Attention Pekanbaru workers! Found a cafe with plenty of power outlets, but you'll need to bring your patience for the food…
qponx
2026-03-06
Looking for a spot to work remotely in Pekanbaru? Aksén Coffee offers a spacious interior with abundant power outlets, perfect for digital nomads. While the vibe is great and the fried rice portions are huge, be prepared for some challenges. It gets incredibly noisy during peak hours, and the food service is notoriously slow. This guide helps you navigate the pitfalls and enjoy the best of what this popular, yet flawed, cafe has to offer.
Just arrived in Pekanbaru for a business trip, and my local friend dragged me to this place called Aksén Coffee. The moment I walked in, I was blown away—the space is so spacious! High ceilings, tons of indoor and outdoor seating, and almost every corner is equipped with a power outlet. It's practically tailor-made for digital nomads like us who are always running around with our laptops! 💻
At that moment, I was ecstatic, thinking I'd finally found a place in Sumatra where I could peacefully type away for an afternoon. But it turned out, after I sat down, that I was too naive…
Great Vibe, But Tough on the Ears
To be fair, the interior design here is Mantap 👍. The industrial style mixed with green plants is super photogenic. But! As soon as peak hours hit, this place instantly turns into a wet market. The sound of student group discussions, the roar of the coffee machine, plus the slightly over-the-top background music from the shop, it was so noisy that even with my noise-canceling headphones on, my brain hurt.[1] If you're looking for a quiet place to read or work, I suggest either coming early or praying that the table next to you isn't holding a debate tournament.
Oh right, there's one detail I have to praise! The prayer room (mushola) here is the cleanest and most comfortable one I've ever seen in any coffee shop, designed with so much care. This deserves a huge thumbs up![2]
The Food: Predictable Safe Bets and a Long Wait
The menu has a lot of options, covering everything from coffee to main courses. I ordered the officially recommended Cream Sea Salt Latte[3], and it was pretty good. The saltiness of the sea salt balanced out the sweetness, making it quite smooth. My friend's Spaghetti Carbonara[4] was also a safe bet that you can't go wrong with. I heard their signature dish is the Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu[5]. The portion size is super generous; the huge plate the guy at the next table had looked really appetizing.
But all this goodness is built on a foundation of "waiting." Oh my god, the serving speed is painfully slow. I waited 20 minutes for a cup of coffee, and the main course took almost 40 minutes to finally arrive.[6] If you come here starving, you'll be sorry. I suggest grabbing a bite to eat before you come here to Nongkrong.
Real Talk, Some Pitfalls to Watch Out For!
Besides the slow service, there are a few other things I need to warn you girls about. First, some reviews mentioned that the power outlets in the backyard outdoor area are exposed, and someone actually got an electric shock sitting there! Anjay![7] I don't know if it's fixed now, but just be super careful if you decide to sit there.
Secondly, some of the drinks are on the sweeter side. My friend complained that her hazelnut latte was sickeningly sweet. If you don't like things too sweet, make sure to say "less sugar" when you order![8]
How to Avoid the Pitfalls & A Complete Guide
Finally, here's a "no-nonsense" guide for you all. If you're planning to go, save this!
- Best For: Students and remote workers who need power outlets. Family gatherings are also okay; they have high chairs.[9]
- Times to Avoid: If you want quiet, avoid afternoon and weekend peak hours. Otherwise, you'll have to keep your headphones glued to your ears.
- Ordering Tips: For main courses, try the Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu; the portions are large. The coffee is generally on the lighter side, and if you're afraid of it being too sweet, definitely request less sugar.
- Be Prepared to Be Patient: Don't come when you're starving! Be mentally prepared to wait 30-40 minutes for your food.
- Safety First: In the outdoor area, be sure to check the electrical wiring next to your seat! Parking is also limited, and it's hard to find a spot during peak hours.[10]
- So spacious! High ceilings + tons of seating and outlets everywhere. A perfect haven for digital nomads in Sumatra [1].
- Must-try: the Cream Sea Salt Latte. A silky, salty-sweet coffee that’s an instant flavor kick [2].
- The prayer room (mushola) is next-level. Aksén Coffee's prayer room is the cleanest, most comfortable I've ever seen in a cafe [3].
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