A 2-hour queue for Tiramisu? Is Jakarta's viral cafe Scarlett's worth it?
qponx
2026-01-24
Wondering if Jakarta's viral Scarlett's Café is worth the infamous two-hour queue? This review dives into the hype, spotlighting its star attraction: the show-stopping Poured Tiramisu. While the desserts and photogenic Korean-style decor are major draws, the article gives an honest look at the downsides, including the cramped space, high prices, and dining time limits. Get the full scoop and essential tips before you decide to brave the line for this trendy, internet-famous spot.
Honestly, for Jakarta's internet-famous spots, waiting in ridiculously long lines is pretty much the norm. But for this Scarlett's Café, I really didn't expect the weekend line to be so long it makes you question your life. It felt like I was about to be pushed into the middle of the road any second…
Squeezed in, but not really
After finally squeezing in, the first impression was: it's tiny! Seriously, it's so small that the tables are right next to each other, close enough to share gossip with the next table. The Korean-style retro vibe is indeed very photogenic, and every corner is meticulously decorated, but want to take a picture without anyone in it? Basically impossible[1]. During peak hours, it's bustling with noise, so if you're thinking of having a quiet Chill session, just forget about it.
However, the moment the desserts were served, I forgave them halfway.
This is what I came for! The signature Poured Tiramisu[2], the presentation is everything. The moment the waiter pours the espresso shot over it is so therapeutic. The first bite is full of rich coffee aroma, the mascarpone cream isn't heavy at all, and the sweetness is just right. No wonder it's their star player, selling over 30,000 a year! Mantap！😋
For a savory option, I tried the Truffle Capellini[3], and it was actually a cold noodle dish! The truffle flavor was super rich, and the noodles were refreshing and al dente. Among all the desserts, it was like a breath of fresh air. Anjay, it was so good I wanted to lick the plate! My friend's Turkish Eggs[4] were also good; poached eggs with creamy yogurt, the texture was very interesting.
Some honest thoughts…
Although the desserts are a knockout, it's not without its flaws. A slice of cake is around 60,000 IDR, which is definitely on the pricey side. Also, their coffee left a lot to be desired; my cup had a distinct burnt taste from the beans[5]. The most frustrating part is, because the place is so small, people waiting for a table just stand by your table and stare at you while you eat... So much pressure!
My heartfelt guide, you're welcome
Finally, a guide for my girls on what to avoid:
- Time: If you want to go, you have to be mentally prepared. Waiting 1-2 hours during peak times is common[6]. I strongly recommend coming on a weekday, or getting there right before they open!
- Time Limit: There's a time limit for dining, about 90 minutes[7], so don't think you can come here to Nongkrong for a whole afternoon.
- Transportation: There's almost no parking. There's valet parking at the entrance[8], but I still recommend just taking a taxi, it's the most hassle-free.
- Number of People: The place is too small, it's only suitable for a small gathering of 2-3 girlfriends. Don't even think about it if you have more than 4 people, you won't be able to sit.
- Ordering: The popular cakes sell out fast. If you want to have the full selection, you have to go early[9].
- Poured Tiramisu: epic! Rich coffee & light mascarpone perfectly blend. Their 30k+ yearly bestseller! 😋 [1]
- Truffle Capellini 冷面: game-changing! Intense truffle, refreshing bouncy noodles – lick-the-plate delicious! [2]
- Even packed, the Korean retro vibe is perfectly styled for insta-perfect shots. No wonder it's a hotspot! [3]
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