Calling all Binus students! I've scouted out this HeiHei spot by the campus gate for you.

Every time I pass by that row of Ruko near Binus, I always feel like I'm opening a blind box; you never know if the next new shop will be a pleasant surprise or a total disaster. 😂

Recently, I saw this new face called “HeiHei,” and the name is quite catchy. To be honest, from the outside, it looks totally unremarkable—the kind of place you could walk past 100 times and probably never make a special trip to go inside. But, in the spirit of getting rid of a public menace... oh wait, no, I mean scouting out places for my followers, I went in anyway.

So, what's it actually like inside?

My first impression upon walking in: Hmm, very “student-friendly.”

Don't expect any stunning, Instagram-worthy decor; this place is all about practicality. The lighting is bright, the tables are big enough, and most importantly—there are power outlets next to almost every seat! 💻 It's practically tailor-made for people rushing to meet their deadlines.

The air is filled with a faint smell of coffee and... the scent of students hard at work. 🤣 The background music isn't loud, so it won't disturb you if you're chatting with friends or working with headphones on. I randomly ordered an Iced Americano, and as for the taste, well, it's just a standard Iced Americano. It's definitely good enough to wake you up, but if you're expecting amazing, complex flavor notes, you're asking for a bit too much.

Let's be real, is it worth going?

After sitting there for a while, I got it. I understood how it got that not-high-but-not-low 3.8 rating on Google. 🤷‍♀️

This is definitely not a place you need to take a taxi across all of Jakarta to check in at. It's not for taking great photos, nor is it for experiencing some top-tier coffee culture. Its existence is purely to serve the students from the nearby Binus campus.

The taste isn't disappointing, the prices aren't outrageous, the environment isn't noisy, and you can charge your devices anytime. For students who just want a place to Nongkrong for an afternoon, or to have a group discussion and do homework, isn't this an essential need? Anjay!

[A User's Guide for Binus Students]

If you're one of the following types of people, go for it:

But if you're looking for a place to have a fancy afternoon tea, or to bring friends to experience a unique Jakarta coffee shop, then I'd advise you to turn left and go somewhere else. This place is a “gas station” for us students, not a “scenic spot.” Get what I mean? 😉

Alright, Anak Binus, where are your hidden gem Nongkrong spots? Share them in the comments! 👇

• The Last-Minute Crammer: You have an hour or two free between classes and need a place to charge your devices, reply to emails, or grind out that presentation PPT.
• The Group Project Type: You need a place that's more flexible than the library and quieter than a restaurant to discuss assignments.
• The 'Just Grab a Drink' Type: You don't want to think too hard, you just want to find a place to sit and enjoy the AC, and you have no special requirements for your coffee.