220k per person & a 90-minute time limit. Why do I keep coming back to Union?

Every time a friend asks me to go to Union in Jakarta, my heart sinks a little: Are we going to have to queue again? 😅 The old branch at Plaza Senayan has been insanely popular for a decade, and there's always a crowd at the entrance. But the magical thing is, complain as I might, I'll still obediently go back and queue up next time.

The Cake is Divine, the Vibe is Addictive

As soon as you walk into that iconic "glasshouse," the daytime sunlight streams in, complementing the classic black and white decor. It looks good from any angle, and the ambiance is maxed out. At night, the lights dim, the music gets louder, and it gets a bit noisy but is perfect for having a drink with friends, switching to a tipsy Nongkrong mode[1].

When it comes to the food, let's be honest. Their Red Velvet Cake[2] is an absolute legend in Jakarta. Order it with your eyes closed, you can't go wrong. It's moist and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the portion is large enough for two or three people to share. Mantap! Also, the Garlic Butter Escargots[3] are a must-try for life. The garlic is fragrant and crispy, the snails are fresh and sweet—it's my go-to appetizer every time.

If you're a truffle fanatic, the Truffle Pasta[4] is definitely right up your alley; it's super rich and creamy. If you come on a weekend morning, you can catch the limited-time Bagel Bar[5]. The bagels themselves are good, but the dips are a bit pricey.

Hold On, Here Come the Downsides

Alright, enough praise, it's time for some real talk. Union's main courses are really like opening a blind box. Sometimes they're amazing, other times they're just average, or even too salty or too sweet[6]. And the prices are genuinely not cheap, averaging around 220,000 IDR per person[7], plus a 21% service charge and tax when you get the bill[8]. Your wallet might hurt a bit.

What's most frustrating is the 90-minute dining limit during peak hours[9]! Want to sit and chill for a whole afternoon? Forget about it. The staff will "gently" remind you with their eyes that your time is almost up, which feels a bit like they're rushing you out...

Pro Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls

Here are a few tips from the bottom of my heart. Save them so you won't be clueless next time:

• Reserve! Reserve! Reserve! I'm saying it three times because it's important. If you don't want to wait forever at the door (we're talking 1.5-2 hours), make a reservation in advance via their app or by phone[10].
• Specify Your Seating Preference: For non-smokers, make sure to emphasize that you want the "non-smoking area" when you book. Otherwise, you might be seated near a smoky section, which will seriously ruin the experience[11].
• Ordering Hacks: Some dishes on the menu contain alcohol. If you're unsure, it's best to ask the waiter first[12]. Oh, and they might charge for hot water. I've fallen into that trap before[13]!
• What's the Best Value? My advice is: treat Union as a fantastic spot for afternoon tea/dessert/drinks. If you go for the cake, cocktails, and a few classic appetizers, you definitely won't regret it. As for the main courses, it's hit or miss. For drinks, I recommend trying their Es Kopi Lokal[14]. It has a local flavor and is very authentic