This Makassar coffee sent me back to 1946
qponx
2026-03-06
Step back in time at Phoenam, a legendary coffee shop in Makassar's Chinatown that feels straight out of 1946. This isn't a trendy cafe, but a genuine old-school Kopitiam brimming with nostalgic charm. Savor their signature rich and smooth Kopi Susu, made with Toraja beans, and pair it with a classic Roti Kaya. It's an authentic and affordable taste of local history, offering a truly memorable experience for any visitor looking for an escape from the modern world.
Just turned into an inconspicuous little road in Makassar's Chinatown and looked up to see the "Phoenam" sign, and instantly felt like time had slowed down. This isn't just a coffee shop, it's practically a time machine![1] The whole place was filled with uncles leisurely nongkrong, I felt like an intruder, haha[2].
The walls are covered with yellowed old family photos, and one of those old tear-off-a-page-a-day calendars, giving it the complete vibe of an old Nanyang Kopitiam from the movies. My order of their signature Kopi Susu[3] came quickly, and you could tell from the dense foam on top that it was made with old-school skill. They use Toraja coffee beans, the flavor is super rich and smooth, but not too bitter, which is very friendly for someone like me who can't handle sourness. Paired with their classic Roti Kaya[4], it was toasted just right. The kaya jam had that traditional, homemade sweetness. One bite, and it was Mantap!
To be honest, this isn't the kind of trendy cafe where you can enjoy the AC all afternoon. Although there's an air-conditioned area, it still gets a bit hot in the afternoon when it gets crowded. And the biggest bug is parking. If you're driving, be mentally prepared to have a breakdown looking for a parking spot[5], the road is just too narrow!
Editor's Key Points ✍️
- Want to chill? Avoid peak hours: It gets super crowded in the morning, so you have to be early to get a good seat![6] It's mostly filled with local regulars.
- Super affordable prices: An iced milk coffee is only 20k Indonesian Rupiah[7], which is just incredible these days.
- Don't just drink, take some to go: You can buy their coffee powder and kaya jam to take home as souvenirs. Personally tested and approved[8].
- Transportation: If you can, take a ride-hailing service instead of driving. Seriously, trust me on this
- Instant Nanyang throwback! Yellowed old photos and tear-off calendars create a perfect retro vibe [1].
- Smooth Kopi Susu (Toraja beans) isn't bitter. Pair with perfectly toasted Roti Kaya; the nostalgic sweet kaya jam is pure satisfaction [2][3].
- An iced coffee is just 20k IDR[4]! Quality ingredients at this price is an absolute steal.
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