Departing Jakarta, I drank black coffee on an airport bench. The paper cup was flimsy, and the coffee gritty, but it was a fond memory. Missing the slum dwellers and wanting to return to Indonesia, I felt nostalgic until coffee dripped from the cup's bottom onto my thigh.

Writing this, I feel lonely. It's my last day in Indonesia. After reclaiming souvenirs from the mall walls, I investigated "Soto Betawi," a beef and coconut milk soup. The stew-like, moderately salty dish paired well with rice. Memories make me tear up, though it might just be the latest episode of "Attack on Titan."

Spending money for good food is simplistic. In Jakarta, I visited a German restaurant. The grilled sausages had rich, juicy flavors, and the fragrant beer complemented them well. Despite the high cost—2,000 yen for a sausage and 1,000 yen for a beer—I reformed my views on paying for quality.

The Foreign Ministry warns against people speaking Japanese. Does this apply to Japanese-speaking izakayas? "Gathering" in Jakarta seemed suspicious but drinking Bintang beer assured me of its safety.

FX Sudirman, home to JKT48 Theater, features numerous cosplayers. After spotting characters like Gojo Satoru, Naruto, and a giant Anya, I decided to eat sushi. However, the sushi looked fake. Was it a transformation technique? Despite appearances, it tasted like real sushi, though my soul screamed for katsudon.

At Taman Anggrek, Indonesia's largest mall, I tried "Bakmi," a Thai-style noodle dish. The sweet sauce-coated noodles were quickly devoured. With lychee tea and whole fruit, I felt luxurious. Bakmi GM, founded by a couple in 1959, even hosted President Sukarno. History adds depth to the flavor.

Indonesia's irresistible dish, "Iga Bakar," features short ribs. The fatty beef and sweet-spicy sauce were heart-melting. Once you start eating, it's hard to stop. It turned me into a wild animal, uncontrollably craving rice. This dish is a love potion for rice!

Disputes at home can spoil meals, reducing children's appetites and growth. A cheerful comment like "Today's tonkatsu is crispy!" might brighten the meal. However, giving a food review during dinner might be unwelcome. Family dynamics aren't as sweet and gentle as guava juice.

Sometimes, there's food that's not particularly tasty but still enjoyable. Near Jakarta's National Monument, I tried coconut juice. Its unique taste wasn't exactly delicious but had a strange appeal. A positive outlook is crucial, though saying this at home might be risky.

The Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest, had a nearby rare treat called "Bacang." The rice soaked in sweet sauce with minced pork was delightful. Selling pork near a mosque highlighted Indonesia's impressive tolerance. The country's grandeur extends beyond its mosques.