Dare to drink Wasabi Gin? I'm rushing to this "split personality" bar in Kemang
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover Switch, Kemang's "split personality" hot spot that transforms from a chill coffee shop by day into a buzzing experimental bar at night. This place dares you to be adventurous with its menu, featuring wild creations like a sweet-and-savory Donut Burger and mind-bending cocktails such as Wasabi Gin. It's the perfect destination for those seeking unique flavors and a lively atmosphere, though be prepared for a smoky environment and loud music after dark.
The places in Kemang are getting more and more competitive. By day, it looks like a harmless coffee shop, but at night, the vibe completely changes, and it transforms into an experimental bar, with a very direct name: Switch 🔄.
The moment you walk in, the dark atmosphere feels just right—dim, comfortable, and perfect for coming to nongkrong with friends. But! I have to complain first, and this is its biggest flaw: smoking is allowed indoors, and the smoking and non-smoking areas are basically just a"clear dividing line," sharing secondhand smoke in the same space. For non-smokers like us, it's absolute torture for the nose![1] For my friends who mind this, you can stop reading here, this is a dealbreaker.
Putting the smoke aside, the food and drinks are seriously impressive
If you can tolerate the smoke, then congratulations, the food and drinks here will definitely surprise you. Out of curiosity, I ordered their signature Donut Burger[2]. A donut with a beef patty and chocolate sauce? Sounds like a weird food combo, but one bite in, Anjay! The mix of salty and sweet was surprisingly harmonious, so good I wanted to stand up and applaud! 👏
And then there's the Nasumiyaki[3], crispy fried eggplant with takoyaki sauce. Even for someone like me who usually runs at the sight of eggplant, I couldn't stop eating it. The texture is so unique.
The main event is the drinks at night. You won't find any run-of-the-mill Mojitos on the menu; it's all sorts of weird combinations, like Wasabi Gin, Honey Banana Butter Rum[4]… Wildly creative, but the taste is truly Mantap! The mixologist really knows their stuff. The service deserves praise too; the guys and girls are all super nice and quick to respond, which makes you feel very comfortable.[5]
Let's talk real (wallet warning)
Honestly, the prices are on the high side for Jakarta, so a casual meal and drink will hurt your wallet a bit.[6] Luckily, the portions are quite generous; one burger is enough to fill you up, so you could say it's worth the money.
But again, the music is loud, and it's filled with smoke. If you're looking to have a quiet chat or bring your laptop to WFC (Work From Cafe), please, find another place. This is definitely not your cup of tea.[7]
Blogger's Personal Tips (Guaranteed to just sit in your bookmarks)
- For friends with zero tolerance for smoke: Just pass on this one, don't put yourself through the trouble.
- People looking to work/study: Don't come! Don't come! Don't come! The music is so loud you won't be able to hear your client yelling on the phone.[8]
- For those driving: Parking spots are very limited, and the ramp to the basement is super steep, a real test of your driving skills. I'd suggest just taking a Gojek or using the valet parking, although I have heard absurd stories about the valet losing a customer's car keys.[9]
- Best time to visit: If you want coffee, come in the afternoon to chill for a bit. To get the real essence of the place, come at night with your drinking buddies. The experimental cocktails[10] here are definitely something you won't find anywhere else
- The Donut Burger? Sweet & savory, Anjay! So good you'll applaud! [1]
- No plain Mojitos! Only creative cocktails like Wasabi Gin, Honey Banana Butter Rum – totally Mantap! [2]
- Even eggplant haters devour Nasumiyaki! Crispy eggplant with takoyaki sauce – a unique, amazing texture! [3]
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