TABLE8 - HOTEL MULIA, SENAYAN

It was nearly two months ago when I received an invitation from my friend who was celebrating his birthday. He chose his favorite restaurant, Table8 as the venue to host his birthday lunch. Special thanks to Jonathan Emmanuel (@jnthaan) for inviting me to this wonderful restaurant!

Table8 is located in Hotel Mulia, one of the most renowned five-star hotels in Jakarta and home to not one, not two, but SIX reputable restaurants that all offer excellent fine dining experience. The Mulia has always been known for their outstanding dining ventures, with astounding selection and calibre of cuisines served in both of their hotels (Bali and Jakarta). Table8 is located in both Bali and Jakarta with no difference in terms of their concept. This restaurant focuses on serving authentic Cantonese and Szechuan delicacies, which is categorized as a Chinese restaurant. Like any other restaurants in Mulia, Table8 offers their guests extravagant buffet which is available for both lunch and dinner. They also serve a la carte dishes, but people tend to go for their remarkable buffet.

I went there during the Lunch time, which was around 11 AM (just the time when the restaurant opens). Since the guests were not entirely present, I got some time for a tour on the interior of Table8.

Entering the restaurant, I was greeted by a huge wooden wall with some 

artificial flowers clinging on it. Then a signature Chinese carved golden door

stood before the main dining area.

The main dining area! I was stupefied by their Chinoiserie-themed decor that elevated the ambience of the restaurant. The perfect use of materials and arrangements truly emphasize the Chinese identity of Table8. All dressed from the flooring to the ceiling, with stunning chandelier, exquisite pagodas, down to the printed sofa and cushions! I was truly amazed by how they designed the grand space really well and how it all matches their concept.

Table8 has several dining areas that accommodate a fair number of guests, all furnished really well with their signature ornaments and details. I just love how they set their tables to complement the ornamented windows and curtains, plus the natural backdrop behind the restaurant.

Some tables were already occupied. I guess some of them are the hotel guests

since I spotted them dressing casually and walking around with slippers. Table8 is usually full during lunch time, yet the place is really spacious with several areas to accommodate a lot of guests.

They are serious in terms of interior and decoration. All dressed down to the details and

each detail resembles the ambience and the concept of the restaurant; luxury Chinoiserie-inspired that at the same time also matches the entire tone of the five-star property.

Enough of the interior and ambience of the restaurant, now let's move on to the most interesting part of the whole dining experience; none other than their amazing dishes and beverages! I had a really sumptuous lunch and it was really relaxing. No rush at all, they are open for approximately three hours during both of their Lunch and Dinner time so guests can enjoy their outstanding dining experience while really having their time and moments.

Guava Juice 

Table8 offers a selection of beverages to pair their dishes. The host ordered their

basic free-flow drinks which were free to choose from mineral water, juices and soft drinks. Their watermelon juice was really refreshing for a fresh start prior having their sumptuous dishes!

Since they offer outstanding buffet, guests get to explore a wide range of well-cooked dishes that are ready to choose. My suggestion is to try everything! Since they already serve their dishes in a considerably the right amount for their guests to taste everything.

The Grill Station

This is the most anticipated area that I could actually find in Table8. Here, they displayed fresh selections of meats from chicken, beef and seafood; from skewers to whole-cuts which were all really tempting. The amazing thing about it is that their guests are all able to request their dishes to be cooked in however they want it to. They also have selections of sauces and spices to complement the dishes that are already grilled. Do note that there is usually a queue in this particular station, therefore I suggest you to order not only one dish at a time.

Fresh Grilled Salmon

This one was really surprising! I did not expect to find salmon there since the theme of their restaurant is more focused to Chinese (Szechuan-Cantonese). A little bit off the theme but it was glorious! One of the best salmon dishes that I have ever had so far. Perfectly grilled at just the right texture and wellness. Restaurants tend to grill their salmon too well-done that the texture tends to be hard and crispy, weakening the authentic taste of the salmon itself. I went with their guest-favorite Mushroom Sauce (I know it normally does not really go well with fishes) but trust me, it was really satisfying!

Stir-Fried Lobster and Bamboo Clams

Right next to the Grill Station, there was also a station where you can have fresh meats and seafood all stir-fried with their signature cooking style. I have to say that this one was absolutely the most remarkable that I had that I will remember this one for a long time and definitely coming back for this sumptuous goodness! I had a fresh lobster and some bamboo clams, stir-fried in their amazing X.O sauce. My friends said that their Butter Sauce also goes really well with the dishes.

Poultry Platter (Duck, Chicken)

Since Table8 specialises in Chinese (Szechuan-Cantonese) cuisines, they must have delectable dishes that are made out of duck and chicken. There was this particular table where they served a selection of poultry dishes. I tried all of them and they were all spectacular. All perfectly cooked and marinated. My favorites were their Teo Chew Duck and the timeless Peking Duck with the irresistible Hoisin sauce. Their black pepper range was also amazing.

Deep Fried Roasted Duck with Black Pepper Sauce

Pan-Fried Pork Belly

This one has always been my all-time craving and must-have whenever I dine in a Chinese restaurant. The crispy and delectable pork belly with fried pork skin on the sides! I mean, it was literally slices of heaven. I did not have too much of their pork belly since I was more keen on their other dishes. Since I went there during the fasting season, all pork dishes had to be personally requested to their staffs.

Cereal Prawns

This one was major goodness to my palates. I really love how their cereal crumbs meet the umami curry leaves which are my absolute favorite. This kind of seasoning has been pretty familiar in the markets since many restaurants serve cereal dishes. This one is my favorite take among all the other food pictures since their beautiful tree figure with the accent of marbled jewel truly emphasizes the luxury feel for the background.

Deep Fried Soft-Shelled Crab with Floss

Deep Fried Chicken with Orange Sauce

When a fresh crispy coated chicken meets their natural tangy orange sauce, it was exquisite! Simple yet impressive. I just love the details they pay attention to in every single dish.

Dim-Sum

I cannot recall what the name of this one was because I did not actually eat it. I only took this picture while my friend was having some dim-sum. Table8 also serves excellent dim-sum with a fair number of choices. I did not have much dim-sum since I was excited for their main courses.

Mango Pudding

The sumptuous lunch was about to end so I had to close it with some sweet treats that they serve in their dessert showcase in the buffet area. Among all, I was enticed by the presentation of this Mango Pudding which looked really fresh. Not really a sweet tooth, but this one was legit bomb! It was really good since I could really taste some real fresh mango, unlike other places that serve puddings from extracts and sachets. Plus, that little whip cream and strawberry on top. Perfect!

I feel really blessed that I got to visit this stunning restaurant and experience such a wonderful dining in Table8. My first-time visit in this prestigious Hotel was definitely satisfying and an unforgettable one. I am really looking forward to be able to visit this hotel again to dine in their other award-winning reputable restaurants, especially Orient8 (which is located just beside Table8)!

Table8

Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta

Jalan Asia Afrika, Senayan

Jakarta Selatan 10270

Phone: +62 21 5747777

E-mail: info@hotelmulia.com

-  D E T A I L S -

Shot with: Canon EOS 600D

(my sister lent me her camera to take pictures)

Edited with: VSCO and Lightroom

I N S T A G R A M

@richienakata