Bukittinggi's viral hot spot: What's there besides the photo booth?
qponx
2026-03-06
Is Bukittinggi's viral cafe, Tanggal Merah, worth the hype beyond its famous photo booth? This honest review dives into the spot's buzzing atmosphere, complete with live music and community workshops. While the vibe is a major draw, be warned: the food quality is inconsistent, service can be slow, and cleanliness is a serious issue. Get the no-BS guide on what to expect, what to order, and whether the lively social scene outweighs the significant drawbacks.
Honestly, it feels like half the young people in Bukittinggi are flocking to this cafe called Tanggal Merah. All I see when I scroll through social media are photos from their retro photo booth. So the question is, is this place a "cafe with a photo booth" or a "photo booth that happens to sell drinks"? I went to check it out for you guys.
The vibe was definitely on point the moment I walked in. The place is spacious, perfect for a big group of friends to come and *Nongkrong*. They usually have Live Music on weekend nights, and the atmosphere gets super lively—full-crowd singalongs are a common thing. It feels more like a community hub, often hosting activities like clay and makeup workshops. That part is truly Mantap👍.
As for the food and drinks, I ordered the recommended Kopi Susu Pandan[1], Pizza[2] and Chicken Wings[3]. How should I put it... they're safe choices, you can't go wrong with them. But to be honest, the quality control for the drinks is a bit of a Schrödinger's cat. Another drink my friend ordered was sickeningly sweet, and it felt totally not worth the 30k Indonesian Rupiah price[4]. The cup they used also looked like a plastic cup from a street stall, which cheapens the experience a bit.
OK, next up is rant time, so hold on tight, girls! If you come here starving, definitely don't challenge their kitchen during weekend meal times—waiting over an hour for food is no joke[5]. The service is also a game of chance. Our table was dirty when we sat down, and after calling for someone for ages with no response, we ended up wiping it ourselves[6]. What really broke me was the bathroom. That smell... Anjay! It was basically at a biochemical weapon level, so dirty I didn't dare to look closely[7]. And the Live Music, the volume was so loud it was like being at a concert. I heard that nearby residents and even a hospital have complained[8], which is also a bit ridiculous.
A No-BS Guide 📝
So, is it worth going? Let me summarize a guide for you girls on what to avoid:
Alright, you be the judge! For those of you who've been, drop a comment and let's chat. Am I being too picky? 😂
- Why go? For the photos and the vibe. Don't have high expectations for the food. Think of it as a Live House + photo studio that happens to serve food and drinks.
- Ordering Tips: Don't order main courses on weekends; you'll be waiting forever. Sticking to coffee or bottled drinks is the safest bet.
- Must-Knows for Photos: The photo booth is the main attraction, and it costs 25k Indonesian Rupiah per session. But be mentally prepared: the machine can be a bit buggy, and it's a one-take deal with no retakes, so you have to get your facial expressions on point beforehand[9]!
- Seating Secrets: The farther from the bathroom, the better. Your life depends on it! If you can't stand the smell of smoke, the outdoor area might not be for you.
- Best Time to Go: If you want to *chill*, go on a weekday. If you want to experience the crowded, lively, musical vibe, go on a weekend night.
- A top Nongkrong spot for youth. Weekend nights buzz with live music, creating a block party vibe full of local energy. [1]
- More than a cafe, it hosts clay & makeup workshops for a taste of Indonesian local life. [2]
- Snap pics in the retro photo booth! For 25k IDR, get a moody, cinematic shot perfect for your social media feed. [3]
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