Despite its famously bad service and cash-only policy, Jakarta's Suisse Bakery has been a local favorite for 50 years. What's the secret? This spot is a time capsule, offering a powerful taste of nostalgia from the 1970s. People brave the chaos for its dense, old-school bread and legendary treats like the must-try Chicken Ragout Risoles. It’s an authentic experience where the incredible flavor of the past makes the frustrating service completely worth it.
If you miss the 90s, lock this Jakarta bar into your itinerary.
Step back into the 90s at Onyx Bar, a cozy Jakarta hideout perfect for a chill night out. This intimate spot ditches the overwhelming club scene for a relaxed vibe, soft sofas, and tasty snacks. The main draw? A fantastic live band that belts out 90s golden hits, creating the ultimate throwback atmosphere. Grab a few friends, shoot some pool, and let the nostalgia wash over you. It's the ideal place for small groups to unwind and reminisce.
Calling all Jakarta WFC crew! Your productivity will soar at this BGM-free cafe.
Tired of noisy cafes in Jakarta? Discover +62 Coffee & Space in Tanjung Duren, a BGM-free haven perfect for the WFC crowd. This spacious, industrial-style cafe offers a peaceful atmosphere to boost your productivity. Don't miss their signature Pandan Latte, a perfectly balanced and fragrant treat. It's a popular spot, so arrive during off-peak hours to snag the best seat. Escape the city noise and get things done at this unique and quiet coffee space.