Experience Argentina at Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Have you ever tried Argentinian food? Unless you have travelled to the country or to South America, chances are most of us have not. I have neither travelled there, nor tried the cuisine, so I'm absolutely thrilled to be trying Argentinian food for the first time, without having to fly half a world away!

Buon provecho mis amigos!

For 9 days only, foodies in Jakarta will be able to taste Argentina cuisine at C's Grand Hyatt Jakarta, with Chef Federico Ferrari of Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. During the 'Experience Argentina' promotion period, guests will be able to sample some classic Argentinian cuisine & selected wines.

Chef Federico Ferrari of Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

So what exactly is considered Argentinian food, if you ask? Well, actually, some restaurants in Jakarta serve dishes which are closely related to it, because they have common influences: Spanish and Italian. After all, Argentina used to be a Spanish colony back in the 16th century, bringing with them empanadas and flans. Whereas in the 18th century, a significant influx of Italian migrants introduced pastas and pizzas to the Argentinians. Don't these food sound or taste familiar to you?

Experience Argentina 'Wine Flight' IDR 500,000

Wine connoisseurs would be treated to experience Argentina 'Wine Flight', which is a sampler of 5 select wines from Argentina, by the glass:

- Alamos, Chardonnay, 2011

- Cantena Alta, Chardonnay, 2011

- Alamos, Malbec, 2013

- Cantena, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012

- Clos de los Siete (malbec, merlot & cabernet syrah) 2009

And here are some of the Argentinian dishes that you could try, they range from entradas (starter), platos principales (main course) with guarniciones (side dish) to postres (dessert).

Entradas / Starters

~ Provoleta de Cabra - provolene cheese with preserved tomatoes, mint & almond sauce.

Can you imagine, cheese, fried and served with tomato jam? Seriously, I would be happy as a clam to have only this for lunch, this dish is my most favourite!

Recommended wine pairing: Cantena Alta Chardonnay 2011

Provoleta de Cabra - IDR 120,000

~ Empanadas de Carne - classic beef turnover

At a glance, it looks a lot like our Indonesian 'pastel' or fried crescent-shaped pastry with ragout or vegetables filling. But Chef Federico's empanadas is filled with diced meat and some raisins.

Empanadas de Carne - IDR 150,000

~ Mollejas Caramelizadas - caramelized 'sweet breads' with sweet potato & orange puree, mushroom spheres. I did not know what 'sweet bread' was until the moment Chef Matt mentioned neck and pancreas, which are the most typical parts used in making sweet bread, besides other even more unusual parts. I have to say that this is an acquired taste and unfortunately I was too much of a coward to give it a try. But at least I had fun nibbling on the colourful paprika-agar balls that garnish the top.

Recommended wine pairing: Alamos Chardonnay 2011

Mollejas Caramelizadas - IDR 225,000

Platos Principales / Main Course

South American cuisine normally comprises plenty of grilled meat and seafood, but it's the herb-y chimichurri sauce that makes it distinctively Argentina. The exact ingredients vary between the Latin American regions, but the thick sauce is typically made from olive oil, vinegar, finely chopped parsley, oregano, onion and garlic, seasoned with salt, cayenne and black pepper. Think of chimichurri is to Argentinians, as akin to chili sauce is to Indonesians (ie: it's irreplaceable, especially with grilled meat).

~ Raza Black Angus - grilled tenderloin 250gr
Recommended wine pairing: Cantena Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

a slab of Raza Black Angus 250gr - IDR 640,000

~ Raza Wagyu Argentina - grilled prime rib-eye 250gr
Recommended wine pairing: Alamos Malbec 2013

Left: Argentina 'wine flight'
Right: My main course - slices of grilled rib eye, tenderloin and guarniciones: mashed potatoes with semi-salted butter, smoked pumpkin puree, and mushrooms with herbs

~ Del Mar - octopus cooked two ways
Recommended wine pairing: Clos de los Siete 2009

Postres / Dessert

~ Budin de Pan - bread pudding with hazelnut custard

Budin de Pan IDR 75,000

~ Flan de Dulce de Leche - flan of caramel & dulce de leche, this is the most classic dessert of Latin America / Spanish influenced regions.

Flan de Dulce de Leche IDR 75,000

The above are actually quite commonly found at several restaurants in town, so if you desire something more Argentina, try the Arroz con Leche or rice pudding.

Try something new like Argentinian food for this week's dinner / lunch, perhaps?

Experience Argentina is available from 18 - 26 May 2015 at C's Steak & Seafood, Grand Hyatt Jakarta

*) Prices are subject to 10% Service Charge & 11% Government Tax.

Open Hours:

Lunch: 12 pm - 3 pm (Monday - Friday)
Brunch: 11 am - 2 pm (Saturday - Sunday)
Dinner: 6 pm onwards (daily)

C's Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Grand Hyatt Jakarta

Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Kav. 28 - 30

Central Jakarta - Indonesia

Ph: + 6221 29921234 / 50201234
Click to open in Maps

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

For live and regular updates,

stalk my Instagram: @ellynatjohnardi