(doc.NCC)

  (doc.NCC)

Soto Kudus 678
Gedung Galeri 678
Jl. Kemang Selatan Raya no. 125A
Jakarta Selatan
Tel. 7179 2838, 7179 2852

Though recently moved south (albeit not too far, only from Jl. Kemang Raya to Jl. Kemang Selatan Raya, closer to the Ampera T-junction), it is still the gedongan version of soto Kudus as part of an art gallery, with lots of artwork (and rooms to rent) to distract from the food. It’s still hard, however, to tear attention away from the soto: it is rich, flavour-packed and generous to a fault. Have it with krupuk rambak (crackers made of cow’s skin, a traditional Kudus side). Also good is the ayam Kalasan (chicken simmered in coconut water and then deep-fried with a sweet soy marinade). Give the gado-gado a miss, though the fried rice and sambal are totally toothsome. Opens at 6 am for breakfast, and an early morning fag (they offer you 9 types of cigarettes).

Price range: Around Rp 70,000 for 2
Operating hours: 06:00 – 21:00
Dress code: casual
Atmosphere: clean, air-conditioned
All major credit cards accepted
Reviewed: January 2008