Fook Yew: A Dashing Modern Chinese Eatery

Fook Yew. The first time hearing it you might find the name a bit provocative. But don’t get it wrong, the phrase is actually composed of two Chinese words: Fook (fortune) and Yew (friendship). In that sense, Fook Yew means “a tight bond that creates a fortune”. Pretty deep, huh?

The charm that takes Fook Yew into a different spotlight compared to any other Chinese restaurant is the fact that it delivers a vintage Shanghai atmosphere that is mixed with contemporary design and colorful pop art twists. ISMAYA Group also put good details into the ambience by adding some eye-catching ‘accessories’ such as a Chinese tea cart at the entrance, lampions that are made of bird cages up in the ceiling, or giant Kung Fu themed paintings on the walls. The concept has a nice grasp on it, even the guests’ menu books are designed just like a ‘holy book of Kung Fu’. It’s a fun, yet also cozy place to hang out!

Now what about the dishes? Apparently Fook Yew provides a wide range of modern Chinese food created by the Shifu (Chef) that they brought all the way from the land of China. For appetizer, Sheng Jian Bao is a must pick! You might have been familiar with dim sum that is commonly found in most Chinese restaurants. But Fook Yew modified the classic dish by cooking it pan fried, thus resulting a crisp base on the round Sheng Jian Bao. This way you’ll get a double sensation of soft, moist texture and at the same time, a thin-crispy layer at the end of every bite. Nice! Most favorite variant is Chicken & Prawn Sheng Jian Bao. FYI, there are few suggested steps to munch it, which is quite an interesting experience. Like by pinning through the thin layered dough until the warm broth blurbs out and produces an appetizing smell! Then put it as a whole into mouth and enjoy a tasty flavor from chicken and prawn combo.

As for main course you might want to give a shot for Fook Yew Fried Rice with several toppings selections ranging from poultry to seafood. The menu becomes even tastier when being paired with Crispy Salted Egg Golden Corn that carries very crunchy and savory characteristics, just like its name.

Another interesting thing about Fook Yew is they own a ‘Bubble Tea Lab’ that serves not only general bubble tea flavors (Green Tea, Taro Milk, Coffee Caramel, etc) but also Alcohol Bubble Tea! They are named after animal signs in zodiac, for instance The Stubby Dog (mixture of coffee caramel, crème de cacao & Bailey’s), The Gummy Rooster (bubble gum milk & absolute vodka), and The Wooden Sheep (green tea, ginger grill & dark rum). It's difficult to pick a personal favorite between these awesome creations because most of them are just THAT GOOD!

All in all, Fook Yew remains as one of my top picks when it comes to modern Chinese eatery. The extraordinary experience it offers never fails to stun my every visit till now.


(photos: Doc. Fook Yew)


Fook Yew
Gandaria City
Mainstreet – GF, Unit MG 25
Jl Sultan Iskandar Muda 5 No. 8, Jakarta Selatan
Ph: 021 29007897
Price range: Rp 19.000 – Rp 120.000
Twitter: @fook_yew