Going Dutch ...

A visit to Het Binnenhoff will not break the bank, but it's not a cheap eat, either. The specialty of the house, poffertjes, with a choice of assorted fillings, costs about Rp 16,500, and entrees average from Rp 38,500 for the hutspot to Rp 40,000+ for roast chicken and the trimmings.

We asked two journalists, both novices when it came to Dutch cuisine to try it out for themselves. Here is their verdict.

Lily, Indonesian, 30s: I had been to the Netherlands, but never tried Dutch food. I liked the food at the restaurant, and the atmosphere was OK, without heavy decor. I had chicken steak with sauce, which was very good, but the only problem was that I thought the portion was too small.

Terry, mid-30s, expat: I liked it; the food was very European, with a down-home cooking taste, including the mashed potatoes. Kind of warming, wintery food, but still good on a sultry Jakarta night. I really enjoyed the bitterballen, and the roast chicken was tender without being too moist nor overdry. For me, too, though, I could have done with a bigger portion.

Het Binnenhof Jl. Raden Saleh No. 55 Menteng, Central Jakarta Tel. 314-8773

Note that it's important to call ahead: a friend stopped by at the restaurant and it was closed last Friday night.