Imagine having your belly stuffed to its maximum capacity. Sleepiness starts to creep in, and there’s this tightness around your hips. A sliver of thought about that juice detox you had just two days ago tries to break free, but quickly squashed by a compulsion to lift your chopsticks for another piece of sushi. Do you really need to eat more food? Your head says no, but your heart says yes.

That’s when the thought kicks in: OKU might just ruin you for other bento.

Forget sloppy cooking and questionable fish cut, you will only witness Chef Kaz’ expertise and the freshest of ingredients. First step: Pick your protein. OKU spoils you rotten with numerous options, including Tasmanian salmon sashimi, unagi, and chicken teriyaki.

For the carnivores, the star has got to be Truffle Gyu Don, which dishes up the finest piece of US Beef with generous black truffle sauce and a glistening onsen tamago on top. The beef is prepared with finesse, resulting in a perfect medium cook and unparalleled juiciness. However, if you prefer delicate flavors, go for Chirashi. The array of sashimi gives an almost sweet aftertaste that can only come from freshness. It is complemented with one of the best sushi rice we’ve tasted in a while—just the right amount of vinegar and stickiness.

OKU Bento is a rare case in which the B-side is just as impressive as the A-side, thus don’t shy away from finishing what’s surrounding the main protein in your bento. Expect the tastiest servings of tsukune (teriyaki chicken patty), tomorokoshi (sweet corn croquette), chawan mushi, yasai tempura, spicy salmon roll, and some more fresh sashimi. For the finale, round up your meal with a choice of OKU’s signature desserts, Mizu or Green Sundae.

Yes, OKU Bento will make you want to run an extra mile during your next gym session. Food comma is inevitable. Your pocket will have more than IDR 300K dent. But this bento is definitely worth every penny. OKU first-timers will be charmed for more, while regulars will find some of their favorites in one box. Give it a go yourself and let us know whether you feel as fulfilled as we did.

OKU Japanese Restaurant is located in Hotel Indonesia Kempinski, Central Jakarta.
 

More than one year after its opening, OKU remains as one of the premium destination for Japanese cuisine in Jakarta.

With this new bento, OKU spoils you rotten with numerous options, including Tasmanian salmon sashimi, unagi, and chicken teriyaki.