Waited 3 hours for the viral CHAGEE in Jakarta… Now I get the hype.
qponx
2026-01-24
Curious about the viral CHAGEE tea shop in Jakarta and its infamous 3-hour queues? This article dives into whether the premium Chinese-style milk tea is truly worth the hype. Discover the must-try drinks, from the rich Dahongpao Milk Tea to refreshing Osmanthus Oolong. More importantly, learn the ultimate hack to skip the line and snag a 50% discount using their app, but be warned about the chaotic pickup experience and other potential pitfalls.
Girls, has your social media feed been flooded by a brand called CHAGEE lately? Especially at Puri Indah Mall, every time I pass by, I see that ridiculously long line, with everyone holding a vintage-style paper bag. It made me think it was some kind of luxury brand launch event. 🤷♀️
To be honest, at first, I was dismissive. I thought, it's just milk tea, is it really that serious? But then I heard that the in-person queue takes 3-4 hours[1], and my rebellious side + curiosity instantly kicked in: What kind of magic does it have?
Does the taste live up to the hype?
To write this review for you guys, I certainly wasn't going to queue like a fool. I just downloaded their app and ordered easily. They really put effort into the store design, with that modern Chinese-style premium vibe. Any photo you take looks great, and it's perfect for coming to Nongkrong with your besties[2].
I ordered a few of the most popular ones:
Gotta say, their packaging is a total win. The cup and the insulated takeaway bag are super high-quality[3], and holding it makes me feel like my net worth has gone up. 😂
- Dahongpao Milk Tea[4]: Worthy of being the signature drink, the tea base is very rich. You can taste that roasted tea aroma, and it also blends well with the milk, making it smooth and not too heavy. For your first time, you basically can't go wrong with this one, Mantap!
- Osmanthus Oolong[5]: If you want something refreshing, this pure tea is a great choice. The osmanthus fragrance is especially fresh, perfect for a stuffy Jakarta afternoon to instantly Chill down.
- Jasmine Green Milk Tea[6]: This one is more on the light and fresh side. The jasmine fragrance is very prominent. Some say it's a bit like Heytea from back in China. If you like floral notes, you can give it a try.
But don't be too quick to praise, here come the complaints!
OK, enough praise, let's get real. The taste, I feel, is a bit polarizing. On one hand, it's good, the tea flavor is definitely on point; but to say it's amazing enough to be worth queuing for hours, I think that's a stretch[7]. For people who are used to strong-flavored milk tea, they might find it a bit"light" or"b aja" (just so-so).
As for the price, the original price is indeed a bit steep[8]. A cup of milk tea is almost 50k, which can hurt the wallet a bit. But luckily… (see the tips below! 👇)
Exclusive Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money
Pay attention, girls! If you want to drink CHAGEE, absolutely do not queue with your feet, use your fingers!
So, want to give it a try? Using the app + the half-price coupon, it's worth a shot. Want to experience the"joy" of queuing? Then I salute you, you're a true warrior! 🫡
- 1. Download the app! Download the app! Download the app![9] Important things must be said three times. New users get a 50% off coupon right after signing up, so a cup comes down to around 20k-ish, and the price instantly becomes attractive! This is the right way to do it!
- 2. The pickup area = a massive, chaotic family reunion. This is the biggest complaint! Ordering on the app is great, but the pickup experience is terrible. The number screen is basically just for show; it often skips numbers or just doesn't update at all[10]. Your tea might have been ready for a while, but no one tells you. You have to be proactive and ask the staff, otherwise you'll be waiting forever.
- 3. The"pitfall" of ordering on the app. There's a bug: they might make your drink way too early and leave it on the side. By the time you arrive to pick it up, the ice has all melted, and the taste is seriously compromised[11]. Anjay! So, after ordering, it's best to time your arrival perfectly. Don't let your milk tea wait for too long.
- Insane queues, each with a vintage paper bag; felt like a luxury launch! What's the hype?[1]
- Signature Da Hong Pao Milk Tea: rich roasted tea, perfectly blended. Smooth, not greasy – a safe bet for first-timers![2]
- Almost 50k! App new user coupon? Half price! Try for 20-something k – great value![3][4]
Similar Articles
4.8 stars on Google, but slammed for its service. Is Milky Way actually worth it?
Wondering if Milky Way Cafe’s 4.8-star rating is legit? This honest review dives into the popular dessert spot, praising its magical atmosphere and delicious Thai Milk Tea Kakigori. However, it also exposes the truth behind the hype: notoriously slow service, high prices, and surprisingly small portions. Get the final verdict on whether it's worth the visit, plus some clever hacks to make your experience better, including how to snag a freebie.
Going deaf from the live band, but it's worth it for these pork ribs
Discover MIMI Social House, a spot with a split personality! While the deafening live band and smoky interior create a wild party vibe, the food is the real showstopper. Dive into incredible fall-off-the-bone American Pork Ribs and a tableside Caesar salad that will blow you away. This "Dragon & Cow" themed spot is perfect for meat lovers and party animals, but if you're looking for a quiet chat, be sure to grab a seat outside.
Conquered by a burger before clubbing? The new Mantra in PIK 2 is something else.
Thinking of clubbing at Mantra in PIK 2? You might be surprised to stay for the food. This massive, high-energy club impresses with stunning LED visuals and a great music scene. But the real showstopper is the menu, which goes far beyond typical bar fare. Don't miss the unexpectedly delicious Butter Milk Burger or the flavorful Wagyu Fried Rice. It’s the perfect spot for a stylish night out where the dining is as exciting as the dance floor.
This new Holywings: Besides pretty photos, what's left?
Phoenix Gastrobar, the new spot from Holywings, is a visual stunner with gorgeous, European palace-like decor perfect for your next Instagram post. But is the experience as good as the photos? This review suggests that while the ambiance is top-notch, the food and cocktails are average for their price. Be prepared for slow service and high minimum charges. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, but perhaps not the best choice for a foodie night out.