This is a series of interviews of fabulous people who live, breathe and thrive in Jakarta. We will feature expats and Indonesians who call the Big Durian home in hopes to give all of you a glimpse of what life is all about in Jakarta. I would love to have different perspectives on our Fabulous Jakartan Friday (FJF) so if you would like to be featured, leave me a comment or shoot me an email and I would be so excited to hear all about YOUR Jakarta!

Fabulous Jakartan:  Ingried, the Creative Indonesian Party Expert and Mom

Ingried is an Indonesian graphic designer who specializes on party planning. Her company Little Castle creates gorgeous parties for kids of all ages. I first saw Ingried’s creations at a friend’s son’s birthday party and was instantly smitten by her creativity and eye for design. I loved to see how she incorporated a theme into every single detail and truly enjoyed the activities her company provided. Later on when I met her in person I met a very kind woman who treasure’s her children and is inspired by them in everything she does. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Ingried.

1.    First, tell us a little bit about you. What’s your background? Where did you grow up?
I grew up with two siblings in Jakarta with a passion for creative design which later led me to acquire a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts

2.    I love your business Little Castle! Your party creations are not only cool but they are so creative and fun!  How long have you had Little Castle for? What’s the best thing that has come from Little Castle?
I am striving to be the best in every design I have created in these past 7 years.  The best thing that has come from it for me has been endurance from treating every challenge as an opportunity.

Living in Jakarta

1. What three adjectives would describe Jakarta the best?
Funky, dynamic, surreal.

2. What’s your biggest Jakarta Love and Jakarta Hate?
It would be the people and the ridiculous traffic.

3. How do you find the sweetness beneath the Prickly Surface of the Big Durian? What activities or things keep you happy and thriving in Jakarta?
My family and friends keep me happy. I find Jakarta very interesting. Either you will love it or loath i. Jakarta never fails to amaze and amuse me.

4. For a first time visitor coming to Jakarta, what would you recommend they try out that is uniquely Jakartan? A specific food, activity, or place?
I would recommend visiting hawker food stands in Radio Dalam St.  for traditional cuisine, Pecenongan St. for fusion cuisine, and Pluit for cuisine from Medan.

5. If you were to move somewhere else and not be able to come back to Jakarta, what Indonesian thing would you stock up on?
Chilly with shrimp paste (Sambal terasi).

Traveling in Indonesia

1. What is the best advice to anyone traveling with kids in Indonesia?
Avoid the hawker food stands and opt for  indoor activities if the surroundings seem to be  ‘extremely‘dangerous. For Outdoor activities, try to find playgrounds that have kid friendly facilities.

2. Bali or Lombok?
Bali is more tourist friendly than Lombok. Lombok is often marketed as an ‘unspoiled Bali’. But both islands have their hidden beauties to explore.

3. Yogyakarta or Jungle Trekking in Sulawesi or Krakatau?
If you are an adventurous tourist, I would choose Jungle Trekking in Sulawesi AND Krakatau.

Jakarta Mama

 1. What’s your favorite activity to do with your kids while in Jakarta?
Kidzania…the place when you can educate  and play all in once

 2. What are your favorite places and things in Jakarta for Kids

• Playground: The Playground@ kemang dalam
• Classes: Discovery Centre
• Clothing Stores: Birds and Bees
• Toy Stores: ELC and Toy Kingdom
• Snacks: Jco donuts

3. What are your favorite places and things in Jakarta for YOU?

• Shopping Center: Plaza Indonesia
• Clothing Stores:Mango
• Cultural Outing: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
• Date Night Outing: The cafe, Mulia Hotel
• Girls Night Out Activity :Lowey’s

There’s a Party in  J-A-K-A-R-T-A

1. I have noticed that Indonesians love a good party. I do, too! What is a typical Indonesian dish present in most parties?
Longetivity fried noodle

 2. Is there ONE place you recommend where we can find anything and everything for organizing a party?
Most of my party favors, and Blessings in pasar pagi has very good variety.

 3. What would the perfect goody bag contain?
Sweets! To keep the party going.

 4. What are the elements necessary for the perfect Jakartan party?
Elements of color are a must…Jakartans love colors in every design style. For instance for kids parties we mostly have bright colors. For teens and young adults we lean more towards contemporary colours, and  for adult it can be anything they wish depending on the occasion being celebrated and their background. Creating a work of  art is our specialty…

Eating in the Big Durian

1. What’s your favorite Indonesian restaurant in Jakarta?
There are too many to mention, but to try most of Indonesian’s traditional cuisines: Saté Senayan, and if you enjoy seafood you should try AROMA LAUT- Makassar style cuisine.

2. What about your favorite “Western” restaurant?
It would be ‘Chili’s’ restaurant, It is still maintaining its food quality and atmosphere.

3. What is the one Indonesian dish that everyone should try?
It’s a conundrum between Gado-gado (veggie salad) or Rujak (fruit salad), both come with peanut dressing.

4. Could you share a short and sweet recipe for an authentic Indonesian dish that your family loves.

Pisang Goreng (Indonesian Banana Fritters)
Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1/4 tbsp vanilla powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps melted butter
• 1 tsp flavoring (rum)
• 4 bananas (ripe, sliced)
• 2 cups oil (frying)

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and vanilla powder. Make a well in the center, and pour in milk, egg, melted butter and rum flavoring. Mix until smooth. Fold in banana slices until evenly coated.
• Heat oil in a wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Drop banana mixture by tablespoon into hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bananas from oil, and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Thank you very much for joining us in Stumble Abroad today, just one more request:

Describe what life in Jakarta is like in one sentence.

Jakarta is always busy and will keep you busy.