I was eating this in a roadside tent 15 years ago. Now, with AC, does it still taste the same?
qponx
2026-01-25
From a humble roadside tent to a comfy, air-conditioned shop, has Jakarta's famous Bakmi Ahok kept its soul? This review revisits the legendary non-halal noodle joint, known for its signature chewy "Bakmi Karet." Discover the must-try "Bakmi Spesial" packed with toppings, including a unique pork sausage. Get an honest look at the taste, portion sizes, and ambiance to see if this old favorite still delivers its incredible flavor after its major upgrade.
The Bakmi Babi scene in Jakarta is insanely competitive, but if you ask me which bowl I'm always thinking about, it has to be Bakmi Ahok.
I still remember about 15 years ago[1], it was just a humble tent stall on the side of Pesanggrahan road. I'd be drenched in sweat every time I went, but it was just so incredibly delicious. Recently, I passed by and saw it got a major upgrade, moving into a shop with air conditioning. I immediately started to wonder: the environment is better, but has the taste changed?
Still the familiar recipe, still that same chewiness!
The moment the noodles were served, I knew the old soul was still there! I ordered the Bakmi Karet (thick noodles)[2], with that signature springy and chewy texture, Anjay! One bite and it just felt right. They have three types of noodles to choose from; if you prefer a softer texture, you can go for the thin noodles (Kecil) or the flat noodles (Lebar).
I splurged a bit this time and went straight for the Bakmi Spesial[3], and the toppings were almost overflowing. It was packed with minced pork, chicken, meatballs, and dumplings. What surprised me the most was their special pork sausage (Lapchiong)[4], which you don't often see at other noodle shops. The sweet and savory flavor, combined with the noodles and the aroma of pork lard, was simply Mantap!
The fried wontons (Pangsit Goreng)[5] I ordered on the side are also worth mentioning. They are indeed crispier and more fragrant than those at many chain restaurants, but to be honest, they were a bit too oily for me. Eating one or two to satisfy a craving is just right.
Let's be real, it's not all praise
Of course, even with my long-time fan bias, I have to speak the truth.
First, the portion size. This is a bit subjective. My friend felt the special noodles had plenty of toppings and were filling, but the"Jumbo" portion I ordered felt like a regular size at other places[6]. Big eaters might want to consider ordering extra noodles. Second is the flavor. I personally love this rich profile, but my friend who came with me found it a bit dry and bland[7]. It might depend on the chef's touch that day, or you might need to add more of the condiments on the table.
As for the ambiance, while it's much better than the street stall, it's still an upgraded version of an old street-side joint. When it gets crowded during meal times, it's unrealistic to expect the place to be spotless. You might even catch a whiff of that unique"smell of age" from the old shop[8], so for my pickier friends, just manage your expectations.
✍️ Editor's Highlights: Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Ordering Guide
For all you friends who want to go Nongkrong, remember these tips:
- ⚠️ I'll say the most important thing three times: NON-HALAL! NON-HALAL! NON-HALAL! This place is a paradise for pork lovers, so my Muslim friends, please don't make a wasted trip![9]
- Parking is a huge headache: It gets super crowded during lunch, and the parking situation is so tight it'll make you question your life choices[10]. I suggest going early or just taking a ride-hailing service to save yourself the trouble.
- Price Reference: A basic bowl of noodles starts from around 25k-28k IDR[11]. You can spend as much or as little as you like, and the value for money is pretty good.
- Payment Methods: Very convenient. They accept QRIS, Gojek, and OVO[12], so no need to carry a pocketful of cash.
- Ordering Recommendation: First time here? Just go for the Bakmi Spesial without a second thought; it has everything. For the noodle texture, I strongly recommend the Karet. Trust me, if you don't like it, you can come find me
- Exclusive pork lapchiong (Lapchiong) – sweet, savory, pork lard aroma. One bite, pure bliss! Unbeatable Mantap flavor! [1]
- Signature Bakmi Karet thick noodles, iconic Q-elastic chewiness [2]. The unchanging soul of this 15-year-old shop! [3]
- ⚠️ NON-HALAL！NON-HALAL！NON-HALAL！ Pork lovers' paradise [4]! Overflowing Bakmi Spesial awaits your challenge! [5]
Similar Articles
Who says Jakarta is just malls? I could Nongkrong all day at this cafe in a rattan gallery
Discover CRAFTOTE, a hidden gem in West Jakarta that’s part café, part rattan gallery. This cozy, home-like spot offers a quiet escape perfect for working or relaxing. Be sure to try the unique Dragon Craft Coffee and crispy Empek-empek Kulit. The main attraction? A stunning collection of high-quality, affordable local handicrafts. It’s a unique place to chill, work, and find beautiful artisanal treasures without breaking the bank.
4.9 stars on Google? I tried The Pancake Co. so you don't have to
With a 4.9-star rating and a stunning photogenic interior, is The Pancake Co. worth the hype? This review explores the beautiful but flawed cafe. While its signature Soufflé Pancake is praised as heavenly and the cream-and-gold ambiance is perfect for photos, other dishes are a major letdown. Get the inside scoop on the high prices, slow service, and a crucial guide on what to order (and what to avoid) for a successful visit.
Sold out in 2 hours & no seats. What's the deal with this Nasi Lemak?
Discover the legendary Nasi Uduk Bu Amah, a hidden gem tucked away in a West Jakarta alley. This spot is famous for its incredibly rich coconut rice, flavorful free-range fried chicken, and a one-of-a-kind sweet and sour peanut sauce. It's takeaway-only and sells out in under two hours, so pre-ordering is a must! Find out if this wildly popular, hard-to-get meal is worth the hype and the hunt before it’s all gone.
The music's deafening, but I'd come back for the fried pork rinds
Discover Nightcap Bar & Kitchen, a hidden country-style cabin in West Jakarta. Be warned: the live music is deafening, so this is a spot for partying, not quiet chats. The real reason to visit is the incredible food. The crispy fried pork belly (Samcan Goreng) and addictive pork nachos are absolute must-tries. If you’re looking for a high-energy night fueled by phenomenal pork dishes, this unique bar is worth the noise.