Last week we visited a very old charming Dutch Café, which was built, between 1805 and 1850. It has served as a residence, warehouse, and an office. It was tastefully renovated in the 19th century and turned into a restaurant. The décor is so authentic that it transports you back in history. Imagine yourself sitting among the Dutch merchants and ladies sipping coffee on a calm evening. Hmnn..Very nostalgic.
Every wall of this 2 storey cafe is adorned with photographs of celebrities who have visited this cafe over the years. I always believe that photographs add so much character to any decor.
Even the toilet has photographs of the celebrities.
Dutch merchants first arrived in the ports of Jayakarta (now Jakarta) in 1596 to trade in spices. They soon took over and renamed their headquarters as Batavia. It was the Japanese who changed the name to Jakarta during WW II.
Batavia was a major thriving trade town and prospered in the 17th and 18th century and there were plans to make Batavia the centre of Asian trade from Persia to Japan using Burmese, Madagascan and Chinese laborers. But by the end of 18th century the city became disease ridden and lot of the old buildings were destroyed. Very few old buildings remain one of which is Café Batavia. It is like finding a gem, a quiet spot in the middle of a buzzing, noisy, and heavy traffic zone.
Images from personal collection
Every wall of this 2 storey cafe is adorned with photographs of celebrities who have visited this cafe over the years. I always believe that photographs add so much character to any decor.
Even the toilet has photographs of the celebrities.
Dutch merchants first arrived in the ports of Jayakarta (now Jakarta) in 1596 to trade in spices. They soon took over and renamed their headquarters as Batavia. It was the Japanese who changed the name to Jakarta during WW II.
Batavia was a major thriving trade town and prospered in the 17th and 18th century and there were plans to make Batavia the centre of Asian trade from Persia to Japan using Burmese, Madagascan and Chinese laborers. But by the end of 18th century the city became disease ridden and lot of the old buildings were destroyed. Very few old buildings remain one of which is Café Batavia. It is like finding a gem, a quiet spot in the middle of a buzzing, noisy, and heavy traffic zone.
Images from personal collection
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