‘Nostalgia Rasa Nusantara’ Brunch by Chefs Benvi and Glenn at Hotel Tentrem Jakarta

Sunday brunches in Jakarta are no stranger to extravagance, but last weekend’s “Nostalgia Rasa Nusantara” at Kayu Manis, Hotel Tentrem, on 1 June 2025, served something a little different, a plateful of memories for their discerning guests. 

Childhood friends turned culinary heavyweights, Chef Benvi and Chef Glenn, reunited in a heartfelt collaboration that did more than just fill tables. The brunch, hosted in partnership with Semaja, was a celebration of friendship, culture, and the enduring power of flavour to transport us back in time.

The chefs, who first bonded over kitchen daydreams back in their schooldays, have clearly come a long way. Yet, as they stood side by side in the kitchen once more, there was a sense of familiarity that seasoned the entire experience. It was a reunion at a table, each giving tribute to the past as their stories were told by their dishes inspired by Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage. 

Guests were treated to a meticulously curated menu, from bold reinterpretations of childhood favourites to refined takes on home classics. Signature Indonesian spices, comforting textures, and the soul of tradition were present in every course, some of which were Kayu Manis and Semaja’s own signature dishes. 

What made “Nostalgia Rasa Nusantara” truly memorable wasn't just the menu, but the sincerity behind it. This was nostalgia served warm,  food that hugged you back, reminding you of family kitchens, Sunday afternoons, and the kind of joy only a familiar flavour can bring.

This brunch certainly gave Chefs Benvi and Glenn the opportunity to remind us of something simple yet profound: good food doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it tells a story. Tales of two boys with big dreams, now seasoned chefs, sharing their roots with the world.

Hotel Tentrem Jakarta
Jl. Alam Sutera Boulevard No. 11, Tangerang Selatan
IG: @hoteltentrem.jakarta
jakarta.tentremhotel.com