Mangga Besar Culinary Spot: Henis Bakery & Restaurant
Jakarta Kota. Also known as home to many Chinese decent since the Dutch colonial era, Jakarta’s very own Chinatown has its own appeal to the heart of every true Jakartans especially when it comes to the culinary spirit. In spite of its glamorous ‘dark’ side, from Glodok, Mangga Besar, Pinangsia even to Mangga Dua, hidden culinary gems are everywhere; from street-food vendors to ancient and old restaurant that has been operating since forever (mostly Chinese and traditional Betawi cuisine). To me, having lived in South Jakarta made me rarely explore Central Jakarta, but thanks to a certain group of eating buddies, I finally made my way there so in the next 3 posts will certainly be about this area. (Also read: Bakso Akiaw 99 Medan and Nasi Uduk Ibu Sum)
We’ll start with the first one: HENIS Bakery & Restaurant.
Along Jalan Mangga Besar Raya itself, there are tons of well-known culinary places and Henis is one of them. Located just 2 stores away from my most favorite meatball stall Bakso 99 Akiaw Medan, Henis is renowned for its “Roti Bakso Ayam”, a fluffy small bun with overflowing amount of sweet chicken filling – and also “Soto Mie”, an Indonesian traditional noodle soup which usually consist of beef slices, noodle, tomato, cabbage, and fried spring rolls with beehoon/rice vermicelli. Hop on to their renovated stall and see the mouthwatering ads for yourself and tell me you’re not tempted:
Of course in reality they didn’t look as good as the ads (hats off to the food stylist + photographer!), but nevertheless they still live up to the hype. Here’s what Roti Bakso Ayam by Henis actually look like.
Roti Bakso Ayam Henis – IDR 8.000/each (as of September 2013). Packaged simply with only phone numbers info for you to order & delivery: (021) 629 6501 and (021) 659 2235.
Usually when eating stuffed bun, you’ll only reach the filling at second or third bite. But that’s not the case with Henis’ bread – true that they looked small but don’t be fooled by its outer appearance, you’ll get to its filling right at the first bite!
To me, Henis’ Roti Bakso Ayam is tad overly too sweet on its filling, but apparently people are still crazy about it and just can’t get enough of it. Some even call it the best meat-filling bun ever! So maybe that’s just me, maybe I need to order their chocolate bun or cheese bun instead. Now into their Soto Mie:
A big portion for a single meal, I must say. Generous beef hidden underneath, sweet carrots and cabbage, fried spring rolls with rice vermicelli in it (risoles), and so many other ingredients. Portion-wise? Only for the hungry. Taste-wise? It’s delicious, but not the kind that blows my mind in an instant. Worth a try, though.
Other things to try at Henis? They have various bread selections other than Roti Bakso Ayam; from chocolate, cheese to chocolate banana bun. Their Mie Daging Sapi Kuah Tauco (beef noodle in tauco/fermented soy bean soup) is also intriguing so I might go for it on my next visit. And if your stomach has an extensive capacity you know you can always walk few meters away and finish the night with a satisfying bowl of Bakso Akiaw :p
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Henis Bakery and Restaurant
Jl. Mangga Besar Raya No. 2F Jakarta Pusat
(021) 629 - 6501, (021) 659 – 2235
Foursquare location