A Michelin Chef, and this is it? Is Jakarta's Alice worth the hype?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is Alice at The Langham Jakarta worth the hype? This review spills the tea. While the stunning, European-style decor makes it a top Instagram spot, the food is a mixed bag. The afternoon tea set, featuring some of Jakarta's best scones and delicious profiteroles, is a must-try. However, you might want to skip the pricey main courses and be prepared for slow service. It's the perfect place for beautiful photos and decadent desserts, but not for a full meal.
Drawn by the name of Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens and the prestige of The Langham hotel, I had my expectations set to the max. But after sitting down and experiencing it all, how should I put it… my feelings are a bit complicated. 🤯
To be honest, if you're here to take photos, then this place is absolute heaven. The ambiance is truly impeccable, definitely a top-tier, Instagrammable spot in Jakarta[1]. High ceilings, exquisite European decor with a touch of fairytale vibes, any corner is perfect for a"pretending I'm in Europe" photoshoot, and the atmosphere is just off the charts.
So what's good, and what's a miss?
We ordered the festive afternoon tea set[2], and we were stunned by the presentation when it arrived; the portion was incredibly generous, it felt like enough for three people[3].
I have to give a special shoutout to the Scones[4]! Seriously, these might be the best scones I've ever had in Jakarta, the texture and flavor were totally on point, Mantap! Another dessert, the Profiteroles[5], is also highly recommended—vanilla cream puffs filled with ice cream, drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce, dessert lovers will probably ascend to heaven on the spot.
But! Here come the complaints…
Pay attention! If you're coming for a proper meal, you might want to lower your expectations. My friend ordered a steak, which cost 428k++ IDR[6], and the taste was just… very average, completely lacking that"wow" factor. Some of the small cakes in the afternoon tea set were the same; they looked really beautiful, but they were generally too sweet, which didn't quite live up to their looks and price.
Also, the service during peak hours really couldn't keep up. We waited almost half an hour for our food to be served[7], and trying to get a waiter's attention was a matter of luck. This is a bit unacceptable for a five-star hotel.
[Exclusive Guide for My Followers | How to Get Your Money's Worth?]
To sum it up in plain language, here's a clear guide for the girls who want to go:
- Know what you're there for: This is a place for afternoon tea, photos, and Nongkrong with your friends, not the top choice for a proper big meal. To experience the best of it, just go straight for the afternoon tea and desserts[8].
- Book in advance! It gets super crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you don't want to make a wasted trip, be sure to book a table[9].
- Payment Method: A friend mentioned they don't give change for cash? Anjay! It's best to just use a card or e-payment to save yourself the hassle[10].
- What to Wear: Come dressed up beautifully! The ambiance here is amazing, you'd be doing a disservice to the money you spent if you don't take a hundred photos. As for the dress code, go for Smart Casual
- "Europe-vibes" photos from every angle! Jakarta's ultimate photo spot with an electric atmosphere [1].
- Jakarta's best scones are here! Texture and flavor are spot-on, one bite is soul-stirring. Mantap! [2]
- Sweet tooth alert! Profiteroles: vanilla puffs, ice cream, rich chocolate sauce – pure bliss! [3].
Similar Articles
Even the Indonesian Vice President was spotted here? What makes this Japanese spot so hot?
Curious about Okuzono, the Jakarta hotspot even the VP visited? This Japanese restaurant in Senopati is famous for its stunning terraced seating and Zen garden ambiance. Find out if it's worth the hype! This review dives into must-try dishes like the Unagi Donburi and Ishikari Nabe, while also giving a real take on the high prices and potential pitfalls. Get essential tips on booking, parking, and saving money before you visit this trendy spot.
Coffee heads, come in! This Senopati spot's coffee is great, but I've already roasted the rest for you.
Heads up, coffee lovers! Senopati's Ombé Kofie serves a truly phenomenal cup of coffee in a super stylish, photogenic setting. While the industrial-modern interior is a major draw, be warned: this popular cafe gets incredibly loud and crowded, feeling more like a marketplace than a chill hangout. Come for the amazing coffee and cool vibes, but don't plan on a quiet work session or a leisurely meal, as the spot has its fair share of pitfalls.
Waited 1 hour for this eggy taste? You need to Chill about the viral Blok M donuts
Is the viral Blok M donut shop worth the hour-long wait? This honest review gives you the unfiltered truth. Find out why the classic donut disappoints with a strange eggy flavor and overwhelming sweetness, questioning if the trendy treats justify the high price and hype. While the Cheese Donut is a safer bet, the article provides essential tips on queuing strategy, what to order, and payment methods for anyone still curious to brave the line for these talked-about sweets.
Calling All Design Lovers! This Jakarta % Arabica is Both Heaven and a Trap.
This Jakarta % Arabica is a design lover's dream, boasting a stunning, all-white minimalist aesthetic perfect for your Instagram feed. While the signature Spanish Latte is a must-try, this spot has its traps. The article reveals its downsides, including a lack of power outlets, questionable restroom cleanliness, and limited parking. Discover if this photogenic coffee shop is worth the visit or just a beautiful place for a quick takeaway before you head out on your next adventure.