“We want to give a new experience for those who come to this restaurant.
We always create something different,” Chef Oskar Urzelai delights in explaining about Txoko, a Spanish restaurant opened one month ago.
The new dining spot is tucked away in Senopati, the food is distinctly Spanish but with a new twist. The space it occupies is bright, big, airy, the walls marked with colour and murals in bright colours, with touches of glass around the place. White and blue is the colour palate used, reflecting a traditional Basque country theme. Coastal birds are muralled on the walls, giving an intimate feeling whilst delighting in the cuisine.
The concept of Txoko is to revisit the origins of Basque food and return to the flavours of the past. There is a search for the ever-changing traditions of Basque gastronomy, reinventing the traditional dishes of the chef’s repertoire so as to enthral the diners with something innovative. Basque food is served in a range of different yet traditional styles of Spain. The tastes of the Basque country are modified along with other flavours diners will find familiar yet somehow different.
Quality, imported products are prepared by the Spanish chef, Oskar, in his homeland style. He has worked internationally in countries such as France, Cuba, Mexico, and around the South East Asian region. This travel has influenced not only his food, but his presentation style, and he aims to bring the fruits of this discovery to Jakartans through Txoko. He encourages people to be experimental with the food that they try. “Besides the food, we also want people coming here enjoy the place, feeling like at home,” Oskar said. The three words he would use to describe the restaurant are: fresh, delicious, clean.
The menu is an impressive feat of culinary ingenuity. The chef’s creativity is marked all over the list, showing his ability to invent along with his deep understanding of flavour profiles and his respect for the ingredients he works with. All in all, it is a heady mix of food to thrill your tastes.
The list of food that Txoko offers is stunning, there is a great range of Spanish specialities that are of engaging interest to any foodie. Not only the flavours, but colour and shape play an integral role in the menu. Some examples from the menu that caught my eye include; Garlic Prawns Pret-A-Porter; Grilled Octopus with Boletus Cream; Spanish Omelette “Lasao;” Marinated Salmon with Avocado Foam; Seaweed & Squid Mellow Rice; Passion for Chocolate; and Euskadi Tropical. These dishes are very appetising and I’d say my favourite of the range was the grilled prawns, they come served with an open flame, presented on the table.
Four butters accompany the complimentary bread: spinach, mushroom, tomato, beetroot. The Escargot with an Idiazabal cheese sauce in puff pastry is another must-try dish. To start, I chose the Oyster Salad and Green Tomatoes. This dish is a great way to introduce any diner to the oceanic, fresh vibe that is felt across the menu. For my main course I opted for Seaweed and Squid Mellow Rice, which is a rice similar to Paella with its short grain. A green tinge is added to the rice by extracting the colour from seaweed and it is served with baby squid and a mini bowl of green, topping off a delightful presentation.
The dining space is full of dynamism. This includes large tables to allow for sprawling lunches and dinners in a casual atmosphere. There is also a second floor available for private parties, and functions such as weddings and meetings. A great view around the park in Senopati is also on offer. The dining space can accommodate up to 80 guests and is fully available for bookings in the areas of events, parties, workshops, meetings, and anything else you can comprehend. Selfies and Insta worthy shots abound in the restaurant, ideal for the millennials amongst you.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Price Range: Rp 65K – 300K (Main Course)
Jl. Suryo No.6, RT. 10, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta 12180, Indonesia
For reservations:
Telephone: +62 21 2708 2215
Whatsapp: 0815 11068587
