Celebrating Easter in Jakarta
It's hard to believe that it is now more than two years since we first arrived in Jakarta but I clearly remember (like it was yesterday), the wave of panic that swept over me when I suddenly realised that Easter was a matter of weeks away and I had nothing organised. Worse still, I had no idea where to source anything Easter- related in Jakarta.
With limited time, I managed to rustle up a few eggs from a nearby supermarket and then I remembered that Nana was coming for her first visit to Jakarta just prior to Easter. Surely Nana could come to my rescue?
Visiting a tropical country, Nana wouldn't need to pack much, allowing more space for important things (like Easter eggs). Luckily she was agreeable with my plan and generously filled her case with an array of goodies (think Humpty Dumpty eggs, Elegant Rabbits, crates of Easter eggs.. you get the gist of it!). Needless to say, our memories of Easter 2014 are of chocolate-tinged smiles all thanks to Nana.
To help you prepare for your Easter, (especially if you don't have a family member visiting in the next few weeks), we have updated and extended our list of Easter essentials that was compiled in 2015. We've divided today's story into two main categories: Easter Treats and Easter Decorating.
For those of you who celebrate, we wish you and your family a happy and safe Easter 2016.
Jo and Liz
Easter Treats
Monggo Chocolate
Available from a vast array of supermarkets and convenience stores (refer to website for details)
Ph: 0851 0069 3094
Web: Monggo Chocolate
What you will find from Monggo:
Giant chocolate Easter bunnies, small solid eggs for Easter hunts, medium-sized hollow eggs, chocolate Easter pops, Wayang Chocolate pralines as well as delicious Yogyakarta-made chocolate bars in assorted flavours. Although Monggo Chocolate does not currently have a main outlet in Jakarta, they have considerably extended their number of Monggo salespoints. And to make it even easier to acquire your chocolate needs this Easter, Monggo offers an online order service.
Monggo's Giant Easter Bunny
Monggo Chocolate Easter Pops
If Easter Eggs aren't what you are looking for, why not try some of Monggo's locally made chocolate bars or pralines?
Pipiltin Cocoa
Pipiltin Chocolate Boutique
Jl Senopati No. 27 Jakarta
Ph: 021 3644 6914
Pipiltin Chocolate Factory
Jl Barito No. 5 Jakarta
Ph: 021 728 000 11
Instagram: Pipiltin
Web: Pipiltin
What you will find at Pipiltin Cocoa:
Beautifully packaged individual and boxed chocolates, blocks of chocolate and exquisite specialty cakes.
Pipiltin also has a 'Gift Station' in its Senopati store which allows the buyer to select from 24 varieties of chocolates and have them gift-boxed for that special someone.
Select from the beautiful individually made chocolates to create that perfect gift for someone special.
The beautiful packaging of Pipiltin chocolate is a pleasure to the eye
It's always important to sample to ensure best quality...!
BetterChocolateThanNever
Jl. Senopati No. 41C
Ph: 021 573 1457
Instagram: BetterChocolateThanNever
Web: BetterChocolateThanNever
What you will find at BetterChocolateThanNever:
Individual chocolates, pralines and truffles, baby chocolate cakes, homemade ice cream (Ice cream flavours: Rich chocolate, Chocolate, Oreo and Rum & Raisin).
Okay, we admit, we did do a little sampling for this story - all in the name of accurate research and reporting (Insider's note: the Rich Chocolate ice cream at BetterChocolateThanNever is divine!)
Why stop at one? BetterChocolateThanNever offers a range of individual chocolates to tempt every tastebud
Street view of BetterChocolateThanNever, located in Jakarta's cool area of Senopati
Pand'Or
Jl. Wijaya 1 No. 60
Melawai, Jakarta
Ph: 021 7208351
Web: Pand'Or
What you will find at Pand'Or:
Whole cakes, slices of cakes, cup cakes, 3D theme cakes, gift hampers, beautifully packed biscuits.
Pand-Or's interior is bright and breezy. The shop offers a myriad of cake and biscuit options as well as gingerbreads and freshly baked bread
Beautifully presented biscuits make a nice alternative to chocolate this Easter
Pand'Or's facade. Rest assured, there's plenty of parking at front
Kakoa Fine Indonesian Chocolate
About:
Purchase online and also available from The Goods Department, Kakoa Fine Indonesian Chocolate originates from Lampung on the Island of Sumatra. Kakoa Fine Indonesian Chocolate states, 'every bar of Kakoa Chocolate improves the lives of smallholder farmers in Indonesia. We source the best beans directly from farmers at premium prices and work hand in hand with them to improve their production'.
Kakoa specialises in chocolate for the refined palate with varieties such as:
Cinnamon Chocolate, Chilli, Creamy Coffee, 70% Dark, Sea Salt & Pepper and Salted Cashew & Coconut Brittle
The Goods Department (Pacific Place Mall)
Senayan Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta 12190
Ph: 021 29923629
The Goods Department (Pondok Indah)
Pondok Indah Mall 2
3rd Floor #321
Jl. Metro Pondok Indah
Jakarta 12310
Ph: 021 75920997
The Goods Department (Kuningan)
Lotte Shopping Avenue
Level 1 Unit 1F #18 - 19
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav 3 - 5
Karet, Kuningan
Jakarta 12940
Ph: 021 29889117
Web: The Goods Department
Indonesian made quality chocolate
Colette & LolaLocations:
Jl. Senopati Raya No. 64
Jakarta Selatan 12190
Ph: 021 7268898
Mal Kelapa Gading 5
Ground Floor
Grand Indonesia Shopping Town
West Mall Level 3A
Delivery hotline: 021 290 07997
Web: Colette & Lola
Instagram: Colette & Lola
What you will find at Colette & Lola:
Fantastic Easter Celebration Cakes and the sweetest Cake Pops.
Just some of the amazing cakes on offer at Colette & Lola
Colette & Lola's cute window hints at the whimsical fun that lies within
Amber Chocolate Bar
Jl Senopati Raya No. 61
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan 12190
Phone: 021 290 444 12
Web: Amber Chocolate Bar
What you will find at Amber:
Set over 3 levels, Amber Chocolate Bar consists of a Pastry Boutique, Library-themed restaurant and Sky Lounge.
It is on the first floor that you will have many of your Easter indulgences met. The Pastry Boutique is far more than the name suggests. Offering a vast array of beautiful cakes and biscuits, it also stocks delightful individual chocolates which can be selected and boxed for that perfect Easter gift. A visit is a must!
Amber truffles made with Belgium chocolate
What about a box of delicate macarons as an alternative to chocolate this Easter?
Each individual cake is a work of art - almost too beautiful to eat (almost!)
The street view of Amber in Senopati
NOTE: Since writing of this Post, Amber Chocolate Bar has closed its doors.
The Harvest
What you will find at The Harvest:
A comprehensive range of specialty patisserie and chocolatier items.
We visited The Harvest at Jl. Senopati Raya No. 47, however, with over 14 stores in Jakarta alone, it is best to check out The Harvest at their website or by calling 021 528 92424
A vast array of both savoury and sweet biscuits, all of which are beautifully packaged
Why not consider a hamper this Easter?
Wall-to-wall choices to be made!
Huize van Wely (located at Papilion and The Papilion Duo)
Papilion Kemang
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 45AA
Jakarta 12730
Ph: 021 719 0789
Web: The Palilion
The Papilion Duo
Pacific Place, Level #G-20
Sudirman Central Business District
Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53
Jakarta 12190
Ph: 21 579 73645
The Papilion Duo
Plaza Indonesia, Level 2 #E014
Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Kav 28-30
Jakarta 10350
Ph: 21 299 24 199
What you will find at Huize van Wely (Papilion):
Hand-made chocolates, bonbons, truffles, pastries, cakes, sweet and savoury biscuits and ice cream.
Truffles in a multitude of flavours are available at Huize van Wely
New recommendations for 2016
Check out Dapur Cokelat which has three outlets in Jakarta. Dapur Cokelat are purveyors of hand-crafted chocolates and pralines as well as beautifully made cakes.
Located in the South Jakarta area of Kemang, L’atelier du Chocolat uses only pure chocolate (couverture) to make arguably Jakarta's finest pralines and Easter treats.
Cake Boutiques
Apart from offering numerous indulgent Easter-themed feasts, many of the high-end hotels in Jakarta also have quality cake shops and chocolatiers on site. Here are three establishments that we know are guaranteed to stock beautiful celebration cakes and Easter confection. Their creations will be a treat to behold, let alone devour.
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat
Daerah Khusus
Ibokota 10310
Ph: 021 23583877
Email: sweet-boutique.jakarta@kempinski.com
Web:Hotel Kempinski Jakarta
Hotel Dharmawangsa Jakarta
Jl. Brawijaya Raya No. 26,
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160
Ph: 021 7258181
Web: Hotel Dharmawagnsa Jakarta
Hotel Mulia Senayan
Jl. Asia Afrika Senayan
Jakarta 10270
Ph: 021 574 7777
Email: Hotel Mulia
Web: Hotel Mulia
Supermarkets for Easter ideas
Premium supermarkets in Jakarta including Kemchicks, Ranch Market, Food Hall, Foodmart, Jasons and selected Hero supermarkets are now stocking imported Easter confectionery as well as Easter ornaments and decorations.
Table decorations for Easter are now available at Kemchicks and Hero supermarkets
Why not make your own Easter treats?
Have you considered making your own Easter treats? Stores like Pantry Magic in Kemang often stock chocolate moulds. Likewise the extensive baking store Titan has a vast array of ingredients and accessories to make that perfect Easter treat.
And did you know that Jakarta has its own Chocolate School? Why not learn about the process of chocolate making from a master chocolatier and then create your own masterpieces using premium Indonesian chocolate. A visit to The Jakarta Chocolate School is highly recommended.
Alternatively, try making our super-delicious Rocky Road recipe. It's so easy and is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
Easter Decorating
A selection of Sri Lankan cotton fabric by Temple Trees, Senopati
Temple Trees is guaranteed to add colour and vibrancy to your home (since closed permanently :( )
Look out for the bright yellow signage of Temple Trees
Le Souq (moved to upper level Koi, Kemang)
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 72, Lot K,
Jakarta Selatan
Ph: 021 7195672
Web: Le Souq
Instagram: Le Souq
What you will find at Le Souq:
An assortment of contemporary homewares. In particular, for this Easter season we love the playful wooden bunnies painted in a variety of colours.
Get hopping into Le Souq
In your own neighbourhood: Why not purchase a bunch of stunning flowers from your local florist - you may be lucky enough to find some Easter lilies.
Your local neighbourhood florist has all your flower needs covered this Easter
For a more lively Easter gift suggestion, why not buy a real bunny? If your Jakarta neighbourhood is like mine, you might just have a bunny vendor sitting curb-side, waiting patiently for someone to buy an adorable bundle of fluffy joy - Now wouldn't that make a little person's Easter....!!
Happy Easter All.
Words: Jo Stevens Photography: Nita Strudwick & a journey bespoke (unless otherwise stated)
