Perfect Vibe, Lousy Service? Spilling the Tea on this Pekanbaru Backyard Cafe
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover a hidden backyard cafe in Pekanbaru that feels like stepping into a friend's home! This spot boasts a stunning, green courtyard with a koi pond, perfect for chilling and taking photos. While the homey vibe is a huge plus, be prepared for self-service and potentially slow staff. For the best experience, stick to their signature crispy Risoles and Kopi Sejawat, as other dishes can be a gamble. It's a beautiful escape, but with a few quirks.
For real, it's located in a residential area, and from the outside, it just looks like a regular house. When the navigation led me to the door, I almost thought I'd gone to the wrong place again... Does anyone else feel me?! If I hadn't seen that tiny sign, I probably would have just turned around and left.
But then I pushed the door open, and Anjay! It was a completely different world. This isn't a café, it's clearly like stumbling into a friend's huge backyard! The whole space has such a homey vibe; the indoor area is like a living room, and the outdoor area is a small courtyard surrounded by greenery. There's even a koi pond[1], and when the sunlight streams in, it's just so incredibly relaxing to Nongkrong here.
Hungry? What to Eat?
Food-wise, I have to rave about their signature Risoles[2]! The outside is fried to a golden, crispy perfection, and the filling inside is generous and melts in your mouth. One bite is truly Mantap! Pair it with a cup of their signature Kopi Sejawat[3], the coffee flavor is on point, and this combo is unbeatable.
But to be fair, the quality of their food can be a bit hit-or-miss. Besides the signature items, the main course I tried was pretty average[4], and my friend's matcha also felt like a miss, it wasn't what we expected. So I'd recommend sticking to the coffee and snacks; you're less likely to go wrong.
Heads Up! Some Honest Truths I Must Tell
While the ambiance is undeniably great, I do have a few complaints. First, the service... emmm... is a bit slow to warm up[5]. We sat for a long time and no one came to us, and later we found out you have to go to the cashier to order and pay yourself[6]. During peak hours, when the staff gets busy, you might just become a forgotten creature in the corner.
Also, the indoor area doesn't have air conditioning, so it can get a bit stuffy in the afternoon[7]. While the outdoor area is comfortable, there's an occasional whiff of a "mysterious" scent left by cats... So, germaphobes, be warned.
Quick Guide
Finally, here are the key takeaways for you girls, take notes!
- How to Order: Don't just wait around! Go directly to the cashier to order and pay, it's self-service.
- What to Eat: Go straight for the signature Risoles and Kopi Sejawat without a second thought. Main courses are a gamble.
- Where to Sit: If you want to take photos or just Chill, pick the outdoor backyard. If you're afraid of the heat and mosquitoes, sit indoors, but it's best to avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Parking: There are very few parking spots out front. You can park in the lot behind the building, but the road is very narrow[8], so friends with large cars will need some solid driving skills.
- Work-Friendliness: This gets a 💯! The Wi-Fi is stable, and there are tons of power outlets. They even have a clean prayer room[9]. Spending an afternoon here with your laptop is an absolute blessing for us corporate drones
- Feels like a friend's huge backyard! The lush courtyard & koi pond[1] create a perfect Nongkrong vibe.
- The signature Risoles are a must: golden-crispy, rich melted filling. So Mantap! Pair with a strong Kopi Sejawat—a killer combo[2][3].
- A surprisingly work-friendly gem! Has stable Wi-Fi, tons of outlets, and a clean prayer room[4]—a total lifesaver.
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