50k/pax to Nongkrong at an old Palembang house, but for these things… thanks for nothing.
qponx
2026-03-06
Thinking of chilling at Rumah Loer in Palembang? This article reviews the popular hangout spot, a retro cafe in an old house known for its 80s vibe and wallet-friendly prices around 50k per person. Get the scoop on its photogenic lattes and tasty fried rice, but also a heads-up on the noisy crowds, overly sweet coffee, and some hit-or-miss snacks. This honest review tells you what’s great and what’s not at this budget-friendly spot.
Just got back from Palembang, and I can't stop thinking about this old house cafe called Rumah Loer. Anjay, this place is really something!
Its name is "Rumah" (Indonesian for home), and it's literally a converted old house. The moment you step inside, you get hit with this retro vibe; the walls are covered with vinyl records[1], and it feels like you could travel back to the 80s at any moment. The lighting inside is a bit dim, creating a very cozy atmosphere, and it really feels like you're just having a chill time in a friend's living room.
The Coffee is Decent, but the Sweetness is a Mystery
As a coffee head, I went straight for their signature Kopi Susu[2]. Mmm, they got the flavor right! The coffee base is strong enough, not that "sugar water" type where the milk completely overpowers everything. Mantap! My friend who was with me ordered a blue sea salt latte[3], and when it arrived, we both went "wow." It's super photogenic, and the taste was pretty unique too; the sweet and salty balance was on point.
Since we were hungry, we ordered a main dish, the Nasi Goreng Merdeka[4]. It was full of spices, that authentic Indonesian fried rice flavor. For snacks, we tried the fried mushrooms, and they were still crispy even after sitting out for a while, so I'd recommend this one[5].
Real Talk, Not Just Praises
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. Even though I specifically asked for less sugar in my Kopi Susu, it still felt a bit too sweet[6]. Those with a sweet tooth might love it, but for me, it was a bit cloying. And then there's the Cireng (fried tapioca starch), oh my god, it was so hard it felt like a test for my teeth. There was a comment that said "seperti kehidupan kerasnya" (as hard as a tough life), and I was dying of laughter[7]!
Also, this place gets super crowded from the afternoon into the evening! It's basically impossible to have a quiet time; it's as noisy as a wet market[8], so it's more suitable for a big group of friends to come and nongkrong. Well, it's an old house, so the facility maintenance is just so-so. The AC isn't very strong, and the Wi-Fi speed is a game of chance[9], so digital nomads thinking of working here, you've been warned.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Finally, let me give you the key takeaways. For those of you who want to go, take notes✍️:
- Time: If you want to work quietly or take photos, make sure to avoid the peak hours after 3 PM and on weekends! Otherwise, it's just a massive social scene.
- Ordering: This place is self-service. You go to the counter to order and pay, then wait for your number to be called to pick up your food[10]. Don't just sit at your table waiting for a server.
- Price: The value for money is really high. The two of us each got a drink, and it was only 50,000 IDR. Even with a main course + snack + coffee, it's only about 50,000-75,000 IDR per person[11], very student-friendly.
- Parking: Parking spots right in front are very limited, so if you're driving, you'll likely have to park along the street[12]. You can ask the parking attendants (kang parkir) on the street for help; just give them a small tip.
- Step into Rumah Loer for instant retro vibes! With vinyl records on the walls, it feels like a total 80s time warp [1].
- The signature Kopi Susu packs a punch. It’s strong and authentic, not just a sugary drink [2].
- The Nasi Goreng Merdeka is loaded with authentic spices, and the fried mushrooms stay crispy even when cold! [3][4]
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