4.8 Stars on Google for this 'God-Tier' Medan Cafe that's a total Arabica ripoff. Wow, just wow.
qponx
2026-03-06
This Medan cafe might look like a total % ARABICA ripoff, but there's more than meets the eye. Beyond its minimalist, photo-worthy interior, the real star is the surprisingly delicious and affordable local food. Don't miss the signature Bebek Cikala and crispy shrimp spring rolls! Just be warned: it's best to stick to the Indonesian dishes and be prepared for hit-or-miss service and weekend crowds. It's a great spot for groups on a budget.
Just got back from Medan (Pematang Siantar), and the moment I stepped into this place called Next% Coffee, I was completely Anjay... Isn't this the famous % ARABICA?! 🤯
From the logo font to the pure white minimalist style, you can't say they're similar, they're exactly the same[1]. I thought to myself, "Wow, the knockoff has made its way to Sumatra." I had to see what they were really up to.
Putting the "Inspiration" Aside, the Ambiance is Truly Great
To be fair, this place is really spacious. Super high ceilings, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sunlight streaming in makes for amazing photos. The space is huge and divided into several areas: an air-conditioned area, a fan area, and a semi-outdoor smoking area[2]. Whether you want to sit quietly and type away in the AC or Nongkrong outside with your buddies, you can find a comfortable spot.
I thought it was all for show, but the lokal food was a pleasant surprise!
👍 Recommended Orders:
The most insane part is the price. A plate of pasta is only around 30k Indonesian Rupiah[3], and the four of us ate until we were stuffed for just over 300k. You couldn't even dream of this kind of value for money in Jakarta.
- Bebek Cikala[4]: Their signature dish, a must-order! The duck is stewed until tender and flavorful, the sauce is perfect with rice, Mantap!
- Kulit lumpia udang[5]: These fried shrimp spring rolls were so good I was shocked! The skin is crispy, the filling is chewy, and it blows away the snacks at many popular internet-famous shops.
- Spaghetti Aglio Olio Katsu[6]: One of the few pasta dishes that actually holds its own. It has that 'wok hei' flavor, a slight spiciness, and the fried chicken cutlet on top is quite fragrant.
But! I've got to warn you about some landmines
Girls, take my advice: don't have high expectations for their Western food and specialty drinks. 🙄
👎 Do-Not-Order List:
The service is also... very hit-or-miss. It gets chaotic when it's crowded. We personally saw the table next to us get the wrong dish[7], and the waiter just looked confused. Trying to get someone to clear a table is a matter of luck. Impatient people would probably explode on the spot.
- Spaghetti Bolognese[8]: A friend ordered this. The sauce was as thin as soup, and the beef was a bit tough. A total disaster.
- Matcha Coconut[9]: Also hard to describe... It was sickeningly sweet, you couldn't taste the matcha at all. You'd be better off with an Es Kelapa from a street stall.
Pro-Tips to Avoid Disappointment, You're Welcome!
So, the right way to enjoy this place is:
Go straight for the Indonesian lokal dishes, especially anything on the menu with 'Cikala' or 'Sambal' in the name—you basically can't go wrong. For snacks, just order the fried shrimp spring rolls without a second thought.
It's super crowded on weekends, and there's live music, so it can be a bit noisy[10]. If you want to take photos in peace or just Chill, it's best to come on a weekday afternoon. Otherwise, you really might not get a seat during peak hours[11].
Attention! They currently only accept QRIS scan-to-pay[12]. For those of you who want to use a card, remember to have your e-wallet ready to avoid an awkward moment at the cashier.
Overall, this place is great for a large group of friends or a family gathering[13], since it's spacious, affordable, and has many options. But if you're coming for specialty coffee and refined service, you might be disappointed~
- 1. What to order?
- 2. When to go?
- 3. How to pay?
- % ARABICA vibes for a steal. A solid pasta is just 30k IDR [1]. Four of us ate for under 300k—insane value!
- The Lokal food is a surprise hit! The Bebek Cikala duck is fall-off-the-bone tender. Its sauce over rice is dangerously good [2].
- Must-order the fried shrimp spring roll skin. Crispy skin, chewy filling. Puts other trendy spots to shame [3].
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