This BSD Spot: God-Tier Bakery or Social Black Hole?
qponx
2026-03-04
Is the hyped NOB Cafe in BSD a pastry paradise or a social nightmare? This spot serves up divine, flaky croissants—the Truffle Carbonara is a must-try—and stellar desserts that are worth the trip. However, be prepared for a loud, buzzing atmosphere that’s more wet market than quiet cafe. It's the perfect place for croissant lovers seeking a lively vibe, but those wanting a peaceful chat or a place to work should probably steer clear.
NOB Cafe has been super hyped recently, hailed as the pinnacle of bread in Jakarta. Even a veteran of the South Jakarta scene like me was convinced to try it, so I drove all the way to BSD to check it out. Honestly, my expectations were super high—after all, a 4.8 rating on Google is no joke.
But the moment I walked in, Anjay… I almost thought I was in the wrong place. It was buzzing with people, felt like all the young folks in BSD came here to Nongkrong. The noise level was so high, I'd believe you if you told me I was having coffee in a wet market. 😂
🥐 The Croissants Are Divine, But What About Everything Else?
Let's start with the conclusion: for the bread and desserts, this trip was worth it!
The legendary croissants are truly Mantap! The pastry had distinct, flaky layers that crunched with every bite, and an explosion of buttery aroma. The Truffle Carbonara Croissant[1] I ordered was to die for. Its savory, fragrant filling wasn't as heavy as a traditional carbonara; it was more like a rich, creamy mushroom soup with a super complex texture. My friend's strawberry croissant looked stunning, and its sweet and sour flavor was on point too 🍓.
As for the main courses, there were some pleasant surprises. The Congee[2] served in a stone pot was quite interesting. It was steaming hot, served with mushrooms and edamame, and very comforting for breakfast. But it wasn't without its misses. I heard their burger and shirataki noodles are a bit underwhelming[3], so it seems you should stick to their strengths.
🤫 Time for Some Real Talk
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. The pros and cons of this place are super obvious, so it's definitely not a spot you should rush to without thinking.
The biggest problem is that it's "LOUD"[4]. The cafe has a minimalist white design, but the space isn't large and the ceiling is high, so the sound just reverberates and becomes deafening. If you want to have a quiet heart-to-heart with a friend or bring your laptop to work from the cafe, I'd advise you to think twice. This place is only for lively gatherings, not for peace and quiet.
Secondly, the price. It's definitely not cheap, basically on par with Central and South Jakarta prices[5]. The food quality justifies the price, but let's be real, the drink prices feel a bit inflated[6]. When your wallet isn't feeling so full, it might hurt a little.
Tips to Avoid the Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Want to check it out without any regrets? Take these notes from a veteran:
So, this place is a paradise for croissant lovers, but an absolute hell for introverts and people who love quiet. Think carefully about what you're looking for before you go check it out! 🤙
- Best Time: Weekday mornings! It gets so crowded on weekends that you have to queue[7], and the experience drops drastically.
- For the Croissants: Don't go too early or too late. Around 10 AM[8] is when the pastry selection is most complete. If you go too early, they might not be out yet.
- Parking Tips: Want to park right in front of the cafe? Make sure to arrive before 10 AM[9]. After that, the front area becomes a valet parking zone.
- Ordering Guide: Go for any of the croissants and desserts without hesitation. You can try the main courses, but don't have overly high expectations. As for portion size, it depends on the dish. The beef taco is a bit mini[10], but the salad portion is quite generous.
- Truffle Carbonara Croissant is a must! Savory filling like rich mushroom soup, not heavy carbonara. A dream for bread lovers [1].
- Steaming Congee in a stone pot with mushrooms and edamame. A comforting breakfast perfect for Chinese food cravings [2].
- 4.8 on Google & called “Jakarta’s best bakery.” Hyped by South Jakarta regulars, but is it the real deal or just hype?
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