Samarinda Mall Cafe: Kordinat Cafe's 10/10 Vibes | Qpon X

My legs were about to break from shopping, and I was originally just looking for a random place to Nongkrong and call it a day. I passed by this Kordinat Cafe and thought, "It's just another mall cafe, what surprises could there be?" But when I walked in, Anjay! I was wrong.

A Vibe Master, 100% Instagrammable

This place is nothing like the "mall fast-food style" I imagined. The whole space is huge, with both indoor and outdoor areas. It's decorated with a lot of style, and the lighting is just right, so any picture you take turns out great[1]. There's also Live Music at night, which takes the atmosphere to the max. It's especially perfect for a large group of friends to hang out or throw a birthday party. I saw many tables celebrating birthdays, and the atmosphere was amazing[2]!

The Food... A Bit of a Thrill Ride

Sitting down to order felt like opening a blind box…

First, let me recommend something for all you dessert lovers: that Choco Mousse[3] is true love! The texture is incredible, as smooth as ice cream, and it melts in your mouth. It's topped with crunchy nuts, Mantap! But a friendly reminder, the portion is huge. It's a bit much for one person, so it's best for sharing.

For the main course, I debated for a long time and finally ordered their signature Steak[4]. The portion size was definitely impressive, with a very generous serving of mashed potatoes on the side[5]. The carnivore in me was very satisfied. The meat quality was okay, and the medium-well doneness was on point, but... to be honest, it was a little too salty for my taste, which covered up some of the meat's natural flavor.

The friend I went with ordered the Pizza[6]. It had a good amount of cheese, but the crust was a bit too soggy and oily, so the texture was just so-so. I also heard their pasta can sometimes be overcooked or served with the wrong ingredients[7]. Seems like the kitchen's performance is a bit inconsistent.

Editor's Honest Take

To be fair, the prices aren't cheap for a mall in Samarinda; it's a bit pricey[8]. Also, the service is hit-or-miss. It was crowded when we went, and we waited almost an hour for our food[9]. We were starving and on the verge of a breakdown. But the table next to us seemed to get their food quickly, so maybe it depends on the time of day and your luck 🤷‍♀️.

To-Go or No-Go Guide (Get your notebooks ready 📝)

Should you go?: If you're going for the ambiance, photos, Live Music, or to celebrate a friend's birthday, then it's a definite go! The place is big and lively, and the photos turn out amazing.
What to order?: For dessert, go straight for the Choco Mousse; you can't go wrong. For the main course, you can try the steak, but consider asking the waiter for less salt. Be cautious when ordering the pizza and pasta, as the quality is inconsistent. It's up to you if you want to take the gamble.
When to go?: If you want to have a good conversation, avoid the evening Live Music hours because the music is really loud[10], and you'll basically have to shout to be heard. If you want to experience the lively atmosphere, go at night, but be prepared to wait during peak hours.
Hidden Bonus Point: They actually have their own restroom! You don't have to run all the way to the mall's public restroom, which definitely deserves a big thumbs up[11]