Kitchenesia visits Meradelima at Street Gallery Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta. We learn that Chinese culture blends perfectly in Indonesia, to the point we are mistaken some Peranakan Food as indigenous Indonesian.
Kitchenesia.com - So I am told that Meradelima is part of Pakis Culinary Group. However, this restaurant seems the contrary to its sisters. It gives me an impression of a humble and laid-back restaurant instead of pretentious, fine-dining places.
While others Pakis' restaurants feature Indonesian cuisine, Meradelima highlights Peranakan. The restaurant brands itself as the mirror of the straightforward name it bears - referring to the red color that plays important role in Chinese culture.
There is another common thread that seems to be unifying all Pakis' restaurants. Nearly all of them are nestled in a standalone building, and Meradelima is perhaps the only one that rents a space in a mall.
Every type of restaurant indeed has a specific target market, but smaller restaurant has been attracting customers lately. Meradelima in Pondok Indah Mall seems to be a spinoff version that joins this business trend.
As the old political adage says, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
