Junsei opens first international outpost

Founders Aman Lakhiani and Zach Farr have opened in Jakarta's Senopati district, describing it as a ‘significant milestone’ for the business.

“We are thrilled to launch our second Junsei location in my home country of Indonesia,” says Lakhiani, whose CV includes spells at a number of high-reaching international restaurants including Bali's Locavore and Barcelona's Dos Palillos.

“The team has worked diligently, and I am confident that Indonesia, with its sophisticated palate, is the ideal next step for Junsei. We’re excited in bringing this unique dining experience to Jakarta.”

Lakhiani and Farr originally opened Junsei in Marylebone back in 2021​​.

The Jakarta restaurant’s menu features a variety of yakitori (chicken) cuts and kushiyaki (grilled vegetables), and also introduce special Indo-inspired dishes that combine traditional Japanese cuisine with Indonesian flavours.

They include bonjiri (chicken tail with lemon); beef foie (beef brain with nitsuke dashi and wasabi); tebagyoza (chicken wing with crab and rice); and yukhoe (beef tartare with quail egg yolk and wasabi).

The multi-level restaurant holds 80 covers and has a ‘sophisticated’ design configured by local interior designer Aldo Flelix that blends ‘modern Japanese elements with Indonesian touches’.

According to Lakhiani, further expansion of the Junsei brand is planned, although its not clear if this will be focused in the UK or internationally.

“We are exploring new opportunities and locations to bring our distinctive culinary experience to more patrons,” he continues.

“Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow and share our passion for exceptional dining.”