150k for a 'Salad Rice' Bowl? Why is Honu Kemang Taking Jakarta by Storm?
qponx
2026-01-25
Curious about the Honu Kemang hype? This honest review dives into Jakarta's famous poke bowl spot to see if it's worth the 150k price tag. The article explores the taste of its signature "Two & Two" bowl, weighing the fresh ingredients against the small portions and high cost. Get essential tips on what to order, how to avoid parking hassles, and whether this trendy, healthy eatery truly lives up to its massive social media reputation.
In Jakarta's healthy food scene, Honu Kemang is basically a name you can't avoid. I see it every time I scroll through Instagram, hyped to the moon and back by all sorts of bloggers, claiming to be"the best Poke Bowl in Jakarta"[1]. Honestly, I've always been a bit skeptical. Isn't it just a bowl of salad rice? How amazing can it be?
I finally made time to visit the original Kemang store over the weekend. The shop isn't big, with a minimalist Japanese style, white walls, wooden tables, and great lighting. It's indeed quite suitable for coming alone with a laptop to `chill` for a bit, or to `nongkrong` and chat with your besties. But the space is indeed a bit small[2], so you'll probably have to wait for a table during peak hours.
So, How Does It Actually Taste?
I ordered their most hyped signature dish, the Two & Two[3], which is a combo of salmon and tuna. After the first bite, hmm, this is something special! The fish is really fresh, and paired with their special creamy sauce and wakame seaweed, the texture is very rich. The best part is the crispy tempura flakes inside, which are the perfect finishing touch. The overall taste is `Mantap`!
For my drink, I followed the trend and ordered the Matcha Latte[4], but this one... the reviews are quite polarized. For a serious matcha lover like me, the matcha flavor was a bit weak, and the milky taste was a bit strong. But if you like your matcha lattes on the milkier side, you might like it.
Let's Talk Some Hard Truths
OK girls, let's get real. It's delicious, yes, but the value for money really isn't great. A bowl of Poke costs around 80-90k, and if you add a drink, the cost per person easily goes up to 150k. And the portion size is honestly... on the small side[5]. If you go there on an empty stomach, one bowl might only leave you feeling half full. `Anjay`, for this price, you could have a proper big meal elsewhere.
Another small complaint, I'm not sure if it's because of the semi-open kitchen, but after eating, I felt like my clothes smelled a little bit like cooking fumes.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Ordering Guide
Here are a few heartfelt tips I've summed up for you. Girls who want to check it out can save this:
Overall, Honu is a place with very clear pros and cons. It's suitable for friends who are pursuing a quality lifestyle, want to eat something clean and healthy, and aren't too price-sensitive. After all, they even use biodegradable bags for takeaways, so their commitment to being eco-friendly is still worthy of praise[6].
- Must-order for newbies: If it's your first time, you can't go wrong with ordering the Two & Two[7] straight away. If you prefer something more refreshing, you can try the soy-sauce-based Yugo[8].
- How to Order: It's self-service ordering in the store, just order and pay at the cashier. Don't just sit at your table foolishly waiting for a server[9].
- Transportation: Definitely don't drive! Parking spots are extremely limited and it's super hard to park[10]. Just be good and take a taxi or use Gojek/Grab.
- Customizing Your Order: If you don't like the sauce making your rice too soggy, you can ask for the sauce on the side (sauce dipisah) when you order[11].
- Dine-in > Takeaway: Personally, I feel the dine-in experience is the best. I've ordered delivery before, and I feel the freshness is compromised[12].
- Two & Two [1] Poke Bowl: salmon-tuna, special creamy sauce, crispy tempura bits. `Mantap` bite, amazing texture [2].
- Bloggers call it "Jakarta's best Poke Bowl" [3]. Hype real? You decide.
- Bright, Japanese minimalist spot, perfect for solo `chill` [4] or friend `nongkrong`.
Similar Articles
St. Regis Bar Jakarta: Half God-Tier Live Scene, Half a Major Roast
Curious about the St. Regis Bar Jakarta? This spot offers a sophisticated atmosphere, a celebrated live jazz scene, and creative cocktails like the local-inspired Batavia Mary. While the drinks and upscale bar food are top-notch, the experience has its downsides. The entire venue is a smoking area, and you might get a seat with no view of the band. Get the honest breakdown and essential tips before you go to this much-hyped bar to see if it's right for you.
The Cocktail Club: Was the drink worth the hassle?
Is The Cocktail Club, one of Asia's 50 Best Bars, worth the hype? This honest review dives into the divided experience. It praises the chic, vintage atmosphere and must-try snacks like Wagyu Croquettes. However, it also warns of inconsistent cocktails, poor service, and its transformation into a loud, smoky club after 9 PM. Get the essential tips on the best times to visit and what to expect before you go to this popular but polarizing bar.
King of Jakarta's Steak Game? So good you'll want to pack the salt to-go
Looking for Jakarta's ultimate steakhouse? This spot delivers a dramatic, spotlight-lit dining experience perfect for special occasions. Feast on incredible dry-aged and wet-aged steaks, but don't sleep on the side dishes—the bone marrow corn and silky mashed potatoes are legendary. A premium choice for meat lovers, it even has a secret menu and a cool perk: you can take the house-seasoned salt home as a souvenir. It’s an unforgettable splurge for serious carnivores.
To All Coffee Connoisseurs: This Jakarta Shop Is Heaven and a "Gas Chamber"
Discover a legendary Jakarta coffee spot that's both heaven and hell. For connoisseurs, the selection of over 50 Indonesian single-origin beans is divine, making the coffee worth the hype. But be prepared for the devilish ambiance: the shop is a cramped, noisy "gas chamber" filled with smoke. It's a great place for a serious coffee fix with friends, but anyone sensitive to smoke or looking for a quiet spot should definitely steer clear.