Duncan Fransz, also known as The Flying Dutchman, was born in Batavia and spent a considerable amount of time in the Netherlands – where he learned all about Indonesian cooking from his Indonesian grandmother and Dutch father. His restaurant, Jakarta, offers you a magical dining experience complete with exciting spices and mouth-tingling chillies.
Situated on the picturesque Sunhill Estate outside Stellenbosch in the Cape winelands, Jakarta is the only authentic Indonesian restaurant in South Africa. The atmosphere offered by Duncan, his wife Veronica and their passionate staff is unique, and the flavour they offer locks into the authentic Indonesian cuisine served in the world-renowned rijsttafel (rice table) style. Spicy side dishes, rice, fish, fruit, veggies, pickles, nuts, prawns, chicken, beef, veal… The list is endless and the spread resembles a Dutch-colonial adaptation of the Indonesian makan besar (food fair).
Duncan also loves antiques, which means that everything you see in his restaurant is for sale – apart from his staff, that is. And there is a story behind every single item, which really makes Jakarta Restaurant a place with history, tradition and soul.
So pop in to browse through Antiques & Roses before eating your way through exotic, mouth-watering dishes. And if you’re to lazy or tired to drive home (or if you want to enjoy the breakfast as well), you can stay over in one of the B&B‘s two quaint cottages.
Opening times: open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner – although no dinner on Sunday (and from Monday to Saturday, if no dinner bookings are received by 7pm, the restaurant will be closed).
Contact details: tel 021 881 3243 or visit Jakarta‘s website.
Location: La Provence Road, behind Polkadraai Farm Stall, in Stellenbosch.
I went here about 5 years ago and had lunch with Duncan himself
The food is to die for and the decor is so exotic, warm and inviting. When you’re in Cape Town next, it’s worth taking a drive there for a long, leisurely lunch one day!