Insanely Mantap beef ribs for under 50k! But the service at this Jakarta spot is so slow I wanted to go on strike…
qponx
2026-01-25
Discover a hidden gem in East Jakarta serving incredibly tender and affordable beef rib soup for under 50k! This 11-year-old neighborhood spot has a cozy, homey vibe perfect for groups. While the food is "mantap" and the prices are a steal (with free dessert hacks!), be warned: the service is notoriously slow. This review spills all the tea on whether the amazing food is worth the wait, plus tips on scoring freebies and avoiding parking nightmares.
Girls, stop saying East Jakarta is a food desert! But to find this 11-year-old neighborhood joint, you'll need a bit of an adventurous spirit. It's hidden in a small alley in Kayu Manis, and the sign is so small I drove past it twice before I spotted it[1]. If my lokal friend hadn't shown me the way, I probably would have just turned around and gone to a mall.
I was pleasantly surprised once I got inside. It's not one of those cookie-cutter Instagrammable places, but has a very homey and comfortable Indonesian eatery (Warung) vibe. The space is surprisingly large, with an outdoor smoking area and a non-smoking air-conditioned room upstairs[2], perfect for a big group of friends to Nongkrong or for a family gathering. The air is filled with that comforting smell of spices and food mixed together, it feels like the kind of place where the neighbors would come every day.
The three of us ordered a full table of food, and our jaws dropped when we got the bill. Three main courses, three drinks, and one dessert for only 140k Indonesian Rupiah[3]! With prices like that in Jakarta, you can basically do whatever you want, right?
The signature Nasi sop iga rempah (spiced beef rib soup with rice)[4] is a must-try! The beef ribs are stewed until they're super tender, falling right off the bone with just a touch of a fork, and they're very generous with the meat[5]. The soup is full of rich spice flavor, and paired with hot rice, one bite feels like it heals your whole soul. Anjay, this is seriously Mantap! We also ordered the Soto Betawi[6]. The soup was very rich, but the meat felt a bit tough this time. Maybe the chef was having an off day, haha.
But hold on, here's the real tea…
Okay, now that I'm done with the praise, I have to complain a bit. Everything about this place is great, except for the serving speed... seriously... you could die waiting! And it wasn't even peak dining hours when we went. We watched people who arrived after us get their food while ours was nowhere in sight[7]. For my impatient friends, I'd advise you to think twice. Also, the air conditioning downstairs isn't very strong, so it's a bit stuffy. If you can't stand the heat, just head straight for the non-smoking area upstairs.
My Money-Saving / Pitfall-Avoiding Tips
- Don't drive here! Seriously, parking spots are ridiculously scarce, especially during meal times and Ramadan. If you find a spot, you've basically won[8]. Calling a Gojek/Grab is the best option.
- Go before you're starving! Be mentally prepared to wait for your food for at least half an hour. I suggest going during off-peak hours, or just plan to chat with your friends for half an hour after ordering. Think of it as part of the Chill experience.
- The free dessert hack! You have to learn this one. After your meal, take a few photos, post an IG Story, and tag their account to get a free ice cream brownie[9]. I've tested it, and it works!
- Regular customer perks! They also have a stamp card program. If you go a few times, you can exchange it for free food and drinks[10]. It seems perfect for friends who live nearby. Who understands the joy of snagging a good deal
- East Jakarta spot: 3 mains, 3 drinks, 1 dessert for just 140k IDR! Unbeatable value, you'll be stuffed! `[1]`
- Must-try: signature Spiced Beef Rib Soup Rice! Ribs are fall-off-the-bone, generous meat portion. Spiced broth with rice is pure comfort! `[2][3]`
- Hidden 11-year-old neighborhood gem. No Instagram vibes, just authentic, comfy Warung. A true local secret! `[4]`
Similar Articles
Who says East Jakarta is a food desert? This aquarium restaurant begs to differ
Discover a hidden gem in East Jakarta that shatters the "food desert" myth! This stunning aquarium restaurant immerses you in an "underwater world" with massive aquascapes and lush grapevines overhead, creating a perfect photo-worthy vibe. Enjoy recommended dishes like rich Carbonara Fettuccine or tender Sate Maranggi in its spacious semi-outdoor or cool indoor areas. With live music on weekends, it's the ultimate chill spot for hanging out with friends and family in a truly unique setting.
Don't know where to go for a family gathering? This Indonesian "little village" is president-approved
Discover a unique Indonesian "village" in East Jakarta, a dining spot so special even the president has visited! This hidden paradise is perfect for family gatherings, featuring charming gazebos built over water. Enjoy generous portions of delicious Sundanese food at affordable prices, living up to its "royal taste, commoner's price" promise. With a beautiful atmosphere and fast service for large groups, it’s an unforgettable experience for any occasion.
Calling all Bakmi Naga OGs! Is something a bit off with this branch?
A loyal fan of Bakmi Naga shares a disappointing experience at the City Plaza Jatinegara branch. This honest review calls out inconsistent food quality, shockingly small portions, and a cramped dining environment that fails to meet the brand's usual standards. While friendly service and a decent Ifumie Seafood offer some consolation, the overall value is a letdown. This is a must-read for fans wondering if this particular location is worth the visit and what to avoid ordering.
Anjay! Found a Live Bar with a perfect score on Google, right in East Jakarta
Discover a hidden gem in East Jakarta! Smartbar is a live music venue earning perfect Google ratings for a reason. Forget loud clubs; this is an intimate, chill spot focused on top-notch live bands playing rock and pop for an audience of true music lovers. With a cozy atmosphere perfect for a date night or unwinding with a few friends, it’s a destination worth the trip for its incredible vibe and high-quality performances.