Jakarta's 100-year-old teahouse: Mantap vibe, Anjay service... Should I check it out?
qponx
2026-01-24
Step back in time at Pantjoran Tea House, a stunning 100-year-old gem in Jakarta's Chinatown. This review explores its incredible retro atmosphere, authentic Gongfu tea ceremony, and must-try dishes like the crispy Kailan 2 Musim. However, it also gets real about the high prices and notoriously poor service. Find out if the "mantap" vibe is worth the "anjay" service and get essential tips to decide if this historic spot is right for your next hangout.
Honestly, every time I pass by Jakarta's Chinatown (Glodok), I'm always drawn to the old building of Pantjoran Tea House. Red lanterns, old wooden windows, it's so full of stories, pulling you back into a 1928 old movie in a second. Every time I think, this place is just perfect for Nongkrong!
The Atmosphere is Immaculate, and the Tea is the Real Deal
Pushing the door open, that retro vibe gets even stronger[1]. The air is filled with a faint aroma of tea and wood, and the whole space is like a time capsule, making you instantly want to slow down and just Chill for a bit. Its predecessor was a century-old pharmacy, so that sense of history is literally etched into its bones.
The main event here is definitely the Gongfu tea[2]. Don't worry if you don't know how, the staff will teach you step-by-step, from smelling the aroma to sipping the tea, the sense of ritual is on point. After a cup of good tea, it feels like all the hustle and bustle of Jakarta is shut out. As for the food, don't just order randomly, just get straight to the point:
- Kailan 2 Musim[3]: A must-order! Half is stir-fried and half is deep-fried. The fried kailan leaves are as crispy as seaweed, the texture is amazing, Anjay!
- Tahu Lada Garam[4]: Salt and pepper tofu, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a top-notch snack to go with drinks (or tea).
- Radish Cake (Lo Bak Kao)[5]: The radish cake is also surprisingly delicious, soft, chewy, and savory.
But Hold On, Let's Get Real
Okay, take a deep breath and listen to my rant. The environment and the tea are genuinely good, but the service here... honestly, it's hard to put into words. There have been several times where I felt the waiters had a sour look on their faces, and some friends even DMed me saying they felt there was different treatment for Lokal people and foreigners[6]. That just knocks 80 points off the experience, right?
The prices aren't exactly budget-friendly either, especially since a tea set costs around 100k Rupiah[7], and the portion sizes of the dishes might feel a bit small for a family meal[8]. So for those of you friends looking for good value for money, you might want to hold your horses.
A Guide to Avoid the Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
So, should you go for it or skip it? Here's my take:
- 1. Be clear about your expectations: Think of it as a"vibe-focused" tea house. If you're coming for the ambiance and that authentic tea aroma, it's absolutely worth it. But if you're just looking for a place to have a solid meal, you might be disappointed.
- 2. The Seating Mystery: Want to sit on the second floor with a better view? It's best to come on a weekend; it's often not open on weekdays[9]. Be sure to call and confirm before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
- 3. Getting There: You know how the traffic is in the old town—it's so congested you'll question your existence, and parking spots are as rare as unicorns. Trust me, just get a Gojek/Grab. It saves you the hassle and effort[10].
- 4. Best Time to Go: If you want to quietly experience the full tea ceremony, make sure to avoid peak meal times. You can only truly feel the charm of this place when it's less crowded.
- Hidden in Chinatown's century-old pharmacy, red lanterns & old wood create a time capsule retro teahouse vibe, 1928-style [1].
- Kung Fu Tea is the highlight [2]! Staff guide the ritual (smell to taste), a tranquil break from Jakarta.
- Don't miss Kailan 2 Musim[3]! Half stir-fried, half fried, seaweed-crisp leaves – texture so amazing, it's Anjay!
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