This viral Indian restaurant in Jakarta: Don't just go for the photo op
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking of visiting the viral Fez-Kinara in Jakarta? Its stunning Moroccan-inspired decor is a major draw, making every photo a masterpiece. But this review goes beyond the photo op. Discover which dishes, like the Butter Chicken, are worth ordering and which you might want to skip. Get the real scoop on the hit-or-miss food, "zen-like" service, and premium prices to decide if this hyped-up spot is truly for you.
Girls, the Jakarta hype finally brought me to the famous Fez-Kinara in Kemang. Honestly, the moment I stepped in, I almost thought I had teleported to a courtyard in Morocco. This exotic vibe is so Mantap! The dim yellow lighting, exquisite tapestries, and the faint scent of spices in the air—the atmosphere was absolutely maxed out. Any casual snapshot is a masterpiece worthy of a nine-photo grid post. 📸
Does the taste actually match the ambiance?
After sitting down and calming myself to order, I remembered we're here to eat, after all. The menu is super extensive, with Indian, Moroccan, Middle Eastern, and even Thai food. It's a dream come true for the indecisive.
I got straight to the point and ordered a few of their most hyped signature dishes:
Overall, the taste is like opening a blind box. Some people think it's the best in Jakarta, while others (like my friend next to me) find some dishes too sour[1] and the taste just average. I guess taste is really a matter of personal preference.
- Butter Chicken[2]: I have to praise this one! The sauce was rich and silky, and the chicken was quite tender. Paired with freshly baked Butter Naan[3], one bite was truly comforting. My carb-loving self was completely satisfied.
- Biryani: The rice was the highlight—the grains were distinct and full of spice. But honestly, the amount of lamb was a bit Anjay… just a few small pieces. It felt a little stingy[4].
- Cheese Naan: I personally didn't get this one. They gave a good amount of cheese, but it wasn't melted at all, making it a bit dry and hard to swallow… For my friends who want to order naan, just stick to the butter or garlic ones.
Before you rush over, some real talk
To be fair, the ambiance here is definitely one of the best in Jakarta[5], perfect for a date or to Nongkrong with friends. But the prices are definitely not cheap, and the value for money isn't high. Especially the portion sizes of the à la carte dishes, which, considering the price, can only be described as a bit"delicate"[6].
And the service is really… Zen-like. The food can come out very slowly, even when the restaurant isn't busy[7]. So if you're impatient or starving, you might go a little crazy here. 😅
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & TL;DR Tips
Finally, here are a few practical tips for my friends who want to check this place out. Remember to save this!
📍 Fez-Kinara Dining & Lounge, Kemang Raya
- 1. Want to eat Moroccan food? Check the time! Their Moroccan menu is only available after 4 PM[8], so don't make a wasted trip.
- 2. If you don't like noise, leave before 10 PM! There's a karaoke performance after 10 PM, and the quality is said to be... indescribable, which might ruin the experience[9].
- 3. Sensitive to secondhand smoke? Be warned! The smoking and non-smoking areas are only separated by a curtain, which is basically useless[10]. If you mind, be cautious.
- 4. Parking is very limited, but they have valet service, so be prepared if you're driving.
- Instant Moroccan courtyard. Exotic vibes maxed! Dim lights, tapestries = nine-grid masterpiece pics! [1]
- Must-order butter chicken! Rich, silky sauce + fresh butter naan – carb-lover's bliss! [2][3]
- Menu: Indian, Moroccan, Mideast, Thai! Decision-phobia's delight! A taste bud blind box adventure! [4]
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