Don't Be Fooled by the 4.9 Google Rating! A Brutally Honest Review of Makassar's Legendary Retro Spot.
qponx
2026-03-06
Thinking of visiting Makassar's highly-rated Kedai Lawas? This honest review looks past the 4.9-star hype. While the photogenic 80s retro vibe and incredible Nasi Daging Cabe Ijo are major wins, it's not all perfect. Learn about the inconsistent service, slow food, and practical pitfalls like limited parking and a lack of power outlets. Discover if the nostalgic atmosphere and standout dishes are worth the potential hassle before you visit this legendary spot.
Friends, on this trip to Makassar, I saw a legendary spot with over 600 reviews on Google and still a 4.9 rating[1], and I just had to check it out! The place is called Kedai Lawas, which means "Old Shop." To be honest, I came in with a bit of skepticism at first, because, you know, Indonesian influencer-hyped spots... But the moment I walked in, I was just like, anjay!
This isn't just a cafe, it's practically a movie set from the 80s! The air is filled with that comforting smell of old wood mixed with coffee. Old-fashioned radios, rotary dial phones, and those big-backed CRT TVs[2]—every corner is brimming with stories. The background music is all classic oldies, making you just chill out completely. It's super photogenic; any spot looks like it's been carefully curated, maxing out the atmosphere! 📸
I ordered a few of their signature dishes. The Nasi Daging Cabe Ijo[3] (Green Chili Beef Rice) deserves a huge thumbs up! The beef is stewed until it's super tender and melts in your mouth. The green chili is fragrant but not overpowering, and it comes with a huge portion of warm rice. One bite and it's just mantap! Coffee lovers must try their Kopi Turki[4] (Turkish Coffee). It's incredibly rich and very strong, great for a quick pick-me-up. But for those of you who don't drink coffee often, be cautious—it might be a bit too much for you. There's also a small cart at the entrance selling the traditional Makassar snack Buroncong[5], a coconut-flavored traditional cake. It's perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, a great way to get that lokal feel~
Okay, enough praise, let's get real. While the atmosphere and the main dishes are top-notch, it's not without its flaws. The fried rice my friend ordered was a bit undercooked, and I've heard that the quality control for the mixed rice and the tofu and egg dish (Tahu Tek)[6] can be inconsistent—it's hit or miss, depending on your luck. 🤷♀️
And the service... how should I put this? The young waiters and waitresses are often busy chatting happily among themselves, sometimes laughing quite loudly[7], which can break the quiet, nostalgic atmosphere. The speed of service is also a matter of luck; some dishes might take a very long time[8], so if you come starving, you'd better be mentally prepared.
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
- 1. Don't drive here! Parking spots are extremely limited and hard to find[9]. I recommend using Grab or Gojek to save yourself the hassle.
- 2. Don't come here to WFC! (Work From Cafe) The number of power outlets is pathetically low[10]. Trying to find a place to charge your device is like a treasure hunt, so don't even think about it.
- 3. Don't plan a big gathering! The indoor space is not large, so it's basically impossible for a group of more than 5 people to sit together[11]. It's suitable for two or three friends to come nongkrong and reminisce.
- 4. Price & Deals: The prices are genuinely affordable, offering great value for money. If you're ordering delivery, you can often find big discounts on GoFood or GrabFood—a lifesaver for the lazy!
- 5. Ordering Recommendations: If you're just here for the vibes and photos, just order any drink. If you're genuinely hungry, the top choice is Nasi Daging Cabe Ijo. If you want to try a local specialty, give Buroncong a go.
- Instant 80s vibes! Vintage radios, rotary phones, bulky TVs[1], every corner tells a story. Photos are **movie blockbuster quality**, vibe's maxed out! 📸
- Must-try: **Nasi Daging Cabe Ijo**[2]! Beef melts, green chili fragrant (not hot). Big, filling portion with warm rice – pure mantap!
- 600+ Google reviews, 4.9 stars[3]! A legend among Indonesian viral spots. Experience this **'old shop'**'s charm, Anjay!
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