Drank Jamu at Jakarta's "Grandma's House" and got carried away by mosquitoes…
qponx
2026-01-24
Step into Suwe Ora Jamu, a Jakarta cafe with a charming "Grandma's house" retro vibe perfect for photos. This spot puts a modern spin on traditional Jamu, served in trendy bottles. While some drinks might miss the mark and the atmosphere can be loud with mosquitoes, it redeems itself with surprisingly delicious comfort food like Mie Godok. Get the full scoop on this photogenic spot with its unique charms and quirks before you visit.
Girls, M Bloc is so freaking cool, but this place today left me with mixed feelings... 😅
Stepping into Suwe Ora Jamu, I thought I had time-traveled into an old Indonesian movie. Old wooden furniture, a vintage TV, a wall of books... it's basically an Eyang's (Grandma's) living room, the vibes are immaculate![1] I originally wanted to just chill with my friends, but... anjay! The mosquitoes upstairs were more enthusiastic than I was, the AC was just for show, and the music was so loud we basically had to shout to talk. 🤯
Jamu is the star, but do the supporting characters steal the show?
The main concept of this shop is to put a new spin on traditional Jamu[2]. It's served as a bottled cold drink with trendy packaging, clearly designed to capture the hearts of young people like us.
I ordered their signature Kunyit Asem[3], which was lighter and sweeter than the traditional roadside stall version, making it very friendly for beginners. But if you're a connoisseur, you might find it not"thick" enough, lacking that certain kick. My friend's Beras Kencur[4] was a bit of a miss, the taste is hard to describe... I'd also advise you not to have high hopes for the coffee; it was so watery it was almost like water[5].
But! Their hot food was a pleasant surprise. That bowl of Mie Godok[6] was truly like a warm hug, the definition of comfort food! The Cireng[7] snack was also mantap, served with Rujak sauce, so good I couldn't stop eating.
Okay, let's have some real talk
Honestly, a small bottle of Jamu selling for 30k-45k[8] is definitely not cheap. Although you could say it's supporting a lokal brand, my wallet still feels a bit sakit... 💔
And the service, it really depends on your luck. My experience was okay this time, but I've heard many friends complain about grumpy staff, getting the wrong order, or even having straws just thrown on the table...[9] The service industry needs to step up its game!
【Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Cafe-Hopping Tips】
Here’s a heartfelt summary for everyone. For the girls who want to check this place out, take these tips:
- What to wear? Dress a little retro, it matches the environment perfectly. Any casual shot will look like a masterpiece.
- What to order? If you're here for the Jamu experience, go for a glass (but be cautious with the Beras Kencur). If you're hungry, order the Mie Godok and Cireng—you can't go wrong.
- Where to sit? The second floor is great for retro photos, but there are lots of mosquitoes + the AC is bad[10]. Girls who can't stand heat or mosquitoes, be warned! Remember to bring mosquito repellent!
- What not to do? Don't expect to have a quiet, deep conversation or get work done here. The music is very loud[11], there's no free Wi-Fi, and the tables and chairs aren't suitable for using a laptop[12].
- How to get there? Parking around the M Bloc area is super hard to find[13]. I recommend taking a taxi or the MRT to save yourself the hassle.
- Suwe Ora Jamu instantly transports you to an old Indonesian film. Old wooden furniture, vintage TVs, and book-lined walls create a cozy, retro grandma's house vibe![1]
- While Jamu can be hit-or-miss, their Mie Godok[2] is a total surprise – a warm hug, true comfort food!
- They reinvent traditional Jamu[3]! Their cool bottled Kunyit Asem is refreshing, slightly sweet – the perfect intro for Jamu newbies.
Similar Articles
This classic Kemang steakhouse: Is the meat quality a total blind box?
Is the legendary El Asador steakhouse in Kemang still worth the hype? This classic spot is famous for its smoky atmosphere, but its reputation is now on the line. While the creamy mashed potatoes and refreshing sangria remain definite highlights, the steak quality has become a total gamble—sometimes juicy and perfect, other times tough and overcooked. This review weighs the pros and cons, helping you decide if this hit-or-miss experience is a risk worth taking for your next meal.
King of Jakarta's Steak Game? So good you'll want to pack the salt to-go
Looking for Jakarta's ultimate steakhouse? This spot delivers a dramatic, spotlight-lit dining experience perfect for special occasions. Feast on incredible dry-aged and wet-aged steaks, but don't sleep on the side dishes—the bone marrow corn and silky mashed potatoes are legendary. A premium choice for meat lovers, it even has a secret menu and a cool perk: you can take the house-seasoned salt home as a souvenir. It’s an unforgettable splurge for serious carnivores.
If you're a sports fan, you HAVE to lock this Jakarta Sports Bar into your itinerary
Searching for the ultimate sports fan hangout in Jakarta? This Kemang sports bar is a game-changer! With massive screens everywhere, you’ll have the best view of every match. The atmosphere is electric, turning into a full-blown carnival with live commentary during key games. When you’re not cheering, enjoy generous food portions, shisha, and free rounds of pool and darts. It’s the perfect spot for an unbeatable game night, open late for all the night owls.
Attention, chocoholics: This shop might ruin all others for you.
Chocoholics, a Jakarta shop called Better Chocolate Than Never might be your new obsession. Tucked away in Panglima Polim, this minimalist, all-white spot serves up seriously sophisticated treats. Don't miss the criminally rich chocolate ice cream, the moist Black Forest cake with a hint of rum, or the legendary Shiopan that sells out before noon. It's a pricey but worthwhile indulgence for true chocolate connoisseurs looking for a quiet place to work or chill.