August has been named the Best Restaurant in Indonesia 2025! Founded by chef Hans Christian and hospitality expert Budi Cahyadi, this restaurant is all about bringing bold Indonesian flavours to life with creativity and heart.

The journey started in 2019 as a private dining experience, giving the team a chance to understand Jakarta’s changing tastes while working through the challenges of the pandemic. By late 2021, August had opened its doors as a full-fledged restaurant, quickly gaining recognition. It picked up the American Express One To Watch Award in 2023 and landed at No.46 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. This year, August has moved to No.49 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.

The name “August” is about aiming high, staying true to a vision, and constantly evolving. The menu reflects Chef Hans Christian’s experiences, blending childhood memories with global influences. Diners can expect a mix of familiar and inventive dishes, like soft mini milk-bread, grilled octopus with a layered laksa sauce, and the much-talked-about Foie PB&J—a clever spin on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Chef Hans started in the world of art before moving into food, which explains his eye for detail and creativity in the kitchen. He studied at Taylor’s University Malaysia and Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island before sharpening his skills at Yono’s in Albany and Grant Achatz’s Next in Chicago. After returning to Indonesia in 2016, he led the kitchen at Fairmont Jakarta, where he found the confidence to launch his own restaurant—one that truly reflects his vision and personality.

On the hospitality side, Budi Cahyadi makes sure every guest feels welcome. With over a decade of experience at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, including ten years in London and two in Jakarta, he knows that great hospitality isn’t just about service—it’s about making people feel something. Inspired by the warmth of his family’s home gatherings, he has built August into a space where guests can enjoy both outstanding food and a genuine sense of connection.

With its mix of bold flavours, thoughtful details, and warm hospitality, August continues to shape Jakarta’s food scene. Being named Indonesia’s Best Restaurant for 2025 proves that its approach is striking a chord with diners, and its journey is far from over.