Who says 5-star hotels are just for Western food? I tried Indonesia's national "miracle" ice cream
qponx
2026-02-25
Discover Kayu Manis, a surprising Indonesian gem inside the Tentrem hotel. This isn't typical hotel fare; it's an authentic culinary adventure in a tranquil Javanese setting. The absolute must-try is the shockingly delicious Tolak Angin Ice Cream, a unique blend of herbs and creamy vanilla. While pricey, standout dishes like the tender Konro Bakar make it a perfect spot for a special occasion that will challenge your expectations of hotel dining.
Girls, take my advice, stop being prejudiced against Indonesian restaurants in five-star hotels!
I thought it would be another one of those soulless, modified dishes made to please foreigners. But the moment I sat down at Kayu Manis in the Tentrem hotel in Alam Sutera and opened the menu, I was speechless—the dessert section boldly listed "Tolak Angin Ice Cream"?! I was shook. What kind of Anjay move is this?
A Flavor Adventure in a Javanese Atmosphere
The ambiance is truly impeccable. The moment you walk in, the pace of the world just slows down. It's not that tacky, gaudy kind of luxury, but a tranquil feeling filled with high-end woody tones and Javanese charm[1], making you feel super relaxed and perfect for Nongkrong and chatting. The lively energy from the open kitchen adds a touch of warmth, maxing out the atmosphere.
Back to the food, our group went all out:
- Grilled Beef Ribs (Konro Bakar)[2]: This was absolutely Mantap! The meat was stewed until it was tender and flavorful, falling apart with a gentle touch of a fork, and coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. It was so good I couldn't stop eating.
- Oxtail Soup (Sop Buntut)[3]: The broth was unbelievably savory! The oxtail meat was incredibly tender, falling right off the bone with a gentle bite. I could devour three bowls of rice with this.
- The "Miracle Herb" Ice Cream (Tolak Angin Ice Cream)[4]: Here comes the highlight of the meal! I ordered it out of curiosity, expecting some weird concoction, but I was blown away by the first bite! The cooling sensation of the herbs blended perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the vanilla ice cream. It wasn't overpowering at all; instead, it had a wonderfully refreshing quality. So addictive!
Let's be real…
But honestly, not every dish is a must-order. The Soto Betawi[5] we ordered felt a little too salty, but maybe that's just because I prefer lighter flavors. As for the price, well, it's in a five-star hotel, so the cost per person isn't low. Your wallet will feel the pressure. It's more suitable for special occasions like anniversaries or family gatherings that call for a bit of ceremony.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls/Save Money (Take notes!)
Finally, let me highlight the key points for you. If you're planning to go, you have to save this!
- The Breakfast Buffet is the hidden gem: Our server told us their breakfast buffet is the absolute best. You can actually get authentic Gudeg Yu Djum[6] from Yogyakarta and all sorts of traditional Soto. Next time, I have to stay a night just for the breakfast!
- Top choice for family gatherings: The service here is incredibly good[7], making the experience for birthdays or celebrations amazing. Plus, they have a great kids' playground[8], which is a lifesaver for families with children. You can finally free up your hands to enjoy a proper meal.
- Don't stress about ordering: If you really don't know what to get, just ask the server for recommendations. The one I had, Mas Philip, was super nice, and his recommendations were all spot on.
- Must-order list: If you can only order one thing, make it the Tolak Angin Ice Cream! Trust me, it's a unique and wonderful experience you won't find anywhere else
- Surprise dessert: Tolak Angin ice cream[1]! A wild mix of cool herbs and creamy vanilla. Instantly addictive.
- The Konro Bakar (Grilled Beef Ribs)[2] is a must-try. Fall-off-the-bone beef in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
- Breakfast is a surprise! Get legendary Gudeg Yu Djum[3] and authentic Soto. Worth staying the night for this meal alone.
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