China’s leading fine dining restaurant chain has spread its wings with the opening of its first international outlet in Jakarta, serving the city’s crème de la crème the authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines in fashionable smart ambience.
Authentic Chinese food is what the South Beauty Group restaurant chain is all about. With over 50 restaurants scattered across China, they finally made their maiden voyage to open their first international branch earlier this year.
Established in 2000, the acclaimed South Beauty chain is well known for its finest Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines. When you are on board Air France or the Royal Dutch Airlines, either inbound or outbound of China, you’ll be served with food courtesy of South Beauty.
Among its many accolades and achievements, it is worth to mention that South Beauty was honoured to provide dining services for IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials and other VIPs during the Beijing Olympics.
Preserving their signature authenticity, Head Chef Qiang Li and his army of 11 chefs from South Beauty’s Beijing and Shanghai headquarters are here to rejoice Jakarta with the rich delicacy of Chinese dining experience.
Nestled at Podium Thamrin Nine, a new hot spot in Jakarta’s CBD area, South Beauty has attracted patrons thirsting for contemporary Sichuan and Cantonese dishes – two of the eight great traditions of Chinese cuisine, famous for their wide range of flavours from heavy to light, from strong to mild, and from sweet to hot.
Chinese tradition has always been about balance. This belief is best translated in the design of the establishment. The designers went all-out to present a grand-yet-traditional environment, classic-yet-modern Chinese, bold-yet-conservative, all in an area of 1,000 meters square seating more than 300 guests.
The Jakarta’s South Beauty is divided into 7 zones including main entrance lobby, reception lobby, private dining area, VIP dining area, main dining room, small VIP rooms and a board room. The board room which is ideal for company luncheon, is equipped with projector and audio facilities and can accommodate 14 persons.
The concept of a “treasure chest” enlivens the restaurant, with precious artefacts such as snuff bottles, pearls and lacquered Chinese wood screens. No less interesting is the ceiling which is embellished by the flying dragons.
“The restaurant is designed to deliver our distinguished guests a fashionable, healthy, and elegant dining experience by combining authentic Sichuan & Cantonese cuisines with fashionable and unique interior design. This new concept sets a new high standard of hospitality industry that invites Indonesians to taste and experience the spices of China,” says Dani Wanandi, CEO of South Beauty Jakarta.
Having more than 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Head Chef Qiang Li has won an array of accolades and awards from various international competitions. With the help of his team, Chef Li brings Chinese culinary delights to palates in Jakarta.
Among the Chef’s recommendations are Rock Salad – a signature dish made on spot with all kinds of vegetables, mayonnaise and yolk. The dish boasts of striking colour and light taste.
With an eclectic selection to tantalize your appetite, the South Beauty’s Tea-scented Chicken is among the most favourites. The Fried Sliced Superior Beef Tender with Stones in Hot Oil is definitely a must try. Specially made on spot, this dish contains heated five-flavour salad oil above 200 Celsius degree poured into a glass container that has stones from Jialing River in order to preserve the heat.
The restaurant also serves South Beauty Bean Curd, organic soya from farms to make home-made soybean milk. Fancily presented in cute cups with coloured toppings, the cool and refreshingly mild curd goes well with various flavours ranging from spicy, salty to sweet. This menu is suitable with diversified condiments while being served.
So, if you are still out on the prowl for an authentic Chinese eatery, head toward a Central Jakarta’s new business district where the Oriental hospitality and delicacy of South Beauty await your visit.
Published in PMR Magazine S’pore, September 2010.
