January 24th, 2012
The Mandarin Oriental Jakarta consistently ranks in the upper echelon of the luxury hotel properties of Jakarta- its style of sophisticated luxury appreciated by discerning business and leisure travellers. Prominently located on the iconic Bundaran HI (or Hotel Indonesia Roundabout) – in the heart of the Jakarta business and diplomatic districts- the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta recently (2009) underwent an extensive interior refurbishment of both the rooms and the various dining venues.
One of the new dining venues to emerge from this major refurbishment was Cinnamon– a stylish, contemporary all-day dining space, highlighting authentic dishes from the regional cuisines of South East Asia. Food is freshly prepared by the Cinnamon chefs at the “live” cooking stations of the open show kitchen- adding an element of theatre to the dining experience. Cinnamon is conveniently located at the ground floor lobby level and enjoys a pleasant, relaxing outlook over the hotel gardens directly outside the floor-to-ceiling glass facade that extends down the entire length of one side of the room. Breakfast ( and weekend brunches), lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are served daily at Cinnamon. Convenient for business lunches and dinners, Cinnamon also appeals to Jakarta residents looking for an authentic regional culinary experience, within the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta.
Leather upholstered booths overlooking the external garden
The interior theme for Cinnamon is infused with the heritage of Indonesian design, and blends with a sleek, contemporary style, to create an effect that is discretely luxurious. Natural materials provide a palette of colours exuding warmth and comfort. Raw and polished timbers are used extensively on the floors, walls, and ceilings. Large areas of marble flooring in the high traffic zones abut the timber floorboards of the central dining section. The show kitchens are completely faced in marble and gleaming stainless steel, creating a simplicity of clean lines and minimal detailing. Table furnishings feature warm timbers with leather and fabric upholstered chairs, and with a series of leather booths placed along the glass windows providing intimate private dining spaces.
Immediately inside the entrance to Cinnamon is the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop– offering a wide range of homemade pastries, breads, premium chocolates, cakes and plated desserts.
The main dining area of Cinnamon- looking towards the bar and entrance
Looking inside Cinnamon- with the kitchen towards the rear of the room
The Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop- inside the entrance to Cinnamon
A section of the show kitchen with live cooking stations at Cinnamon
Under the direction of Head Chef Sudiyono, the team of Cinnamon chefs prepare an enticing selection of dishes that embrace the culinary traditions of the region, carefully utlising only the freshest authentic local ingredients. The serving portions are generous, and regional dishes are elegantly presented with all the essential condiments arranged onto hand-crafted trays.
For breakfast the format is a buffet with selections of regional and western favourites. Lunch provides guests with the option of either a buffet selection, or ordering from the a la carte menu; and dinner also features both buffet and a la carte menu options. Signature regional dishes at Cinnamon include the local favourite of INDONESIAN STYLE OXTAIL SOUP; HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE; NASI GORENG; and SATAY CAMPUR (see photos and details below). Other highlights include BBQ DUCK RICE; THAI SEAFOOD GREEN CURRY; and SINGAPOREAN STYLE STIR FRIED RICE. International dishes feature grilled meats and seafood, burgers,pastas and salads.
Desserts include delicassies like the local ES KACANG; and international temptations such as MARBLE CHEESE CAKE ( photo below) and CHOCOLATE FUDGE.
The beverages menu include selections of teas (Japanese, fruit, Mandarin Jasmine, Earl Grey, etc); Mandarin Oriental Blend espresso coffees: fresh juices and mocktails; and other soft drinks. From the bar are sumptuous selections of the mixology creations from Mandarin Oriental bars worldwide; Classic Cocktails; and Martinis (for cocktail details see article on MO Bar ). Wines and champagnes can be ordered from the extensive hotel cellar, and the bar serves beers ( local and imported); premium spirits; single malt whiskys; and liqueurs and aperitifs.
Chicken Tikka- chicken marinated with Indian spices and yoghurt, accompanied by mint sauce and cucumber raita
HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE– tender poached farm chicken, green vegetables, with shallot fragrant rice – served with Chinese herbs broth and traditional condiments ginger, chili sauce and dark soy sauce
INDONESIAN STYLE OXTAIL SOUP– simmered oxtail with potatoes, carrots, leeks and fried shallot- accompanied with green chili sambal, steamed rice and bitter nut crackers
NASI GORENG– wok fried rice with egg, carrot, cabbage, caisim, sambal sauce, accompanied with crispy prawn crackers, acar pickles, deep fried chicken drumlet,beef satay and sunny side up fried egg
ES KACANG– shaved ice mound filled with red bean jelly and palm sugar topped with coconut syrup and milk
MARBLE CHEESE CAKE– classically baked on a crunchy biscuit
Cinnamon Restaurant @ Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
Address: Jln M H Thamrin, Jakarta 10310. Indonesia
Reservations: + 62.21.2993 8888
Opening Hours:
Breakfast– Monday to Saturday 6:00 am ~ 10:00 am; and Sundays from 6:00 am~ 10:30 am
Lunch– Monday to Saturday 11:30 am ~ 2:30 pm
Brunch– Sundays 11:00 am ~ 3:00 pm
Afternoon Tea– Monday to Sunday 2:30 pm ~ 6:00 pm
Dinner– Monday to Sunday 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Dress code: Smart casual
Website: Mandarin Oriental Jakarta
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See also article on MO Bar – the stylish cocktail bar and lounge located on the first floor.
