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Korean-American celebrity chef Akira Back has cultivated an enduring relationship with <a href="https://destinasian.com/travel-guide/indonesia/jakarta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jakarta</a>. The Indonesian capital became home to his second international outpost in 2014, though that venue was rebranded in the early days of the pandemic. Back’s 2024 return saw the second-generation AB Steak Jakarta take up roost in suitably plush digs on the ground floor of the Senayan City mall. Diners here can graze on signatures like grilled black cod in spicy-savory ssamjang miso with pickled cauliflower, and truffle oil–scented wagyu carpaccio on a thin tortilla-like pizza crust.
Of course, the star attraction is the meat, dry-aged in house for up to 30 days and grilled at the table. A thick coating of ssamjang paste during the aging process imparts the Australian wagyu ribeye with added umami, saltiness, and spice. Cooked medium well, the marinated galbi of prime American short rib makes for a delicious contrast to the meltingly soft wagyu tenderloin; it has a sweeter, beefier flavor and more texture, without ever veering into chewy territory. All steaks come with house salt in six flavors plus a trio of dippings: creamy yuzu and chili, gochujang, and a sweet brisket sauce. Want a taste of everything? Woomakase sets comprise three cuts of meat and a variety of inclusions, not least a banchan platter, wagyu pizza, and a rice or noodle dish.
Signature cocktails, meanwhile, correspond to the global locations of Akira Back restaurants. One of two drinks inspired by Hong Kong, the floral and fruity Wanchai Guava mixes tequila and lychee liqueur with pink guava, pureed citrus, and fresh lime for a light, tropical finish: just the thing to wash down a meat-centric feast. —James Louie
<a href="https://www.akirabackindonesia.co/?DestinAsian" target="_blank" rel="noopener">akirabackindonesia.co</a> 
+62 852 9191 9887 
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/mV97mehwNZBwCKtj6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G/F Unit G-119, Senayan City, Jl. Asia Afrika, Jakarta, Indonesia</a>

Chef Akira Back and marinated galbi at AB Steak Jakarta.

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