Calling all Jakarta Digital Nomads! Stop ordering basic Americanos at Tujuhari—I've cracked the secret menu.

It's that time of the week again, the hair-pulling moment of finding a WFC (Work From Cafe) spot... I've pretty much exhausted all the good spots in South Jakarta. This time, I followed a friend to this place, Tujuhari Coffee in Wijaya. To be honest, it's hidden in a somewhat dated shopping center, so I didn't have high hopes at first.

But the moment I pushed the door open, wow, it was a whole new world. The sense of space is amazing. The ceilings are super high, and the distance between tables is so generous you can stretch out social-distancing style. The overall style is that cool industrial vibe—concrete walls, metal pipes—but it's balanced out by various art pieces and a mini-library in the corner[1], which neutralizes the coldness. The whole atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, the internet speed is solid, and it's basically a place born for getting work done! The crowd here is mostly young people and creative types, and the concentration of handsome guys and pretty girls is not low 😉[2].

What to Drink? It's a Skill

The first thing I did after sitting down was order. After a quick glance at the menu, I decisively skipped the safe bets like Americanos and hot lattes. Because I'd heard before that their basic coffees are a bit weak. A friend complained that a 40,000 Rupiah hot cappuccino tasted like drinking milk[3], and I just can't stand for that.

So, when you come here, you have to go for the specialty drinks!

I ordered their signature Peach Coffee[4], and oh my god, it's so perfect for Jakarta's hellish weather! The sweet, fruity aroma of the peach perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the coffee. It's ice-cold, and one sip instantly brings you back to life. Maximum refreshing effect.

My friend's Matcha Latte[5] was also Mantap! You can taste that authentic 'grassy' flavor, not like those overly sweet, flashy drinks you find on the street. You can also swap for oat milk, which is great for the lactose intolerant.

If you're a fan of Indonesian Lokal flavors, the Kopi Susu Harian[6] is also a safe bet. The coconut and Earl Grey tea flavors are highly rated, with a smooth and rich taste.

Hold Your Praise, Here Come the Downsides

But to be fair, its pros are just as prominent as its cons.

If you're thinking of coming here for a proper meal, I'd advise you to think twice. The food selection on the menu is pitifully small, mostly just pastries and snacks. I even heard a story about someone who ordered a rice dish, waited an hour, and then found out the staff had just bought it from outside... Anjay, that move is just something else[7].

The service is also a semi-self-service model. You order and pick up your food yourself, and when you're done, you have to return your cup to a designated area[8], kind of like a university cafeteria, haha. Those who are used to being waited on might find it a bit hard to adjust.

Heart-to-Heart Guide (Get Your Notebooks Ready)

Finally, for the girls ready to check it out, here are a few tips in plain English:

Order Do's and Don'ts: Don't order the Americano/Hot Latte! You'll regret it! Go straight for the specialty drinks, like the Peach Coffee[9] or the various flavored Kopi Susu Harian[10]. Matcha lovers, go directly for the Matcha Latte[11]!
The Food Situation: Definitely don't come here for a proper meal[12]! It's only suitable for Nongkrong and having a drink or a small snack. If you want to fill your stomach, it's best to eat somewhere else first.
Little Details About the Environment: Although there are no-smoking signs, people do occasionally vape indoors[13], so take note if you're sensitive to that. Also, there seems to be a bit of a chemical fragrance smell inside[14], so those with sensitive noses might want to choose an outdoor seat.
Bonus Points: Great news for drivers, there are tons of parking spots inside[15], so no need to worry about finding a space. Also, they use glass cups for dine-in[16], not disposable plastic ones, which is an eco-friendly touch that deserves a thumbs-up! Sometimes they even have chess tournaments at night, bringing together all sorts of masters. It has a great community vibe, which is so cool.