Calling all Jakarta Moms! I found a gem: a hands-free vintage garden restaurant.
qponx
2026-01-24
Escape the city bustle at Roemah Polonia, a charming colonial-style villa in East Jakarta. Its main attraction is a surprisingly huge garden with a playground, making it a perfect spot for parents to relax while kids play. The menu features affordable Indonesian classics like crispy Batagor and authentic Nasi Goreng. While there are a few quirks like small portions and mosquitos, the unique, photogenic ambiance makes it a must-visit for a casual family hangout.
Every trip to East Jakarta feels like opening a mystery box, and this time I really hit the jackpot! A friend invited me to Roemah Polonia, and the name alone has a vintage feel to it. I'd heard before that this place was a renovated, slightly spooky old house[1], and to be honest, my heart skipped a beat when I first got to the entrance...
But the moment I walked in, Anjay! It was a completely different world! 🤍 A pure white, colonial-style old villa with mottled walls and vintage glass windows, it really gave off a"visiting grandma's house" vibe. But the absolute best part was walking through the house to the super-duper huge garden out back! Shaded by lush green trees, it hardly felt like we were in Jakarta. We found a spot outdoors, and my kid bolted straight for the children's play area[2] to run wild, and just like that, the world was peaceful, haha!
We ordered a few dishes, and the prices were really affordable, around 50k-100k rupiah per person. The Batagor[3] is a must-order; it was fried to a perfect crisp, the peanut sauce was just right, and with a squeeze of lime juice, Mantap! The Indonesian Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng)[4] was also authentic, full of that great wok-charred flavor, and consistently delicious.
But to be fair, this place isn't without its downsides. The drinks we ordered were generally painfully sweet... Also, the Tom Yum Soup (Tomyum)[5] we got had a flavor that was, well, hard to describe, and it didn't feel very authentic. Plus, the food portions are indeed on the small side[6]; guys might need to order two main courses to feel full. 😂
Editor's Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 📝
Finally, let me highlight the key points for you girls, take note if you plan to go:
Overall, it's a great place to Nongkrong with kids or friends. For the ambiance and the playground that lets the little one entertain themselves, I'll definitely be back
- Mosquito repellent! Mosquito repellent! Mosquito repellent! Especially if you're bringing kids, the mosquitoes in the outdoor garden are pretty intense, so make sure to bring enough repellent[7].
- Choose the right time! It's a bit hot during the day, and some indoor areas don't have AC[8]. I recommend going after 4 PM when it's cooler. After dark, the garden lights turn on, and the atmosphere for photos is maxed out. 🌃
- Parking is tight, so be prepared. You might need to follow the security guard's instructions to move your car[9].
- Payment methods! It seems they don't accept credit cards, so remember to bring cash, a debit card, or use an e-wallet to pay[10].
Here's the translated summary, adhering to all your rules:
- From a **gloomy old house**[1] to a pure white colonial **mansion**! Hidden inside, a huge, shady garden – so beautiful, it's not Jakarta![2]
- Don't miss **Batagor**[3]! Super crispy with rich peanut sauce & lime. Heavenly, so Mantap you'll crave more!
- This oasis is just **50-100k IDR**[4] per person! With a **kids' play area**[5] and stunning evening lights, the **photo ambiance** is maxed out!
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