BAM! Tapas-Sake Bar Jakarta

Have you ever had Spanish omakase? Nope, I have not either, and not that I knew it even existed prior to my visit to BAM! Tapas-Sake Bar..Its name itself already a clear indication of its interesting twist of Spanish food with Japanese sake...

BAM! is actually a brand of fine dining restaurant from Singapore. Following its success there, BAM! decided to expand overseas and chose Jakarta as its second home. When I asked what's different between Singapore and Jakarta, turns out the two serve the same Signature Dishes, while the rest of the menu are somewhat similar, but adjusted to local preferences at each locations.

Having the word 'bar' as a subtitle, you can expect nothing less than a full flegded bar manned by experienced bartenders. The bar feel even starts the moment you walk up the steps, and find to your left, a long counter where guests could sit at. This is ideally where you sit when you have the Omakase experience, because you can then watch the chef prepare your meal closely (and for me it's an added advantage of having a nice spot to capture all the action going on behind the counter! There's no need to worry about the heat, because the open kitchen uses induction-top stove, comfortably at the bar without feeling hot.

BAM! Jakarta's kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Arturo Godó

BAM! Jakarta's Menu rotates regularly, 20% of the left page of the menu changes twice a month. BAM! in Singapore is a fine dining restaurant, while the one in Jakarta feels more casual and even the price range is not that outrageous, it's still pretty acceptable for Jakarta's restaurants. BAM! shares its space with Senju next door and for the partition, there's this floor-to-ceiling see through sake chiller, you will definitely be spoilt for choices of sake! 

Banzai cocktail - Dry sake, deviled chili (mayo togarashi), apple liquor, fresh lemon squeeze.
The cocktail has a rather theatrical presentation, involving an act of pumping in the sake foam into the green liquid.

Fried Bun, Sherry Beurre Blanc, Tobiko IDR 35,000

Suquet of Fish, Clams, Lobster, Hazelnut IDR 140,000

'Suquet' is a Catalan seafood stew that, according to Chef Hernandez, is a traditional food that's eaten by Spanish sailors. He also told me that the fish in this dish was an amberjack fish acquired from some fisherman in Lombok, an island east of Bali.

Japanese Squid, Otak-Otak, Rostit Sauce IDR 140,000

I asked what's so special about Japanese squid, and I was told that it's supposed to be tender and have sweet flesh (turns out it's true!). An interesting twist, stuffing the squid with homemade otah (Singapore style spiced otah), and garlic squid ink sauce. I prefer to avoid seafood at most circumstances, but I found myself quite enjoying this one, so it's gotta be good!

Canadian Black Cod, Salted Almond Praline, Leek IDR 150,000
(I didn't order this dish, but I took its photo anyway, because it looks pretty. Judging from the texture & appearance, this cod looks really good & juicy though!)

Saga Wagyu Beef A4, Red Wine, Potato IDR 600,000

Ok, so the first thing that comes to my mind when I saw the price tag: Is it really worth it? Well it was my first time eating Saga beef (I've tried Ohmi, Matsuzaka, Kobe and a few others) and at A4 grade, the meat is truly juicy & tender (absolutely recommended!). The 100gr slab came served with blanched bok choy and red wine sauce, it may not look much, but it's actually quite filling. Sharing would be a great idea.

Then, before the Black Squid Ink Paella came, I was shown the small rice sacks imported to make the paella (see photo below).

Right: Squeeze the lemon juice and get mixing!

Paella of Seafood with Pork Belly & Shrimp IDR 350,000 (2 pax) / IDR 700,000 (4 pax)

The paella itself is nothing quite like what I've had at other places before, because BAM!'s version tasted more on the sweet side, and served with fresh curly kale and dao meo greens. The seafood comes fried (looking like tempura, actually) and they're really generous with the seafood, I must say.

Pineapple, coconut ice cream, earl grey granita IDR 90,000

Well, that was just a glimpse of some of the modern Spanish-Japanese dishes that you could expect at BAM!. While I must admit that not every Indonesians will get it, (because we're still not that familiar with Spanish food other than churros or paella), I would actually recommend this place if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind omakase experience, and a nice place to chill over interesting sake cocktails.

*) Prices are subject to Government Tax & Service Charge 

BAM! Tapas - Sake Bar
Plaza Indonesia, Lantai 3, L3#119
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.28-30
Central Jakarta 10350
Ph: +6221 29924222
www.bam-id.com
Instagram

For live and regular updates,

stalk my Instagram: @ellynatjohnardi