JurnalPost, Jakarta – Amidst the bustling activity of Jakarta, an old house in the Kramat area of Senen, Central Jakarta, offers a distinct culinary experience. More than just a place to eat, Warung Roekoen invites visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of a classic home over a century old, where the traces of Chinese culture remain strongly felt.
Located at Jalan Kramat Pulo Dalam 1 No. B72, Kramat Village, Senen District, Warung Roekoen occupies an old building that at first glance looks like an ordinary family home. However, upon entering, visitors will discover a collection of antiques, porcelain, paintings, lanterns, and classic decorations that evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era.
The name “Roekoen” is an abbreviation of “Roemah Koenoe” (Ancient House). The name reflects the establishment's core concept: maintaining the atmosphere of an old home while keeping it a living, functional space.
The blend of old architecture, Chinese ornaments, and a touch of European influence makes visitors feel as though they are guests in a family home that has been inhabited for generations. The various vintage items filling the rooms further strengthen the sense of nostalgia.
Starting as a Women’s Boarding House
Warung Roekoen was established on April 29, 2024, by 62-year-old Dade and his wife. Before becoming a public eatery, the building was used as a women’s boarding house called Koes Roekoen.
The idea to open the eatery stemmed from the habits of the boarders who often looked for snacks.
“Previously, I ran a premium boarding house for women. The girls usually like to snack, so I thought, why not open a stall downstairs? Initially, it was indeed just for the boarders,” Dade told Xinhua when met on August 15, 2026.
In the early stages, the menu was simple, consisting of home-cooked meals and various snacks to meet the needs of the residents.
However, the existence of the stall gradually became known to the surrounding community. Visitors from outside began to arrive, not only for the food but also because they were attracted to the unique atmosphere of the old building.
“At first, it was for the boarders' needs. Over time, people from outside started coming. Perhaps they were curious about the place and the food. Eventually, it wasn't just the boarders who came,” said Dade.
From that simple concept, Warung Roekoen evolved into an eatery enjoyed by the wider public.
Dade, the owner of Warung Roekoen, poses near an antique dining table at Warung Roekoen, Senen District, Central Jakarta, August 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Poppy Amelia S.)
A House Over 100 Years Old
One of the main attractions of Warung Roekoen is the building itself. The house is a legacy from his wife’s family and was built by her grandfather more than a century ago.
The character of the old building has been preserved. Instead of converting the entire structure into a modern style, the family chose to maintain the original elements that define the house’s identity.
“This building is a legacy from my wife’s family. It was built by her grandfather. It is over a hundred years old. So, the house has been like this for a long time; it wasn't intentionally made to look old,” said Dade.
In every corner of the house, visitors can see various Chinese-themed collections, ranging from jars, ceramics, porcelain, antique plates, paintings, and lanterns to couplets.
A collection of antiques and Chinese-themed decorations adorns Warung Roekoen in Senen District, Central Jakarta, August 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Poppy Amelia S.)
Most of these items come from Dade’s family or his wife’s family. There are also collections given by family members or purchased by Dade himself.
“Many of the items here are indeed family property. Some are mine, others were given by other family members. We collected them all and put them to use,” he explained.
The presence of these items serves not only as decoration but also preserves a part of the family’s journey, passed down from generation to generation.
Serving Home-Cooked Meals That Recall Childhood
Beyond its interior, Warung Roekoen relies on a home-style culinary concept.
Dade mentioned that several of the dishes served are menus he has been familiar with since childhood. Therefore, he does not strive to make Warung Roekoen a place that prioritizes luxury dining.
“As for the food, I really want home-style cooking. This is the food I ate when I was a child. It’s not luxury food, but food that we usually eat at home,” he said.
Dade wants every visitor to feel as if they are eating in their own home.
“I want people who come to feel like they are eating at home. The food is simple, but that is exactly what makes it delicious. The important thing is that they are comfortable and want to return,” he continued.
The menu selection is quite diverse. Visitors can enjoy nasi uduk, nasi ulam, lontong, curly noodles with black pepper meatballs and dumplings, kampung-style fried rice with omelet, and dim sum.
For drinks, there is palm sugar iced coffee, various juices, iced milk tea, and butterfly pea flower soda with lime. Warung Roekoen also provides snacks such as pempek, tempe mendoan, donuts, and toasted bread.
Most of the menu items are priced around Rp30,000.
The menu list available at Warung Roekoen, Senen District, Central Jakarta. Photo taken August 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Poppy Amelia S.)
A Favorite Spot for Photography
The unique interior of Warung Roekoen also makes it attractive to visitors who want to take photos.
Dade noted that his eatery is relatively busy, especially on weekends and holidays. During Chinese New Year celebrations, the number of visitors usually increases.
Some even arrive wearing cheongsams and bringing various props such as folding fans and small lanterns to support their photo sessions.
“Usually, they bring their own props. Some wear cheongsams, bring folding fans, small lanterns, and other equipment. They come to enjoy the atmosphere and take photos,” he said.
One visitor, 32-year-old Dian, admitted that she loves the classic character of Warung Roekoen.
“I really like the atmosphere. It’s classic and full of nostalgia, so it feels different from other places. It’s suitable for spending the weekend with family and is also great for photos,” she said.
Not only for casual photos, Warung Roekoen has also been used several times as a location for school yearbook photos, pre-wedding shoots, and birthday celebrations.
For special activities, visitors generally arrive around 9:00 AM before the eatery becomes crowded.
“For special events, they usually come in the morning, around nine. So, before the eatery gets busy, the activity has already started or finished. This is so it doesn't disturb visitors who want to eat,” explained Dade.
Interestingly, Dade does not charge a special rental fee for visitors who want to use the place for photo shoots.
“There is no venue rental fee. Whether it’s for school yearbook photos, pre-wedding, or birthdays, please go ahead. The important thing is to order food and drinks from here,” he said.
A mini library is one of the corners that can be found at Warung Roekoen, Senen District, Central Jakarta, August 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Poppy Amelia S.)
Growing with the Surrounding Environment
In addition to maintaining the building and the atmosphere, Dade also emphasizes the importance of service, cleanliness, and friendliness toward visitors.
The workers at Warung Roekoen come from various backgrounds. Some are from the Islamic boarding school environment belonging to Dade’s family, while others are local residents.
Thus, the existence of Warung Roekoen also helps create job opportunities for the community in the surrounding area.
More than just a place to eat, Warung Roekoen has become part of the journey of a family home that continues to adapt to the times.
The building, which is over 100 years old, has served as a family home, then a women’s boarding house, and is now an eatery that preserves the traces of history and Chinese culture amidst the changing face of Jakarta.
A waiter serves drinks to customers at Warung Roekoen, Senen District, Central Jakarta, August 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Poppy Amelia S.)
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