Bad Service, No AC: How Has This Jakarta Ice Cream Shop Been a Hit for 90 Years?
qponx
2026-01-24
Step into a Jakarta ice cream shop that’s been a local legend for 90 years, despite having no AC and famously curt service. This spot is a true time capsule, serving up nostalgic treats like its signature Spaghetti Ice Cream. While the flavors might be more old-fashioned than gourmet, the real attraction is the priceless retro vibe. It’s a place where people come not just for ice cream, but for a sweet taste of history and cherished memories.
In the Jakarta summer, the only thing that could make me make a special trip under the scorching sun, besides making money, is this legendary ice cream shop that's been open since 1932.
Honestly, its status in Jakarta is probably like Arctic Ocean in Beijing or Bright in Shanghai. There's a MURI (Indonesian Museum of Records) certificate hanging at the entrance, which looks pretty impressive. But the moment I stepped inside, it was retro, for sure, but the next second, the wave of heat and noise made me want to leave. Anjay, there's seriously no air conditioning at all! Just a few old fans spinning slowly overhead, making it feel like I had traveled back to the last century.
So, how does it actually taste?
Since I was already here, I had to try the signature item. I ordered the legendary Spaghetti Ice Cream[1], and the presentation was definitely a 10/10. Vanilla ice cream is pressed into the shape of spaghetti, then drizzled with chocolate sauce and crushed peanuts. But the first taste... huh? Why does it have the texture of an ice slushie?[2] It wasn't the dense, silky smooth Gelato I was expecting. The milky flavor was a bit weak, and it wasn't very sweet. To be honest, the taste was a bit ordinary, more like the homemade popsicles I ate as a kid.
The Cassata Siciliana[3] my friend ordered was actually a pleasant surprise. It's a block with four different flavors, perfect for indecisive people like us. At least you get to try them all at once.
Looking around, there were curious tourists like me, and also many local Kakek-Nenek (grandpas and grandmas) bringing their grandchildren for a treat. Seeing their satisfied faces, I suddenly understood. For them, it's probably not about eating ice cream anymore. It's about Nongkrong, about reliving a piece of the good old days.
But before you rush over, some real talk
Alright, time for the"buts."
First, don't have high expectations for the service. Especially the auntie at the cashier, who had a poker face the whole time and gave one-word answers. It felt like I owed her a million bucks. Mantap! That's so Jakarta. 😂[4]
Second, it's really not great value for money. One Spaghetti Ice Cream costs 50k Indonesian Rupiah, and the taste... let's just say I was paying for its history and nostalgic vibe. If you're an ice cream lover looking for the ultimate deliciousness, you might be disappointed.
A guide to avoid the pitfalls, you're welcome
Finally, for all the girls who want to check this place out, here are some honest tips:
- 1. Avoid peak hours: Seriously, don't go on weekends or public holidays. The shop is pitifully small with very few seats, and the line can be long enough to make you question your life choices.{{
- Est. 1932, this legendary ice cream spot holds generations of Jakarta's nostalgia & Nongkrong memories. [1][2]
- No AC, just old fans slowly turning; feel the retro warmth & authentic buzz, like stepping back in time. [3][4]
- Must-try: Spaghetti Ice Cream[5]! Looks amazing, with a refreshing, unique taste like childhood homemade popsicles. [6]
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