Best WFC spot in Jakarta? Not so fast, the upstairs is a sauna
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover MUHI, Jakarta’s new hotspot praised for its stunning Mid-century modern design and photo-worthy aesthetic. While the architecture is a draw, the real star is its authentic Balinese cuisine, featuring unique dishes like Creamy Betutu Gilimanuk. But is it the perfect work-from-cafe spot? Not quite. The upstairs gets uncomfortably hot and lacks power outlets. This review gives you the full scoop on the delicious food, cool vibes, and crucial tips for your visit.
Recently, this cafe called MUHI has been all over my social media feed, with everyone saying it's the new WFC spot in South Jakarta and that the architectural design is absolutely Mantap. I was wondering, with the cafe scene in Jakarta being so competitive, what other surprises could there be? But when I went… there were both surprises and shocks, so let me tell you all about it.
Misstepping into an"Architecture Exhibition" with a Balinese Stomach
In a nutshell, this place doesn't feel like a cafe, it's more like a mini architecture exhibition[1]. The Mid-century modern style is nailed perfectly, minimalist yet full of details. Even the furniture is made from recycled plastic; they've really put some thought into the sustainability aspect[2]. The whole space isn't large, but the design really elevates the vibe. It's perfect for coming to chill with friends, and the photos you take here turn out with a super high-quality feel.
But that's not even the main point. The main point is, you can actually get such authentic Balinese food in the heart of Jakarta!
I went straight for the signature Creamy Betutu Gilimanuk[3]. At first, I was worried a creamy Betutu would be too rich, but it wasn't at all! The creamy texture surprisingly blended so well with the Balinese spices, the chicken was tender and flavorful, and the taste was mild yet addictive. I could finish two bowls of rice with it!
My friend's order of Nasi Campur Jimbaran[4] was also amazing. The portions were generous, and the sate lilit and sambel matah, which are the soul of the dish, were spot on, with the spices balanced just right. For a snack, we ordered Shroom Shroom[5], which is basically fried mushrooms, but the basil aioli it came with was a huge plus. Crispy and satisfying, Anjay!
For coffee, I tried their specialty Sun Presso[6]. It has a sweet and sour taste, with a slightly bitter coffee aftertaste. Having a glass of this in Jakarta's weather is a total lifesaver!
Let's be real…
Full disclosure, this isn't all just mindless praise. The food and ambiance are on point, but the prices are definitely not on the cheap side for a Jakarta cafe; your wallet will feel it a bit. Also, not every dish is perfect. For example, I had the fried fish once before and I felt the batter was a bit too thick, which affected the crispiness. I hope the cafe can improve on that[7].
My Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Wajib Baca!)
For the girls planning to check this place out, take note of these tips:
Overall, if you're coming for the authentic Balinese food and the architectural aesthetics, it's definitely worth it. But if you're looking for the perfect WFC sanctuary, you might have to rely on luck to get a good seat
- Attention WFC crowd: It's possible to work from here, but there aren't enough power outlets upstairs[8], and it can get really hot with the direct sunlight during the day[9]! I suggest asking the staff to turn up the AC, or just sit downstairs or outdoors.
- Seating is based on luck: The place isn't big, with only about 30 indoor seats, so it gets full easily on weekend afternoons or rainy days. If you want to Nongkrong peacefully, it's best to come on a weekday, or arrive early.
- Parking is a major headache: There are very few parking spots out front[10], so friends who are driving should be prepared not to find a spot. I'd recommend just taking a ride-hailing service to save yourself the trouble.
- Small architectural design exhibition [1], not a cafe! Furniture's recycled plastic, eco-chic [2]!
- Score authentic Balinese cuisine downtown [3]! Creamy Betutu Gilimanuk: creamy, spicy, tender chicken – totally addictive!
- Don't miss Sun Presso [4] – a tangy, bitter kick. Crispy Shroom Shroom [5] with basil pesto? So satisfying, Anjay!
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