Young is a modern Thai grill restaurant located in Dharmawangsa, South Jakarta, where Chef Yohans Gozal reinterprets Thailand’s vast and diverse culinary landscape through a contemporary lens. Featured in the Indonesia Gourmet Guide 2025/2026, Young stands out for its fearless exploration of lesser-known regional Thai dishes—many of which may surprise even seasoned Thai food enthusiasts.
Despite its youthful name and energy, Young approaches Thai cuisine with depth, respect, and intellectual curiosity. For travelers seeking culinary experiences beyond the familiar, Young offers a journey into Thailand’s regional flavors, traditions, and evolving identity.
The Philosophy of Young: Redefining Thai Cuisine
At the heart of Young lies a desire to challenge perceptions of Thai food. Rather than focusing on well-known classics, the restaurant explores the complexity of regional Thai cooking—highlighting ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles that are often overlooked.
The menu evolves with the seasons, reflecting availability and inspiration, while retaining select signature dishes that define the restaurant’s identity. This fluid approach appeals strongly to gourmet travelers who value creativity, seasonality, and continuous reinvention.
A Vintage Home with Contemporary Energy
Young is housed in a vintage single-story residence, preserving original cement tile floors, large louvered windows, and a lush garden view. This setting creates a warm, lived-in atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the restaurant’s progressive culinary approach.
For travelers, the space feels intimate and authentic—more like dining in a creative home than a conventional restaurant. It invites guests to linger, observe, and engage with the food on a deeper level.
Signature Dishes That Tell a Story
Young’s menu features dishes that reflect both tradition and innovation. Khao Yum, a vibrant southern Thai rice salad, combines crispy shrimp, roasted coconut, jungle herbs, and pungent nam budu fish sauce, delivering a complex yet harmonious flavor profile.
The elevated Thai Fried Egg transforms a street-food staple with clams, charred cucumber, onion, and refreshing nam yum dressing. Meanwhile, Beef Gaeng Massaman Curry showcases technical mastery, featuring 48-hour slow-cooked Wagyu ribs served with potatoes and roti paratha.
Modern Interpretations and Thoughtful Desserts
Other highlights include Tom Yum Seafood Noodles and Duck Laab, offering modern structure while retaining bold Thai flavors. Desserts such as Chocolate Pandan and Coconut Cake are enhanced with the smoky aroma of Tian Op Candle, a traditional Thai scented candle technique that adds depth and nostalgia.
Cocktails with Rare Thai Ingredients
Young’s inventive cocktails further reinforce its Thai identity, incorporating rare ingredients like Thai Mah Kwan pepper. These drinks complement the food while offering an additional layer of exploration for curious diners.
Why Young Belongs on Every Jakarta Gourmet Itinerary
With its fearless approach to Thai cuisine, rotating seasonal menu, and distinctive setting, Young stands as one of Jakarta’s most compelling dining destinations. It offers travelers a chance to experience Thailand beyond clichés—through thoughtful cooking, cultural depth, and creative expression.
For those seeking a modern Thai dining experience that is bold, educational, and deeply satisfying, Young is an essential stop on any curated Jakarta gourmet itinerary.
