Bad service and cash only: How has this Jakarta spot been a hit for 50 years?
qponx
2026-01-24
Despite its famously bad service and cash-only policy, Jakarta's Suisse Bakery has been a local favorite for 50 years. What's the secret? This spot is a time capsule, offering a powerful taste of nostalgia from the 1970s. People brave the chaos for its dense, old-school bread and legendary treats like the must-try Chicken Ragout Risoles. It’s an authentic experience where the incredible flavor of the past makes the frustrating service completely worth it.
Just walked out of Suisse Bakery, and I'm a bit stunned… It was packed with people, as noisy as a wet market, the staff were shouting across a long table to handle payments, and the guy in front of me even got yelled at for not hearing clearly[1]. When it was finally my turn, I wanted to pay by card? Sorry, they only accept cash or bank transfer[2]. Anjay! With an experience like this, I almost turned around and left on the spot.
But the moment I got my bread and smelled that familiar, unchanging baking aroma that has wafted through for decades, I think I started to get it. This is a shop that's living in the past, from the decor to the texture of the bread, it all feels like it's been sealed in a time capsule from the 1970s[3]. The bread doesn't have that airy texture popular today, but rather that dense yet soft texture with a bit of a chew, it's the taste that the older generation of Indonesians remember.
Tried these, and I'm sold…
- Chicken Ragout Risoles: To be honest, this might be the most Mantap Risoles I've ever had in Jakarta[4]. The skin is so thin it's almost transparent, and the creamy chicken and vegetable filling (Ragout) inside is insanely fragrant, one bite takes you straight back to your childhood. A must-buy!
- Long John: A classic long bread, I chose the chocolate flavor. They are super generous with the filling, you get rich chocolate sauce in every bite. Paired with the slightly chewy bread, it's pure bliss[5].
- Kue Sus / Choux: Also a popular item at the shop[6]. It's the most simple and unpretentious cream puff, but the taste is just right, full of nostalgia.
Hold on, let's be real
The taste is definitely legit, and the nostalgia factor is maxed out. BUT! There are a few things I have to make clear to you all.
First, the service is really a matter of luck. The auntie who served me this time was okay, but I witnessed other customers being treated impatiently[7]. Second, some long-time fans say that some breads, like the hot dogs, have gotten smaller than before[8], so you can be the judge of that.
Lastly, they actually charge an extra 10,000 for the take-away paper box... emm... okay then.
A Hard-Won Guide to Avoid Pitfalls 📝
For my friends who want to experience this"old-school" vibe, remember these points, and your experience will be 80% better:
So, this is a shop worth making a special trip for, purely for the nostalgia, but you'll need to let go of all expectations for modern service. Would you go? Let's chat in the comments! 👇
- 1. Bring enough cash! I'll say it three times! They only take cash or BCA bank transfer, don't expect any e-payments.
- 2. Don't drive! There's MRT construction at the entrance, the road is terribly narrow, and there are almost no parking spots[9]. Taking a taxi or riding a motorcycle is the best way to go.
- 3. Go in the morning! It's best to go early, when the bread is freshest and the selection is most complete. Definitely don't be like me and go join the crowd on a Sunday afternoon, you'll be so squeezed you'll question your life choices[10].
- 4. Do your homework! The breads aren't labeled, so it's best to look up pictures online beforehand and just point to order. Otherwise, in that chaotic environment[11], both you and the staff will get very irritable…
- Foodie-approved Mantap Risoles: wafer-thin skin, bursting with creamy chicken. Pure childhood nostalgia. [1]
- Enter a 1970s time capsule! Timeless bakery aroma, the chewy bread older generations cherish. [2]
- Classic Long John chocolate: every bite packed with rich chocolate, with chewy bread. Pure bliss! [3]
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