4.6 Stars on Google, but a 1-Hour Wait? This Medan Restaurant Left Me Speechless.
qponx
2026-03-06
Habitat Coffee in Medan has a 4.6-star rating, but is it worth the hype? This spot offers a fantastic, spacious ambiance perfect for chilling with friends and serves up some delicious dishes like Pecel, Pizza, and Soto Betawi. However, be prepared for a major test of patience with its incredibly slow service and sluggish Wi-Fi. It's a great hangout if you have plenty of time to spare, but a definite no-go for a quick bite or getting work done.
Girls, a place with a Google rating as high as 4.6, and I had to wait an hour for a cup of coffee after sitting down. Can you believe it? I'm talking about Habitat Coffee in Cemara Asri, Medan. Today, I'm going to give you the full scoop—is this place a hidden gem or a total disaster? Anjay!
The vibe is Mantap, but patience is a must
To be fair, the ambiance is truly impeccable. As soon as you walk in, you feel how spacious it is, the decor is pretty cozy, and with its warm lighting, it's clearly designed for a big group of friends to come and Nongkrong[1]. The menu selection is also huge—Indonesian, Western, and Asian food—so much that it'll trigger your analysis paralysis.
I ordered a few well-reviewed dishes, and that Indonesian peanut sauce salad (Pecel) was really Mantap[2]. The sauce is rich, the kind that pecel lovers would adore. Their pizza is also not bad; the crust is the crispy kind, and they're generous with the toppings[3]. And the Soto Betawi beef soup, the flavor was also quite rich and very comforting[4].
You can be adventurous with the food, but you can't afford to be short-tempered
BUT! Major warning ahead! The service at this place will seriously drive you crazy. The guy at the table next to me waited an hour for an order of fried corn, and his face turned green[5]. The waiter was also completely clueless; when asked about menu details, he had to run back and ask, taking forever. It felt like he started the job without proper training[6].
Also, even though the interior decor is nice, I don't know if it's an AC problem, but there was always a faint musty smell, which was a bit of a downer. And there are some dishes you really shouldn't try randomly. My friend ordered the satay skewers (Taichan), and the chili sauce tasted super weird, it wasn't the right flavor at all[7]—a straight-up bad review!
A guide to avoid the pitfalls, you're welcome!
So, for all you babes who want to go, let me highlight the key points. If you want to check it out without hitting any landmines, look here👇:
- Mindset is key: If you're impatient, or so hungry your stomach is touching your back, I'm begging you, don't come here. This place is only suitable for friends who have enough time to just space out and purely Chill.
- Ordering guide: Please order the Pecel, Pizza, and Soto Betawi without a second thought. As for the rest... well, you're on your own.
- Don't expect to get work done: Although almost every seat has a power outlet, which is awesome[8]. But the Wi-Fi is so slow it'll make you question your life choices. Even posting on Instagram takes forever with the spinning wheel. If you're thinking of working here, just forget it.
- Best for: Meeting up with a few friends to just chat, take photos, and Nongkrong. The environment is genuinely comfortable, and the parking lot is huge and has security[9]—a blessing for those who drive
- 4.6 Google stars, but an hour's wait for coffee? I had to know if it was a hidden gem or total bust [1]
- The Pecel is true love! That rich peanut sauce on fresh veggies is an instant trip to an Indonesian street [2]
- Huge parking lot with security, so ladies, drive over and Nongkrong worry-free! No more parking stress [3]
Similar Articles
Is Medan's 'Old Place' worth a 1-hour drive just for dumplings?
Is a long drive just for dumplings worth it? This Medan spot, 'Old Place', makes a strong case. It boasts a nostalgic 80s/90s retro Chinese decor perfect for family outings. The main draw is the authentic, no-MSG cooking, featuring must-try juicy potstickers (kuotiek), a rich hot pot with free broth refills, and flavorful pork belly noodles. While it requires a journey and can be pricey, the unique atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular destination.
This 4.8-star gem in Medan… and I waited 1 hour just for my food…
Thinking of visiting Medan's popular Hai Kou Restaurant? It boasts a fantastic ambiance with spacious private rooms, perfect for family gatherings. While the traditional Chinese seafood is a safe bet, the real talking point is the service. Be prepared for a long wait—sometimes over an hour for food to arrive! This spot is great for a leisurely hangout if you have plenty of patience, but not for a quick bite when you're already starving.
The 'best' dumplings in Medan? Is this it? I was left speechless...
Is Hapi Ramen home to Medan's best gyoza? This review investigates the massive hype. While the famous dumplings might be surprisingly bland on their own, the article reveals the real stars are the divine truffle fries and excellent matcha. Discover the secret to making the gyoza delicious and why this spot, with its chill vibes and great music, is the perfect place to hang out with friends—as long as you dine in.
Bringing Muslim friends for Chinese food? Lock this No Pork hotpot in Medan on your list
Searching for a Muslim-friendly Chinese hotpot in Medan? Discover CEMARA HOTPOT, a popular gem in the Cemara Asri area perfect for group gatherings. This spot is celebrated for its authentic, MSG-free soup bases and incredibly crispy fried shrimp rolls (Lenghongkien). While the service can be hit-or-miss, its "No Pork, No Lard" menu and great value set meals make it a go-to destination for a delicious and inclusive dining experience that won't break the bank.