Driving from Kemang to North Jakarta for the city's one-and-only Thai dessert
qponx
2026-01-24
Craving authentic Thai desserts? A tiny, unassuming shop in North Jakarta serves flavors so real, you'll feel like you've teleported to Bangkok. This spot specializes in uncommon treats you won't find elsewhere, like their incredible Durian Sticky Rice and chewy Bua Loy dumplings in warm coconut milk. It's a small space best for a quick visit, but the authentic, perfectly balanced sweetness makes the journey across the city absolutely worth it for a blissful escape.
Honestly, if it weren't for my GPS being on point, I would've thought I took a wrong turn driving down this little street in North Jakarta. The storefront was so small I almost missed it, and I was thinking to myself: This is it? Is this worth crossing half of Jakarta for?
But the moment I pushed the door open, that mixed aroma of coconut milk and a special incense instantly captivated me. Anjay, I felt like I'd come to the right place! 😎
An"Instant Teleport" to the Streets of Bangkok
The space inside isn't big, with just 7 indoor tables and 2 outdoor tables[1], so forget about bringing a big group of friends for a long Nongkrong session. It's more suited for a quick pop-in afternoon tea with your bestie or partner—a quick in-and-out to savor the deliciousness.
The most amazing thing is their menu, which features many"non-mainstream" Thai desserts that are uncommon in Jakarta[2]. I went straight for the Som Tum[3] (green papaya salad). The ingredients were super fresh, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. I felt like I was back on the streets of Bangkok with just one bite—the flavor is so authentic!
For dessert, I blindly ordered the signature Durian Sticky Rice[4]. The durian flavor was explosively rich, but surprisingly, it wasn't cloying at all with the sticky rice. And then there was the Bua Loy[5] (Thai sweet dumplings), which were soft, chewy, and bouncy, soaked in warm coconut milk—pure bliss. The best thing about this place is: it's just the right amount of sweet, not sickeningly so, and it has a unique aroma[6], Mantap!
Editor's Honest Take (A Little Rant)
Although the desserts were amazing, not everything is a"can't-go-wrong" choice. The tamarind juice my friend ordered was so sour it made her face scrunch up; she felt like her teeth were going to fall out[7]… Also, I personally found the Thai tea a little bit weak, but maybe that's just because I prefer stronger flavors.
✍️ Editor's Key Points (Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls)
For the girls who want to check it out, remember these tips:
Overall, for this authentic taste, it's worth the traffic jam. Thai dessert lovers, go for it
- Limited space: Don't bring a large group! 2-3 people is the max, otherwise you'll be stuck waiting outside, lol.
- Go early, not late: They close at 6 PM[8], so don't procrastinate if you want to eat!
- Avoid public holidays: If you go right after a long holiday, many menu items might be sold out[9]. Don't blame me for not warning you if you make a wasted trip.
- Ordering without regrets: If you have trouble deciding, just ask the staff to recommend the best seller. Personally tested and it works[10].
- Rare 'underground' Thai desserts[1]! Som Tum[2] instantly zaps you to Thai streets, taste: spot-on!
- Signature Durian Sticky Rice[3] bursts with durian flavor. Surprisingly not cloying with sticky rice, redefining durian desserts.
- Soft, chewy Bua Loy[4] in warm coconut milk = pure bliss. Perfectly sweet, unique aroma[5], never cloying!
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