Smokers rejoice, non-smokers beware! This pork knuckle rice is Mantap, but I'm so done with the secondhand smoke.
qponx
2026-01-24
Ninety Nine in West Jakarta offers a true love-hate experience. The star is the "Mantap" crispy pork knuckle butter rice—an absolute must-try dish. It's also a great spot for drinkers, with live music and generous happy hour promos. The major catch? The entire restaurant is extremely smoky, a dealbreaker for non-smokers. With other dishes and the service being hit-or-miss, you'll have to decide if the incredible pork knuckle is worth braving the haze.
Girls, some places just give you that love-hate relationship.
Take Ninety Nine, for example, located on the second floor of Ranch Market in West Jakarta. Every time I pass by, it's always bustling with people, making me think it's some kind of hidden gem. But once I went in... oh man, I almost thought I'd stumbled into a massive smoking lounge! 🚬 The space is spacious, sure, but it's filled with the smell of smoke. For people like us who get a headache from the smell, it's a major turn-off.
The food is on point, otherwise I would've left long ago
Since I was already seated, I had to eat, right? Thankfully, the quality of the food pulled me back from the brink of flipping the table.
I came for their signature dish, and when the Pork Knuckle butter rice[1] was served, my eyes lit up. The pork knuckle was roasted to a crispy skin, but the meat inside was super juicy. Paired with the butter rice, one bite was simply Mantap!
The lapchiong fried rice[2] my friend ordered was also full of that smoky wok flavor, just the way I like it. Even the Fish 'n' Chips[3], which I'm not usually a fan of, was done to a high standard—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. It made a vegetarian friend of mine break their rule and give it a five-star review, Anjay!
They also have Live Music[4] at night, which really sets the mood. It's perfect for having a few drinks and just chill with friends. Plus, they have a lot of drink promotions, like buy-one-get-one-free beer, free-flow wine, and so on[5], which is very friendly to us drinkers.
But, let me be blunt...
Honestly, aside from the major flaw of secondhand smoke[6], the quality of the food here is a bit like opening a blind box. The pork knuckle and fried rice are really solid, but the pasta I tried last time was super mediocre[7], bland as hell, and the cake was incredibly dry. A plate of pasta costs around 120,000 Rupiah[8], and for that price and taste, the value for money isn't great.
The service is also hit-or-miss. It's okay during dinner, but during lunch, you might have to shout to get a waiter's attention[9]. If you're impatient, you've been warned.
Editor's Key Takeaways (Must-read before you go!)
Finally, here are some honest tips for you. If you're thinking of going, decide for yourself:
📍Ninety Nine Pesanggrahan, Jakarta Barat
- Don't go if you hate smoke: I'll say it a million times, if you're sensitive to smoke or have kids with you, just don't come! Don't say I didn't warn you.
- Live Music is unpredictable: They say there's a live band on Wednesdays and Fridays, but the start time is very flexible, so don't take it too seriously.
- Great for drinkers: If you love to drink, you can come here to Nongkrong. The various Happy Hour promotions are a great deal.
- The Wi-Fi is just for show: Don't expect to connect to their Wi-Fi to get work done. Even if you connect, you can't get online[10].
- Bring cash for tips: If you want to leave a tip, remember to bring cash, as you can't add it to your card payment[11].
- Signature German Pork Knuckle Rice [1]: crispy skin, juicy meat, with butter rice – pure Mantap!
- Even vegetarians break their diet for the Fish & Chips [2] – crispy outside, tender inside, so good you'll shout Anjay!
- Evenings: Live Music [3], vibe maxed, with promos like Beer Buy One Get One Free [4] – a Chill paradise for drinkers!
Similar Articles
K-pop girlies, listen up! This 4.9-star Korean cake shop almost gave me the wrong idol
Thinking of ordering a custom K-pop idol cake? This 4.9-star Jakarta shop creates stunningly beautiful Korean-style cakes that look perfect on Instagram. But don't be fooled by the high rating! Some customers have received shocking mistakes, from distorted idols to wrong flavors. Before you order their viral vintage or bento cakes, read this guide to avoid a potential birthday disaster and ensure your sweet memory isn't a terrible one.
Stop getting ripped off by chain stores! This Jakarta matcha shop lets you choose: bitter or umami.
Escape the chain stores and find your perfect matcha at Gincha, a hidden gem tucked away in West Jakarta. This quiet, Zen-like cafe offers a unique experience for tea enthusiasts. The main attraction? You can choose your matcha powder for their signature latte: go for the intensely bitter "Haru" or the savory, umami-forward "Meiko." Paired with their must-try, melt-in-your-mouth Matchamisu, it's a top spot for anyone seeking authentic, high-quality matcha flavor.
Calling all West District bread heads! This house-turned-Bakery is so Chill
Discover a super chill bakery hidden inside a West Jakarta house! This spot ditches fancy decor for a cozy, "friend's house" atmosphere perfect for a casual hangout. Get ready for amazing, value-for-money treats. The star is the Roti Bakso Ayam, a soft bun packed with savory chicken floss, but don't miss their surprisingly delicious Pempek and rich Caffe Latte. It’s a true neighborhood gem worth visiting for its incredible bakes and relaxed vibe.
4.9 Stars on Google: Is This Neighborhood Korean Bakery Really That Amazing?
Discover a hidden gem Korean bakery in Grogol with a near-perfect 4.9-star Google rating! This tiny, cozy spot is an introvert's paradise, perfect for a quiet afternoon. Don't miss their incredible Tiramisu, which isn't overly sweet, and the super flaky croissants. With delicious treats at wallet-friendly prices, it's a must-visit. Just remember it's a small space with limited parking and only accepts cashless payments, so plan your trip accordingly for the best experience.