Jamu, a traditional indonesian herbal drink find its way to reach millennial consumers. In the past, this herbal drink was sold by sellers called "Mbok Jamu" which can be translated as "jamu seller ladies". They walk around the neighborhood carrying a bamboo woven basket on their back. But lately, modern jamu cafe emerged and offers modern experience and amenities. These modern Jamu place offers an interesting way of consuming the drink that is believed to be originated from 1300 years ago.
Planetarium.co is one of those places that tries to highlight jamu and market it to millenial customers. The place is marketed as a creative hub where people can come and learn about Indonesian traditional herbs and local business. Planetarium also regularly host workshops and is eco-friendly as seen on their instagram page. The place mentions as "plastik-less" which means they don't use plastic in their products during delivery.
This is the instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/CH9ajqkjznl/
This place serves various traditional herbal drinks, coffee and traditional snacks at inexpensive price. At this place, visitors could touch the ingredients and asked the staff about it.
I found this place after visiting a spa center with my mom. That day, I just woke up and didn't have any coffee yet. So, after getting a massage from the spa, I was wondering about a nearby cafe since I wanted to get my morning fuel. I googled places and one particular place caught my attention. At first, I was not convinced about the place since it was called as "construction place" and looks like a regular home. But since it was only 2 minutes walk, why not?
I spotted a wooden sign and was a bit awkward because it felt like entering someone's yard. Perhaps, that's the charm of this place. But I got more interested when I saw marks on the table like this one below.
The other tables has creative marks all over it too.
The walls are decorated with some abstract paintings and paintings.
There are also board games and guitars that I suppose you can borrow to play music on the spot.
When I visited that place, I am reminded of since this is the kind of place he'd be interested in visiting. He was the first person I told about this discovery.
After checking out the place, it's time to order the drinks! At first, I was trying Jahe (ginger) since I need to soothe my upset stomach. But after finishing that, I was interested with barks on the display.
The staff told me it's called "secang" Biancaea sappan a plant from legumes family native to tropical Asia. The bark produces red dye which makes the drink becomes red-ish like roselle. This ingredient mixed with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg creates a herbal drink called "Wedang Uwuh" originated from Imogori, Yogyakarta.
That's how secang bark looks like.
The drink is refreshing and has sweet aftertaste. It said to have antioxidants properties and strengthen the immune system. I sort of vaguely recalled my landlord was making this drink. Though I use to live in the place where this drink come from, only yesterday I tried it. I guess next time when I am back, I have to order this drink.
My mom isn't used to visiting places like this and she was a bit awkward and uncomfortable. I told her that I've been to many places like that one and I find them fascinating. Many of these places are often hidden and you can only find them either by luck, from friends, or totally out of the blue.
Like my case that day, I intended to find a coffee shop but ended up finding this cool spot that I could re-visit.
In the end, I also bought coffee and moringa tea. I have been wanting to try moringa because I read many great benefits from it. So, I'll let you know when I brew the tea.