The Vintage Feel of Tjap Toean

Old spelling, Peranakan Food and vintage decoration. Welcome to Tjap Toean.

A familiar place, isn't just for lunch-ing but also for gathering with friends. The uniquely decorated restaurant sparks interest of those visiting Citywalk Sudirman. The domination of red bricks, wood and vintage furniture play a big part of creating the homey ambiance. Serving Perankan Food, as well as several Asian dishes from neighboring countries, the restaurant has unique names on their menu. Take "Lu Orang" for example. Literally translated as "You guys", it's chicken with sweet (some people say dark or thick) soya sauce and kaffir lime. Or Mabok Kepayang which is "Crazy in Love", a root beer with vanilla ice cream.

But I picked Pad Thai (Rp42,5k) right away. The Thai signature is my favorite dish here, mixed with vegetables, seafood and peanut. Spices are perfect and noodle is gooey but isn't too oily.

Order Pad Thai when you're stuck with the menu selection.

Arrived here with a big party of friends, we could tell that Sangjit (Rp35k), chicken noodle and meatball is everyone's favorite. Its traditional and familiar taste made us want to eat more and more of this noodle. You'll fall in love right away with the chicken spice mix. A le (Rp23,5), Roti Channai with Milk, is perfect for snack with the right portion. This appetizer is popular for munching while waiting for the dishes to arrive.

Sangjit (Chicken Noodle)

Roti Channai with Milk

The Blue Nasi Lemak

But the most interesting thing on Tjap Toean menu is Nasi Lemak (Rp47,5k). Despite being an ordinary Nasi Lemak with fried chicken, stir-fried Tempe, egg, and vegetables, the rice is colored blue and is infused with Butterfly Pea Flower (in Indonesia known as Kembang Telang/Bunga Teleng). In Southeast Asia, the flower is a common source for blue food or drink coloring.