Step into this bar and you’ll be transported into another era. Glamorous Peranakan culture of Betawi and Chinese in the 1920’s Jakarta to be precise. Located in the lush neighborhood of Menteng, this bar is part of Tugu Group which owns Tugu Hotel in Malang and various restaurants in Jakarta and Malang.
Started out as a warung (stall) by Chan Mo Sang and Siti Zaenab towards the end of 19th century. Known as Shanghai Tea House, it was a popular place for sailors from different parts of the world for many years. Fast forward to current time, this place was renovated while keeping most of the architecture and interior intact and turned into what Shanghai Blue 1920 is now.
The restaurant is a decent size with different sections for dining. Filled with lots of antiques, the place exudes warmth with the lighting and decor. Servers dressed in old style Chinese garb serving dishes influenced by Chinese and Indonesian cooking. Inventive, mouth-watering dishes such as Shanghai Blue Red Chicken, Shanghai Chrysanthemum Fried Tilapia, Siti Zaenab’s Steamed Fish ala Batavia will sure tickle your taste bud along with delectable selection of cocktails and beverages. They are also serving Kawisari Coffee from Mount Kawi that are handpicked and roasted in the traditional Javanese way. Prices are a bit on the steeper side but keeping in mind the tremendous amount of effort being put into this place, it’s actually very reasonable.
Live jazz music completes the whole experience at this amazing restaurant. The house jazz band plays selection of jazzy tunes and repertoires from 1920 to 1960. Romantic tunes from Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane are played nightly. Don’t be surprised at how easy you’ll get swayed and started heading to the dance floor.
Open Monday-Saturday from 11am to 11 pm, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with its edgy decor, very well thought-out selection of music, and comforting fusion food.
Shanghai Blue 1920
Jalan Kebon Siri 77-79
Jakarta Pusat
Tel: +62 21 391 8690
[foto: tripadvisor.com]