I endured undercooked rice and a 1-hour wait for this sunset... Was it worth it?
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover In Cima, East Jakarta's super affordable rooftop bar, a hotspot for students seeking stunning sunset views. The city skyline and chill vibes are a major draw, with budget-friendly prices to match. However, this spot comes with a catch: be prepared for extremely slow service and hit-or-miss food quality. This review reveals if the incredible atmosphere is worth the gamble and gives tips on how to navigate the experience for a great time without the disappointment.
To be honest, my feed has been flooded with posts about this rooftop in East Jakarta called In Cima lately. It's known as a paradise for students, with prices per person so incredibly affordable they're touching. With a"how good can it really be?" attitude, I rushed over last weekend in the evening.
The place is on the 5th floor of a building[1], and after taking the elevator, you still have to climb one more flight of stairs. When I first sat down, it wasn't too crowded. The evening breeze was super chill, and watching the Jakarta skyline change from orange to deep blue, I have to say, the city view alone was worth it[2]. They really nailed the atmosphere. It's especially perfect for coming with friends to nongkrong and chat, and on weekend nights, there's also live music[3], which really amps up the vibe.
The Food: A Tale of Two Extremes
Opening the menu, the prices are indeed very friendly. Drinks are mostly under 35k[4], which is a steal for a rooftop bar. We ordered a few recommended dishes:
👍 Asem-asem iga[5]: This beef rib soup is a true juara (champion)! It's sour and spicy, super appetizing, the meat is stewed until tender, and it's perfect with rice.
👍 Macaroni Schotel[6]: The baked macaroni was served piping hot, with a rich, creamy flavor and a solid texture. Mantap!
BUT! Brace yourselves…
👎 Service and Quality Control, Anjay!
My friend's meal took almost an hour to arrive[7], even after we reminded them several times. And when it finally came, the rice was actually half-cooked and hard[8]! The table next to us had it even worse; I heard they found a hair in their fried rice... I'm speechless. With basic quality control issues like this, not even the most beautiful view can save it!
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
So, is this place worth visiting? My advice is: Yes, you can go, but manage your expectations and strictly follow the guide below!
All in all, this is a place with extremely distinct pros and cons. The view and the price are its trump cards, but the service and quality control are its major weaknesses. I'd recommend it to students[9] and young people on a budget who are looking for a place to enjoy the view and chill. If it's for an important date or for friends who are picky about food, I'd suggest you think twice
- 1. Know what you're getting into: Think of it as an"affordable viewing deck with simple meals," not a proper restaurant. It's OK to go for the view, the atmosphere, and to chill with friends. But if you're going specifically for the food, you'll most likely be disappointed.
- 2. Ordering strategy: Try to stick to my recommendations like the Asem-asem iga or some snacks. Avoid the more complex dishes that are likely to be a miss.
- 3. Payment method: Attention! They only accept cashless payments, so make sure you have your QRIS[10] ready. Don't show up with a pile of cash and be caught off guard.
- 4. Choose the right time: You must go in the evening! The sunset view is the absolute best. If you go too early, it's too sunny; go too late, and it's insanely crowded, and the good food might be sold out.
- 5. Be patient: When it's crowded, the service is turtle-slow. Be prepared to wait for 30 minutes to an hour[11].
- This In Cima rooftop is a student paradise! Affordable, drinks mostly under 35k [1][2].
- The stunning city view [3] at sunset with a super chill breeze is worth it! Weekends bring live music [4] for peak vibes.
- Must-order: Asem-asem iga [5]! Its beef rib soup is sour, spicy, super appetizing, with tender meat – amazing with rice!
Similar Articles
4.7 stars on Google, but the staff yelled at me? What's up with this Jakarta bakery?
Global Bakery Klender in Jakarta boasts a 4.7-star rating, but is it a hidden gem or a total disaster? This review dives into the shocking contrast between its super cheap prices and wide variety of bread, and its notoriously bad service, chaotic checkout, and cash-only policy. Discover if the rock-bottom prices are worth the potential frustration and get essential tips to navigate a visit to this controversial, budget-friendly bakery.
Who says East Jakarta is a food desert? This Middle Eastern spot begs to differ
Don't let the humble storefront fool you! Tucked away in East Jakarta is a cozy Middle Eastern spot serving up a flavor bomb. The main event is the Kabsah, featuring lamb so tender it falls right off the bone. While it has its quirks, the rich spices, unique dishes like lamb spaghetti, and chill atmosphere make this hidden gem a worthy destination for an authentic and meaty feast, challenging the area's "food desert" reputation.
Coffee 18k, Snacks 10k! This "hidden" East Jakarta spot became a legend thanks to one egg-wrapped rice ball
Discover a legendary hidden gem in East Jakarta where unbeatable prices meet cozy, retro vibes. This spot is famous for its unique egg-wrapped Arem-Arem rice ball, a 10k snack that lives up to the hype. With coffee starting at just 18k, you can enjoy the perfect budget-friendly hangout. Don't miss the rich Mocha Latte and warm cookies. While small and tricky to park at, the incredible value and delicious treats make it a must-visit.
Who says all rooftops are Chill? I tried this bad one so you don't have to
Lured by stunning sunset photos with the LRT train? This East Jakarta rooftop offers a truly photogenic view. However, this review gives a heads-up on what the pictures don't show: bland food, tiny portions, painfully loud music, and smoky rooms. The service is also a major letdown. It's a spot for a quick photo-op, but if you're looking for a place to actually chill and enjoy a meal, you might want to reconsider.