Makassar's "Legendary" Kopitiam: Just Come for the Youtiao
qponx
2026-03-06
Is Makassar's "legendary" Kopitiam Hertasning worth the hype? This review gives the honest truth. While the spacious venue is great for large groups, the food is a real mixed bag. The absolute star of the show is the unbelievably crispy and chewy youtiao (Cakwe), paired perfectly with a silky Teh Tarik. However, other main dishes and the service might leave you disappointed. Get the essential tips on what to order and what to avoid before you go.
It's said that when you're in Makassar and don't know what to eat, going to Kopitiam Hertasning is the place to go. My lokal friends all say it's a 'legendary' spot[1]. I went over with super high expectations, and whoa, the place is really big, with two floors. The decor is simple and modern, and the AC is blasting, making it look perfect for Nongkrong all day long.
The Flavors: Half Heaven, Half... emmm
Sat down and ordered drinks first. Had to get a glass of their signature Teh Tarik[2]! It was nice and cold, with the tea and milk flavors perfectly balanced. Silky smooth, truly Mantap!
Then came the main event. We ordered Prata[3] and the fried dough sticks (Cakwe) to go with the porridge. How should I put this... that Cakwe, Anjay! It was seriously the best I've had in Makassar[4]! The outside was so crispy it flaked everywhere, while the inside was perfectly soft and chewy. It was so fragrant you could get lost in the taste just by eating it plain!
But... the highlight ended there. The porridge I was so looking forward to had a texture like instant oatmeal that wasn't mixed properly, a very weird mouthfeel[5]. If it weren't for that amazing Cakwe saving the day, I really couldn't have finished the porridge. My friend's fried rice vermicelli was also mushy and bland, and the Kopi O was as weak as water[6], which was a bit of a letdown.
Some Honest Truths I Have to Get Off My Chest
Honestly, the prices are on the mid-to-high side for a Kopitiam, and with such inconsistent flavors, the value for money is... well, you know. The service is also hit-or-miss. Some of the staff guys are really enthusiastic and efficient. But we also had a dramatic incident where, after paying and leaving, we were chased to the parking lot by three staff members who thought we hadn't paid. That experience was an instant -100 points, okay![7]
A Guide to Avoid the Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
So, is this place actually worth visiting? Let me sum up a few honest tips for you girls!
- 1. Who is it for? If you're looking for a spacious place where you can sit for a while, with a wide menu selection, suitable for bringing the whole family or for a meal with a big group of friends, this place works[8]. After all, with so many people and different tastes, there are bound to be a few decent things to eat.
- 2. What to order? Please go straight for the Teh Tarik and Cakwe! Trust me, it's totally worth a trip just for a bite of these heavenly fried dough sticks! As for the rest... leave it to fate.
- 3. Who should skip it? If you're a digital nomad looking to WFC (Work From Cafe), I'd advise you to think twice. There are pitifully few power outlets here[9], and during meal times, it gets as noisy as a wet market, making it impossible to concentrate. The smoking area on the second floor is spacious, but it gets very hot in the afternoon[10].
- 4. DRIVING TIPS: Although their parking lot is large, it's poorly managed, and it's easy to get blocked in. There is a valet service[11], so if you don't want the hassle, you can just give your keys to the attendant.
- Kopitiam Hertasning's **Teh Tarik** is a *must*! Icy, silky, perfectly balanced tea-milk. Locals rave 'Mantap!'[1]
- Makassar's best? Surprisingly, **Youtiao (Cakwe)**! Crispy outside, soft inside, so fragrant you'll eat it plain! [2]
- Two floors, **spacious and cool**! Huge menu, tons of choices. Perfect for families or friends to Nongkrong all day! [3]
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