Al-Tahrir (Egyptian Restaurant)

Al-Tahrir is a Middle-Eastern/Egyptian restaurant located in Pasar Festival, on Jalan Rasuna Said. Intended as a meeting point for the Egyptian community in Jakarta, it is named after Tahrir square in Cairo. The most interesting is that it is supposed to stay open 24-hour (see 24-hour restaurants in Jakarta), one of the only venue to do so in the area.

Concerning the food, it is rather cheap, but what I had tasted average. The Chicken Shawarma (Rp30,000) was made in the Egyptian way, with only tomatoes, peppers and the meat. I usually prefer when there are more ingredients (onions, white sauce, garlic, herbs, etc...), hence my disappointment. I also tried the Mixed Grilled Meat (Rp110,000), which is quite big for one person. The cooking was fine, particularly the sauce and the spices, but the ingredients used were probably not the best quality. There are no miracles, you get what you pay for.

Chicken Shawarma (Rp30,000++)

Mixed Grilled Meat (Rp110,000++)

Overall: I didn't sample enough dishes to give a definitive opinion about Al-Tahrir, but for sure, it is not the place where you will enjoy the best Middle Eastern food in Jakarta. Yet, the owner and staff are so friendly that this restaurant is still a venue I would recommend for a light meal or to hang-out. Apart from the main room, you also have an outdoor terrace, perfect for a drink (no alcohol served) or for shisha.

Operating Hours:

Open 24-Hour, everyday (Since it just opened, they may change that so call them before to make sure)

Al Tahrir (near Taman Rasuna)

Egyptian and Middle Eastern Restaurant Jakarta

Pasar Festival Blok LG 02A

Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C-22

Jakarta 12920

Phone number: +62-21 5263 187