Dine-in is a turn-off, delivery is god-tier? I have a love-hate relationship with this Jakarta dessert shop
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking about visiting Dessert by DARE in Jakarta? This review has a crucial tip: skip the dine-in! While the physical shop is described as a cramped, hot, and chaotic experience, its desserts are hailed as heavenly. Discover why ordering delivery is the key to happiness here, with must-try items like the signature Banoffee Pie, Salmon Mentai Garlic Bread, and value-packed Dessert Boxes. This is the ultimate guide to enjoying this "delivery-only" gem without the hassle.
Girls, take my advice: if you want to Nongkrong comfortably, do NOT dine in at this place! 🤯
A couple of days ago, I came across the super-hyped Dessert by DARE. The pictures made it look like a Chill little spot, so I excitedly rushed over, only to be almost instantly put off. The space is so small it's hard to even turn around, the air conditioning is basically non-existent—it was so hot my makeup was melting—and to top it off, the service was a bit chaotic. I waited forever for my food, and my experience just hit rock bottom.[1] I only had one thought in my mind at that moment: Anjay! How does this place even have a 4.6 high score?
But... delivery saved the day!
Just as I was about to blacklist it, the delivery arrived. Okay, I admit, I ate my words. The taste was on a whole other level!
Banoffee Pie[2]: The signature dish is a signature for a reason, Mantap! The combination of banana and cream was surprisingly not cloying at all, with just the right amount of sweetness. Even as someone who doesn't usually like bananas, I was hooked from the first bite and finished the whole box by myself.
Korean Garlic Bread[3]: Their garlic bread is also out of this world, especially the Salmon Mentai flavor. The bread itself is super soft and fluffy, and the aroma of garlic and cheese cream sauce was just heavenly. So satisfying!
Dessert Box Series[4]: This is the real king of value for money here! The price is reasonable, they're generous with the ingredients, and the cream is as light as a cloud—none of that cloyingly sweet, cheap taste. It feels like it was made for delivery![5]
Let's get real (rant session)
Although the taste is solid, there are some pitfalls I have to mention. For example, the portion size of their Tiramisu is a bit mini[6]; a guy could probably finish it in two bites. Also, that"get free ice cream for a good review" promotion in the store? What they give you isn't proper Gelato, it's more like regular ice cream, so don't get your hopes up.[7]
A Lazy Person's Guide, you're welcome👇
- 1. [CORE] Skip dining in! Skip dining in! Skip dining in! Important things must be said three times. This place is a classic"delivery heaven, dine-in hell." Just open your Gojek / Grab and place an order, your happiness level will skyrocket.
- 2. [MUST-ORDER] Banoffee Pie, Korean Garlic Bread (Salmon Mentai), and any of the Dessert Boxes. Order them without a second thought. If you don't like them, you can come find me.
- 3. [SAVE MONEY] There are often discounts on delivery platforms, making it much cheaper than buying in-store. Super high value for money, and definitely worth reordering.[8]
- 4. [TIMING] Popular items often sell out, so if you want to try them, be sure to order early. Don't wait until the afternoon tea rush hour, or you'll just be staring at"sold out" and sighing.[9]
- Dine-in was so bad I wanted to blacklist it, but takeout completely redeemed them. Taste is a total 'face-slap'! [1]
- Banoffee Pie [2]: perfect sweetness, banana-cream combo isn't cloying. Even banana-haters fall in one bite, devouring a whole box!
- Dessert Box series [3] is the value king! Affordable, cloud-light cream, zero cheap, cloying sweetness [4].
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