Have you ever walked through narrow alleys painted in red lanterns, smelled the wafting aroma of hot pot broth, and felt like you’ve stepped into old town Shanghai—without leaving Jakarta? That’s exactly the magic Old Shanghai at Sedayu City Kelapa Gading offers. This themed culinary destination invites us to explore vibrant architecture, richly flavored food, and cultural touches that evoke the heart of China’s historic cities. In this article, we guide you through everything Old Shanghai: what makes it special, how to get there, what to eat, where to snap photos, tips for Muslim visitors, and much more.
What is Old Shanghai, Sedayu City?
Background and Concept
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Old Shanghai is a gastronomy and entertainment district within Sedayu City @ Kelapa Gading, officially opened on 27 May 2022.
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Developed by Agung Sedayu Group, it is a themed food and lifestyle destination that combines culinary experiences, Indonesian and Chinese architecture, retail, and public spaces.
Location & Layout
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Address: Jalan Sedayu City Boulevard, Sedayu City, Kelapa Gading, connecting Kelapa Gading (North Jakarta) and Cakung (East Jakarta).
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Area size: ~14,515 square meters.
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More than 80 tenants offering food & beverages, retail shops, and amusements.
Architecture, Design & Atmosphere
The Thematic Design
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The design strongly evokes traditional Chinese or old Shanghai style: lanterns, pagodas, murallas, gates (Emperor’s Fortress, Phoenix Gate, Tiger Gate) marking transitions.
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Spot murals depicting dragons & phoenix, barongsai (lion-dance), Chinese opera, Sun Go Kong (Monkey King), etc. These give the place a vibrant, storybook feel.
Instagrammable Spots
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Key photo zones include Dragon Alley, Kolam Pagoda (Pagoda pond), magical gazebos, plaza areas, and beautifully decorated gates. These are designed to give visitors memorable backdrops for social media.
Retail and Entertainment Mix
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Beyond food: play zones (Amazone for kids), supermarket with imported goods (Pin Grocery), beauty & lifestyle stores (cosmetics, decor), cafés, dessert places.
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Facilities include musalla, toilets, parking (ample), ATM centers, reservation rooms, and seating areas like Jade Palace, Tiger’s Den, Empress Garden.
What to Eat & Drink
Variety of Cuisine
Old Shanghai offers a wide spectrum of food types:
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Authentic Chinese & Peranakan cuisine, like hot pot, shu guo yin xiang, dim sum, etc.
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Local Indonesian & Malay options (nasi lemak, local warung style dishes) to cater to broad tastes.
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Western / dessert / cafés: ice cream, yogurt, fancy pastries, coffee shops.
Must-Try Tenants
Here are some standout places you shouldn’t miss:
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Shu Guo Yin Xiang – For lovers of hot pot, spicy mala style and authentic Chinese flavors.
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Ponggol Nasi Lemak – Malaysian-style nasi lemak with crispy chicken or prawns. A good mix of local halal food.
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Xiao La Guo – Seafood & mixed ingredients cooked together in a steamboat or pot. Great for sharing.
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Bakmi Kepiting Pontianak – Noodles with crab, seafood toppings—rich and satisfying.
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Es Kopi Tak Kie or Zangrandi Ice Cream – For dessert lovers or coffee addicts.
Halal Considerations
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About 70% of tenants are halal or offer no pork/no lard options. This makes Old Shanghai quite friendly for Muslim visitors.
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Examples: Hoy Tod (oyster omelette), Master Squid, Bakmi Kepiting Pontianak, Laota Ge Express are among the halal options.
Visiting Old Shanghai: What You Need to Know
Opening Hours & Access
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Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 10:00 to 22:00 WIB.
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Weekends & public holidays: 07:00 to 23:00 WIB.
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No entrance fee — walking into Old Shanghai is free.
Access & Transportation
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It’s centrally located along Sedayu City Boulevard, between Kelapa Gading and Cakung.
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Public transportation, rideshare, car all options. There is ample parking and integration with surrounding rukan’s parking.
Tips for Comfort & Safety
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Use cashless payment methods: many tenants accept non‑cash.
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Follow any health protocols in place — temperature checks, QR scanning, mask usage may be required depending on local regulations.
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Visit earlier in the day or on weekdays if you want to avoid larger crowds.
