As a meat lover, a veggie burger in Jakarta absolutely broke me.
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover Mad Grass, a vegan spot in Jakarta that will shatter your expectations! This isn't just a restaurant; it's a chill community hub with a massive, breezy backyard perfect for hanging out. A skeptical meat-lover was completely won over by their mind-blowing Mushroom Burger, which is juicy and more satisfying than some beef patties. With a super pet-friendly policy and regular weekend events, Mad Grass offers a fantastic vibe and delicious plant-based food that will impress even dedicated carnivores.
Vegan again... Every time a friend suggests a place like this, I'm screaming"NO" on the inside. I always imagine I'll just be eating a mouthful of"grass," bland and boring.
But this place, Mad Grass in Cipete, South Jakarta, is really something else. Walking in, it's not that pretentious"healthy vibe," but a huge backyard, surrounded by greenery, with a gentle breeze blowing. My first thought was: Huh? This is actually a pretty good spot for Nongkrong.
Don't call it a restaurant,"community" is a better fit
It's more like a multi-concept space. On weekends, they often have all sorts of markets, workshops, and even stand-up comedy shows[1]. It's not at all the kind of restaurant where you have to sit up straight; the vibe is super Chill. The outdoor area is ridiculously spacious, and the breeze is especially sepoi-sepoi (cool), making you feel like you could just lounge around all afternoon; while the indoor area has air conditioning and board games[2], making it very relaxed.
My friend is a real foodie and ordered directly by scanning a QR code, getting me their signature Mushroom Burger[3] and a side of Falafel[4]. I was still skeptical, thinking,"How good can it possibly be?"
But when the burger arrived, I was totally proven wrong. Anjay! The mushroom patty was seared to fragrant perfection, locking in the juices just right. The texture was so complex it made me question everything. Seriously, it was even more Mantap than some beef burgers I've had! The Falafel was just as amazing, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of spices. Even a meat-lover like me thought it was “juarak” (champion-level delicious)[5]! Their coffee is really interesting too; the lattes and mochas are all made with oat milk[6], and they're surprisingly delicious—no weird aftertaste at all, just incredibly smooth.
But let's be real for a second...
Even though the vibe is top-notch, this place really isn't suitable for working on a laptop[7]. The table and chair heights, and the overall atmosphere, just aren't right for it. It's better to just focus on enjoying yourself.
One more thing, it might not be very friendly for non-smokers. The entire area seems to be a smoking zone[8], so when you go, you'll have to find a spot upwind.
Tips for Your Visit (Save this!)
Finally, here are the key points. For all the friends planning to visit, take note:
- Ordering & Payment: You order and pay for everything yourself on their website[9], so remember to top up your GoPay/OVO before you go. The place is basically cashless.
- Bringing Furry Friends: This place is super, super, super pet-friendly! They even have an air-conditioned indoor space for pets to rest[10], so all you pet parents can come without worry!
- Parking Tips: If you're driving, there are parking spots out front. If it's full, you can park at the school next door[11], which is pretty convenient.
- Best Experience: I recommend coming on a weekend afternoon. You can often catch all sorts of fun community events, which really maxes out the vibe
- Mushroom Burger? Seared juicy, more Mantap than beef [1]! Even I cried "juarak" [2]! 🍔
- Super Chill community! Weekends: markets, workshops, stand-up comedy [3]. Vibes 💯, perfect for Nongkrong.
- Pet parents, rejoice! Mega pet-friendly paradise with AC indoor space for pets [4]. A Chill spot!
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