Forced 30k parking, 75k for a latte. What makes Sejiwa from Bandung so bold?
qponx
2026-01-24
Bandung's famous Sejiwa has landed in Jakarta, but is it worth the hype? This spot boasts a cool "Bandung vibe" perfect for hanging out, but the coffee might underwhelm. The real stars are the surprisingly delicious main courses, like the must-try Salmon Lodeh, and a massive Dark Choco Espresso cake. Be prepared for some quirks, including mandatory valet parking and a no-cash policy. This review tells you what to order and what to watch out for.
I'd heard for a while now that the famous Sejiwa from Bandung has opened in Jakarta, so over the weekend, I excitedly dragged my friend along to check it out. But as soon as our car arrived at the entrance of Lucy Curated Compound, I was dumbfounded… The security guard waved his hand: “Valet only, 30k.” Anjay! But there were clearly empty spots right there! Fine, considering how famous it is, I put up with it😒.
The ambiance is really nice, but the coffee...
To be fair, the ambiance is undeniably good. A huge outdoor space, full of"Bandung vibes." Hanging out and chatting with friends here on a weekend afternoon while you Nongkrong, the atmosphere is totally on point[1]. But it's also really crowded, it felt like all the cool kids of Jakarta were packed in here. The music was a bit loud, so if you wanted to have a quiet conversation, you basically had to shout.
After sitting down to order, things got even more confusing. I ordered their signature Es Kopi Jiwa[2], but for me, it was a bit bland, like it was watered down, and lacked a kick. My friend's matcha latte was even more ridiculous. It came out already sweet, and when we asked for a sugar-free version, they said no[3], because the matcha powder itself already contains sugar… I really don't get that move🤷♀️.
The surprises were all in the main courses and cake!
I wasn't expecting much from the food at this point, but then the Salmon Lodeh[4] completely blew me away! The salmon skin was pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection, with no fishy smell at all, and the fish was so tender. Paired with the rich Lodeh soup and Nasi Gurih, it was just incredible, Mantap!
Still wanting more after the meal, we ordered a slice of Dark Choco Espresso Sliced Cake[5]. Oh my god, the portion was huge, enough for two people to share. The chocolate and coffee flavors were perfectly balanced, and it wasn't cloyingly sweet at all. It successfully redeemed my impression of the place.
But to be honest, their quality is really inconsistent. I've also heard friends complain that the pasta was too salty and the croissant was dry and cold[6]. It feels like ordering here is purely a game of luck.
My Honest-to-God Survival Guide
Finally, for the friends who want to check it out, here are a few"life-saving" tips. Don't forget to like and save!
- Parking Budget: Mandatory valet parking, a flat rate of 30k Indonesian Rupiah[7], no matter how long you stay. You're not allowed to park it yourself, even if you're perfectly capable. Remember to factor this into your budget.
- Payment Methods: This place is a cashless utopia; they only accept cards and e-payments[8], so don't be a fool and bring a wad of cash.
- Bring Your Own Water: The cafe doesn't provide free drinking water[9]. If you want plain water, you have to buy their expensive bottled water. I suggest bringing your own bottle, or you'll seriously die of thirst.
- Not WFC-Friendly: Don't even think about WFC (Work From Cafe) here! Power outlets are pitifully few and many are broken[10]. On weekends, it's as noisy as a wet market, making it impossible to concentrate.
- Ordering Recommendations: For the main course, you can't go wrong with the Salmon Lodeh. For dessert, go for that big chocolate cake. As for the coffee… well, you're on your own with that one, haha
- Crispy-skinned, tender Salmon Lodeh `[1]` with rich Lodeh sauce and Nasi Gurih. Pure bliss!
- Grab the huge Dark Choco Espresso Sliced Cake `[2]`: perfect chocolate-coffee blend, sweet but never cloying. Dessert heaven!
- Huge outdoor space, "Bandung vibe" `[3]` galore. Perfect for weekend Nongkrong with friends; electric vibe, Jakarta's cool crowd flocks here.
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