Shammah - JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention

Left To Right : Pastry Chef, Chef, Executive Assistant Manager

14th June 2013 was the grand opening day for this four star hotel situated in the heart of CBD area in Jakarta; Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan. Within that short amount of time, JS Luwansa debut entry into the competition arena between hotels in Jakarta is something to be watched out by her peer. I was thinking to myself, what would make a hotel to be a great hotel? That I wonder and came to a conclusion that service and experience will simply be it. Grand hotels can many times overlook their occupants, be it because of the size scale or the fact that they weren't too worthy of their attention. But I would say that the amount of warmth, attention and hospitality shown by the JS Luwansa team was impressive. And I can sense their sincerity and passion into turning this hotel as not only one of the best but also serves to last !

But anyways, this review will be on their food catered in the 'Shammah' Restaurant. You wouldn't miss out on this place because it is exactly on the front porch of the lobby. The decor was a straight forward modern and sleek design. I like the fact that Shammah has a limited amount of ability to contain people; because then the attention poured to every customer would be at their maximum. I would say around 50 people would label Shammah as a 'full house'. Their capacity to contain people might be considered as 'petite' but the flavors that is produced was simply beautiful ! Six of us was treated for a dinner course of Mediterranean feast. Hey, I'm not fasting during this Holy month of Ramadhan but I could definitely feel the blessings upon me ^_^ haha !

Menu : Duo Ahi Tuna
Price : To Be Advise (Not in the Menu)
Score : 7.75 / 10

>> Ahi tuna done in 2 ways; poke and seared. Freshness checked, seasonings checked, portion as appetizer checked, taste a BIG checked, would I want a second portion ... yes please! I love raw fish because of a lot of factor, not only it is loaded with good oils, it super healthy doesn't make you go side ways hahaha. But above all, the freshness of the meat when seasoned the right is just heavenly. I love how this has a strong flavor of local herbs. I could definitely smell curry powder but still didn't overpower the tuna itself.

Menu : Soup of the day
( Country Pea Soup with Crispy Pancetta )
Price : Rp 60,000 ++
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> I have to be honest, when I saw 'pea soup' on the menu list, I wasn't too excited about it. But on the first glance of the beautiful bright green color made it tempting to me. Green has that 'healthy' connotation in my mind and that is always a good thing I suppose. Upon the first sip, I love it ! I never knew something so 'boring' such as 'pea' when handled under the right hand can be turn into something so tasty !! I love the calmness of the taste, you can still sense the peas but it didn't smack you on the face. Do you get it? In simpler way, it was subtle and harmoniously collides with the cream and seasoning when it settles on your tongue.

Menu : Surf and Turf
Price : To Be Advised (Not in the Menu)
Score : 8.0 / 10

>> This is not your normal surf and turf you get in your usual continental restaurant. This is definitely a few notches higher than that! The lobster was delish! I was glad that they didn't hold back on the ingredient and appreciate it by a mile. Lobster was beautifully grilled and beef fillet was all juicy, tender and cooked to a perfect medium. By the way, saw that mountain of yellow behind the beef? That is the super yummy potatoes !! Imagine hash brown but instead of grilling and frying, it's cooked with broth and a little cream. Greatness !

Menu : Paella Mixta
Price : Rp 120,000 ++
Score : 8.5 / 10

>> How I love the Spanish rice; paella ! This is my favourite main course dish that was served! Imagine the rice was seared, braised, simmered slowly in a shrimp saffron broth! Just imagining it and writing about it is making me drool. One of the best paella I ate was at Tapas Movida (Date of review : 3rd June 2013) and I must say this is a serious contender.

The way they both serve the paella is a huge difference, Tapas Movida do it a huge pan for around 5 servings while Shammah is more of a single portion. Additionally, the shrimp and tender slices of beef were nothing short of tasty !! A recommendation from me.

Menu : Braised Rosemary Lamb Shank
Price : Rp 128,000 ++
Score : 7.75 / 10

>> I must say Shammah undercharged this dish. I would pay around Rp 150,000++ for a several factors. First, the portion is more than enough for one. There is a bed of steaming garlic mash potatoes which I must say delicious!! Secondly, the lamb shank was beautifully cooked. The meat flakes off from the bone easily and the rosemary sauce was the perfect condiment! Third, I love how the taste of the sauce manage to hold the whole dish together. It was delish with the garlic mash potatoes, it was also great with the steam vegetables.

Well, pricing is a relative issue but I reckon this must be one of the more popular dishes in Shammah both because of the very reasonable pricing and also most importantly taste.

Menu : Mashawi Bahria
Price : To Be Advised
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> A platter of goodness. Grilled lobster, prawns and snapper accompanied with mixed grilled vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, paprika served with Rice Saydieh on the side. Lobster was as expected; grilled to perfection. The prawns and snapper was nothing short of it too.

But what I want to highlight was this Saydieh Rice. It was my first time having it and I must say it's a cross between long grain and risotto. It has the shape of a small size risotto but not as mushy. It's a more intact form like our day to day long grain white rice. Shammah cooked it with saffron and I love it. It's not like everyday that I get to eat 'fancy' rice. Hahaha !

Menu : Mahsawi Mushakala
Price : To Be Advise
Score : 7.5 / 10

>> This resembles a lot like the one on top; Mahsawi Bahria. You can judge from the similar name I bet. Well anyways, the difference between these two is the everything except the Rice Saydieh. Mahsawi Mushakala is more of meat on the side while Mahsawi Bahria is seafood! We have grilled tenderloin, lamb chop and chicken served together with mixed grilled vegetables; tomatoes, paprika, eggplant and the
'fancy' rice on the side.

If you are allergic to seafood then this is would the one to order for. Nothing short of goodness !

Menu : Green Tea Crepe Cake
Price : Rp 40,000 ++
Score : 7.0 / 10

>> This is your mille crepe done in a slightly different way. Instead of plain, Shammah offers with green tea or better known as 'matcha' powder. And in addition, besides using vanilla pod mixed in vanilla or butter cream, Shammah infused Grans Marnier, mascaporne and cream as the fillings in between. The dollop or mango citrus on the bottom was a big surprise. That sting you get from eating a sour sweet mango cuts through the heaviness of the cream filling. It taste good inside and out.


Shammah Restaurant - JS Luwansa Hotel & Convention
(Besides Plaza Festival Epicentrum)
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav C 22, Kuningan Jakarta 12940
Phone : 021 - 29543030