4.8 on Google? For this? Amati Batam, the café I love and hate.
qponx
2026-03-06
Wondering about the highly-rated Amati Batam? This café is a true mixed bag. It boasts a stunning, Instagram-worthy interior and serves up fantastic coffee and delicious snacks. However, be warned: the main courses can be a major disappointment, with overpriced and poorly cooked dishes. This honest review breaks down what to order and what to avoid, helping you decide if this "love-hate" spot is worth your time and money for a chill afternoon hangout.
To be honest, before even coming to Batam, countless lokal friends had recommended Amati Coffee to me, and its high 4.8 rating on Google got my expectations sky-high. The ambiance is truly impeccable; every photo you take looks like it's straight out of Instagram. The vibe is pretty cozy, and it really seems like a great spot to Nongkrong with the girls for an afternoon. But after sitting down and ordering, I realized things weren't as simple as they seemed...
A Rollercoaster of Flavors 🎢
Let's start with the good stuff: their coffee is the real deal! 👍 The Signature Cold Brew[1] is a must-try, with a refreshing, sweet and sour apple note that's very unique and something I've rarely tasted elsewhere. My friend who ordered the Pistachio Latte[2] also said the flavor was very balanced, not one of those overly sweet, flashy drinks.
The snacks were also on point. The Fried Tempeh (Tempe Mendoan)[3] was thin and crispy; dipped in sweet and spicy soy sauce, it was one bite after another, anjay! The Chicken Noodles (Mie Ayam)[4] also came with a generous amount of chicken, and the broth was flavorful.
BUT! Here comes the climax. Just when I thought this place was a sure winner, the main course hit me like a ton of bricks. That 50k Chicken Fried Rice[5] had only a few pieces of dry chicken and tasted worse than what you'd get from a street-side abang. What's even more outrageous was my friend's Smoked Chicken[6], which was served undercooked and still bloody! We told the waiter about it, but they stubbornly insisted it was just "red sauce." I was just... speechless... 🤦♀️
Some Honest, From-the-Heart Truth
To sum it up in one sentence: this place is like a student who aces some subjects but fails miserably at others.
Coming here for the beautiful environment and a good cup of coffee? Go for it. But if you're expecting a satisfying full meal, either your wallet or your taste buds might end up feeling wronged. The prices are on the high side, and the portions are generally small[7], so don't have high expectations for value for money.
The Blogger's Honest Opinion · A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
If you're a coffee aficionado, or just looking for a pretty place to chill and take some photos, then ordering a coffee + a snack here is absolutely mantap.
If you're coming here for a proper meal, I'd advise you to think twice. Especially don't get your hopes up for the main courses, or you'll most likely be disappointed.
For those of you who can't stand the heat, be warned that the indoor AC isn't very strong[8], and sometimes the aromatherapy scent can be a bit overpowering. While the outdoor area is chill, stray cats might come and crash your party[9].
Don't even bother with the photo booth in the shop, it's a total rip-off! Many people have reported that the photos either turn out weird or they never receive the email with the pictures[10]. Don't waste your money.
It gets crowded during meal times, so it's best to make a reservation in advance if you plan to go[11].
- Who should come?
- Who should skip it?
- Ambiance Downsides:
- Photo Trap:
- One last thing:
- Signature Cold Brew has a rare, refreshing sweet-tart apple flavor. A must for coffee lovers! [1]
- Fried Tempeh (Tempe Mendoan): thin, crispy, and addictive with a sweet-spicy soy dip. anjay! [2] IYKYK!
- Insta-worthy decor & cozy vibes. The perfect spot to Nongkrong with your girls all afternoon.
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