Almost missed it driving at 20km/h. So why is this called Medan's best cafe?
qponx
2026-03-07
Tucked away in Medan, this minimalist cafe is a true hidden gem for serious coffee connoisseurs. Don't let its discreet entrance fool you; inside, the focus is purely on exceptional, house-roasted coffee that will impress even the most discerning palate. While the space is small and intentionally offers no Wi-Fi, the must-try Nastar Crumble Cake and perfectly crafted brews make it the ideal spot for anyone looking to unplug and savor a truly top-tier coffee experience.
Girls, this trip to Medan really taught me a lesson. I was following the GPS, circling back and forth on a small road, and even after slowing down to 20, I almost missed it… There isn't even an eye-catching sign at the entrance, it's so low-key it feels like a private workshop with a "staff only" vibe. If I weren't so obsessed with Medan's coffee, I would've just turned around and left!
But guess what? The moment I pushed the door open, that rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans... Anjay! I instantly felt all the earlier hassle was worth it. The whole space isn't big, with a minimalist modern style, no gaudy influencer walls; everything is designed for the coffee itself. You can hear the coffee roaster humming in the background, and it feels like every molecule in the air is saying: We are professionals.
So, How Good Are the Coffee and Brunch?
No nonsense, let's get straight to what they offer.
I ordered a pour-over, made with their own house-roasted Sumatran beans. How should I put it... the layers of flavor, the clean finish, after drinking it, all I wanted to say was Mantap! This is definitely the most top-tier coffee I've had in Sumatra, way better than all that flashy stuff back in the UK. My friend who came with me ordered an espresso-based drink and couldn't stop praising it either.
The food didn't disappoint either. The Nastar Crumble Cake is a must-order! It's a combination of the traditional Indonesian pineapple tart flavor and a Western-style cake—sweet, tangy, and crumbly, absolutely to die for. For brunch, we tried the Egg Royale (which is basically a salmon version of Eggs Benedict). Although some might say the salmon was a bit under-seasoned, that Hollandaise sauce... was so good I wanted to lick the plate!
But Hold On, You Need to Hear the Honest Truth
Okay, praise is over, let's be real. This place isn't for everyone.
First off, the price is in the mid-to-high range. The two of us spent about 260,000 Rupiah on brunch, so it's not a place you can come to Nongkrong every day. Second, the space is really small, so don't even think about bringing a big family or a group of seven or eight friends. And, the biggest deal-breaker: There's no Wi-Fi here! Yes, you read that right. The owner wants you to put down your phone, properly enjoy the coffee, and have a good chat.
Oh, right, another downside: if you sit outside, the staff might forget about you, so you'll need to go inside to get their attention.
Visitor's Guide & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Finally, for the girls who want to visit, here are the key points:
- Who should go: True coffee enthusiasts, couples on a date, or solo travelers looking for a quiet place to Chill for an afternoon.
- What to order: Order any coffee; you can't go wrong even if you choose randomly. For dessert, the top choice is the Nastar Crumble Cake.
- What to watch out for: I've heard the fish main courses are just so-so, so you might want to avoid them. Also, don't bother getting the membership card; the reward system is a bit of a rip-off.
- Know before you go: The entrance is really hard to find, so be sure to drive slowly. And to emphasize again, there is NO! WI-FI! Don't even think about coming here to work. You'll thank me later.
- A hidden Medan gem for coffee lovers, with in-house roasting. The amazing aroma at the door screams "pro".
- Must-try: Nastar Crumble Cake! A fusion of Indonesian pineapple tart & cake. Sweet, tangy, crumbly—instantly addictive.
- The Sumatran coffee is god-tier. Its pour-over reveals complex flavor layers and a clean finish. Truly top-level stuff.
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