Who says Warkop are just roadside stalls? This one in Makassar brings the 'home' to you
qponx
2026-03-06
Forget what you know about Warkops! ARNUM in Makassar redefines the experience with its massive, cozy, home-like atmosphere. This spot is perfect for chilling out with friends over affordable and delicious signature dishes like the flavorful Nasi Kuning and the surprisingly amazing Buttermilk Chicken. It's a hidden gem for a leisurely meal, but be prepared for a slow wait—the service is famously relaxed, so it's best for those with plenty of time to spare.
Anjay, whenever I tell my Indonesian friends I'm going to a Warkop, my mind pictures roadside stools, clouds of smoke, and 3-in-1 instant coffee. But this time in Makassar, I was taken straight to ARNUM, and I was stunned... This isn't a Warkop, it's clearly a huge, cozy living room! The space is so spacious you could run laps in it, completely shattering my stereotype.
The Vibe and the Food, truly Mantap! 👍
The moment you walk in, you're hit with this really comfortable "rumahan" (homey) vibe. Sunlight streams in through the large windows, making the whole space bright and airy. Even though there's no AC, it's still pretty chill thanks to the open design and fans, not stuffy at all[1]. What surprised me the most was that even the restrooms and prayer room were kept spotlessly clean—a delight for someone who appreciates details!
We sat down and ordered a ton of food, since the prices are so affordable.
Besides these, the menu also has a bunch of traditional Indonesian cakes and herbal drinks. I feel like you could stay here from breakfast all the way to afternoon tea[2].
- Nasi Kuning Arnum[3]: Their signature dish is a must-try! The yellow rice was perfectly sticky and packed with spices, the accompanying toppalada beef was stewed until tender and flavorful, and served with dried anchovies and sambal, one bite and I was blown away!
- Buttermilk Chicken[4]: I ordered this on a whim, but it turned out to be the dark horse of the meal! The cream sauce was incredibly fragrant but not at all heavy. I couldn't stop eating piece after piece, it was absolutely amazing.
- Es Teh Tarik[5]: The pulled tea was delicious too! The balance between the tea and milk flavor was just right, silky smooth and not overly sweet, perfect for cutting through the richness.
But, let me be blunt...
To be fair, the food here is genuinely good, but the serving speed... emmm... let's just say it's on "Zen" mode. We waited for almost an hour that day, and the guy at the next table supposedly waited for two hours and almost flipped the table[6]... 🤷♀️ So if you're starving or in a hurry, definitely don't come here. You'll thank me later.
Heartfelt tips, take them, you're welcome!
For my friends who want to check it out, take note of these points to double your enjoyment:
Overall, this is a place where the food quality far outweighs the service efficiency. If you have plenty of time and want to find a comfy spot to chill with friends for an afternoon, this is definitely a hidden gem in Makassar
- Go early! Seriously! The signature Nasi Kuning is super popular and will genuinely be "sold out" if you go late. Don't ask me how I know[7].
- Be patient and don't rush your order. Just treat it as an experience of the slow life. It's perfect for coming to Nongkrong and chat with friends, not for a quick work lunch.
- A heads-up for those who can't stand the heat. The place is open-air with no AC, so it's always a good idea to dress lightly.
- If you have a large group, book in advance! This place is super popular with the locals and gets packed during meal times. If you don't want to wait, give them a call to book a table[8].
- Good news for drivers. They have their own private parking lot, which is huge and super convenient. No need to play the roadside parking space grabbing game[9].
- Enjoy the 'rumahan' (homey) vibe. It's bright & airy as sunlight streams in. Spotless restroom & prayer room!
- Nasi Kuning Arnum: sticky, aromatic rice with tender toppalada beef, anchovies, and sambal. Pure bliss[1]!
- The Buttermilk Chicken is a surprise hit! Its fragrant, light cream sauce is super addictive[2]. Great all day with local cakes[3].
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