Samarinda Workers & Students: Hayyu Coffee's Hits & Misses, The Full Breakdown.
qponx
2026-03-05
Searching for a new work-from-cafe spot in Samarinda? Hayyu Coffee offers a massive, comfortable space with plenty of power outlets and free parking, making it a potential haven for students and workers. While their signature lemon coffee and snacks receive high praise, this review reveals a major catch. The main courses and service are a significant letdown. Discover whether this spot is your next go-to for productivity or a place to visit for coffee only.
Every time I want to find a place in Samarinda where I can work quietly, with enough power outlets and convenient parking, it feels next to impossible. I scrolled past this place, Hayyu Coffee, and the pictures showed a huge space. I thought I'd finally found my savior. But... how should I put it, it was half heaven, half a major turn-off...
Space & Coffee: The Ultimate WFC Haven
I was truly blown away the moment I walked in, the space is seriously huge! The ceilings are high, there are plenty of tables, and it's not one of those tiny, cramped shops. The best part is that they actually have an air-conditioned smoking area[1], so smokers and non-smokers can finally coexist peacefully. So touching T_T. There's also a semi-outdoor space upstairs, which should be very chill to hang out in during the evening.
Sat down and ordered a drink first. I came for their signature, so I had to try the Hayyu Signature Coffee[2]! I thought it would be some weird concoction, but one sip and Anjay! The refreshing sweet and sour taste of lemon blended perfectly with the rich bitterness of the Americano, it's super invigorating.
The surprise was that you get a free piece of bread[3] with any coffee order. I was so thrilled with this freebie. The Tempe Mendoan[4] snack was also Mantap, fried to a perfect crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Delicious! Up to this point, my impression of the place was a perfect 10/10.
Main Courses & Service: A Total Waterloo Scene
However, when I confidently ordered a main course, the story started to go off the rails... My friend ordered the "Chicken Fried Rice," and after searching for ages, couldn't find a decent piece of chicken[5]. The flavor was also pretty mediocre. My meal took almost half a century to arrive, and I was starving.
The biggest turn-off was when I tried to follow up on my order, a staff member had a bad attitude[6] and just shut me down with, "They're busy upstairs." I was like, ??? Seriously, the place was practically empty at the time! It seems the online complaints about slow food service and hit-or-miss staff really aren't baseless.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls | Key Takeaways 📝
So, is this place worth visiting? My advice is: it depends!
Ordering Guide:
- ✅ Recommended for: People looking for a place to work, study, or to have coffee and Nongkrong with friends. The space is large, quiet, has plenty of outlets[7], and a large, free parking lot[8]. It's definitely a breath of fresh air in Samarinda.
- ❌ Not Recommended for: Those who want a proper meal, those in a hurry, or friends who have expectations for service.
- Safe to Order: All kinds of coffee (especially the signature Lemon Americano), Fried Tempeh (Tempe Mendoan).
- Choose with Caution: All main courses[9]! Seriously, take my advice, don't gamble with your lunch break.
- Seating Tips: Although there are separate sections, you can still occasionally smell smoke drifting over[10]. For my friends with sensitive noses, try to sit as far inside the non-smoking area as possible.
- Hayyu's Signature Lemon Americano: crisp lemon and rich coffee are a surprisingly perfect match that instantly wakes you up [1].
- Huge space, high ceilings, and even an air-conditioned smoking area[2]. A paradise for WFC office workers.
- Free bread with any coffee[3]! The Tempe Mendoan is crispy outside, tender inside [4]. Who doesn't love a good deal?
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