Calling all Banjarbaru students & parents! This Nongkrong spot is perfect, besides the slow service.
qponx
2026-03-05
Looking for a new hangout spot in Banjarbaru? Surya cafe offers a spacious, minimalist setting perfect for students and families. With indoor, outdoor, and even tatami seating with a kids' corner, it's built for comfort. While the food is a mixed bag (try the signature fried cassava!), the photogenic decor and live weekend music make it a top choice for chilling with friends. Just be prepared for potentially slow service during peak hours.
Just landed in Banjarbaru, and my friend insisted on dragging me to this cafe called Surya. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations at first, but the moment I walked in, Anjay! The sense of space is so luxurious!
There's an indoor air-conditioned area, an outdoor smoking area, and even a special tatami seating area and toy corner for families with kids[1]. The whole decor has that photogenic, minimalist style, the lighting is amazing, so any casual snapshot will turn out great. They also have live music on weekend nights[2], which really sets the mood, definitely a great spot to Nongkrong with friends.
What did I eat and drink?
The owner said on social media that they don't want to be some trendy, Instagram-famous spot, but just want to put their heart into making every dish[3]. I could feel that. Although not everything was mind-blowing, a few items were truly Mantap!
Must-try snacks:
As for main courses:
- Fried Cassava (Tape Goreng): Their signature dish![4] Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. But, gotta say though, the portion is really small[5], it's gone in just a few bites. It felt more like a taster. So, big eaters, order with caution.
- Strawberry Milkshake: A blessing for non-coffee drinkers, the flavor is rich and delicious![6]
- Chinese Stir-fried Rice Noodles and Mixed Vegetables (Kwetiau & Capcay): A safe bet. It tastes good, you can't go wrong with this when you don't know what to eat[7].
Real talk
While the ambiance and value for money are undeniable, the food overall is just “so-so”[8], it's above passing grade but still far from amazing.
Two things to avoid:
Also, during peak hours, you really need a zen-like patience for the food to arrive. We went during the Eid al-Fitr holiday last time, and waited over an hour for our food to be served[9]. So if you're coming with a large group, be mentally prepared.
- 1. Salted Egg Chicken Rice: So salty it'll make you question your existence. It felt like the chef accidentally dumped half a can of salt in it…
- 2. Pasta: My friend ordered a plate, and I had a bite. The taste... well, it was a lot like the instant pasta sauce I make at home[10].
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Overall, this is a place with very clear pros and cons. If you're looking for a comfortable spot to spend an afternoon, chat, and take photos, then this place is a perfect choice. But if you're coming specifically for the food, you might need to manage your expectations~
- 1. Best for: Students, families with kids, and small gatherings of friends. The place is spacious and the prices are affordable. It's definitely a great place to Chill.
- 2. Avoid peak hours: It gets super crowded on weekends, so if you want some peace and quiet, it's best to come on a weekday[11].
- 3. Ordering strategy: Snacks and non-coffee drinks > main courses. If you want a filling meal, you can try the stir-fried rice noodles.
- 4. Wi-Fi Password: Don't be silly and ask the staff. Just look at your receipt when you pay, the password is printed right on it[12].
- Anjay! [1] So much space in this cafe! There's even a tatami seating area and toy corner[2], great for afternoon tea or family time.
- I'm obsessed with the Tape Goreng [3]! Crispy, soft, perfectly sweet, and so addictive you can't stop after one bite.
- Not into coffee? The rich Strawberry Milkshake [4] is pure bliss. One sip brings instant happiness.
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