My 'Secret Garden' in Bandung, almost carried away by mosquitoes...
qponx
2026-02-01
Discover Noah's Barn, a stunning Bandung cafe in a renovated colonial house with a lush "secret garden." It’s praised for its specialty coffee, like the unique Orange Espresso, and must-try dishes including a rich Mushroom Soup and a huge Roasted Chicken Risotto. While the photogenic ambiance and live music are major draws, this review also gives a heads-up on the tricky parking, premium prices, and the garden's resident mosquitoes, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.
This highly-praised veteran cafe in Bandung, Noah's Barn, to be honest, before coming, I was half-expecting, half-doubting. But as soon as the car pulled up to the entrance, I was stunned. There are just too few parking spaces! If you come during peak hours, be prepared for mandatory valet parking, everyone[1].
Stepping inside, hmm, I was pleasantly surprised. It's a renovated colonial-era old house. The sense of space is incredible, the ceilings are exceptionally high, and it doesn't feel cramped at all. Indoor, semi-outdoor, and a back garden are all available, with green plants surrounding a small pond. Any corner is super photogenic, perfect for taking photos and long Nongkrong sessions. The ambiance here is truly Mantap 👍.
Is it actually good?
As one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Bandung, the coffee quality is definitely on point. I tried the somewhat intriguing Orange Espresso[2]. I thought it would be a 'dark cuisine,' but unexpectedly, the orange juice and espresso paired surprisingly well. It was refreshing and cut through any richness, Anjay!
As for the food, we ordered a few highly recommended dishes from online:
- Mushroom Soup[3]: You *have* to try this! The flavor is so incredibly rich. Dipping the breadsticks that come with it opens up a whole new world. No exaggeration, it's one of the best mushroom soups I've had in Bandung.
- Roasted Chicken Risotto[4]: A signature main dish. The portion size is surprisingly huge[5], enough to fill even a big guy. The chicken is roasted very juicy, and the rice is flavorful. It's just right for two people to share.
Let's Get Real…
After all the praise, I also have a couple of complaints. The prices here are indeed a bit high. Two people casually eating and drinking can easily spend over 300,000 IDR. And not every dish is consistently good. My friend's pasta, for example, was a bit too salty[6]. I feel like the signature dishes and coffee are the safer bets.
Also, while the outdoor garden is beautiful, there are seriously a lot of mosquitoes[7]! If you're prone to mosquito bites, remember to wear long pants, or ask the staff for mosquito repellent spray. Otherwise, you'll be eating, and the mosquitoes will be eating you 🦟.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls (Save this quickly!)
Finally, here are some key points for you friends, save this if you want to Chill!
- 🚬 Beware if you dislike smoke: Non-smoking seats are very limited and highly sought after. It's best to book in advance, otherwise, you might be seated in a smoky area[8].
- 🚗 Don't drive yourself: Unless you're extremely confident in your parking skills and luck, otherwise, just take a taxi. There are truly too few parking spaces.
- 📅 Choose the right time: Dinner time gets super crowded, so it's recommended to book a table in advance[9]. If you want to Chill a bit more, you can choose to go on Tuesday or Friday evenings; they have Live Music performances[10], and the ambiance is great.
- Transformed colonial house, stunning high ceilings, lush backyard pond surrounded by greenery. Every shot's a masterpiece, vibes are *chef's kiss*! 📸
- Curious Orange Espresso[1]? Not weird! Orange juice + espresso surprisingly pair, so refreshing you'll shout Anjay! 🍊☕
- Must-try Mushroom Soup[2] is incredibly rich! Dip breadsticks for a new world. Seriously one of Bandung's best! 🍄🥖
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