Calling all Malang international students: Whose youth didn't include a Lai Lai?
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover Cafe LaiLai, a legendary student hangout hidden inside a Malang supermarket. This spot is famous for its long lines and incredibly cheap prices, making it a local rite of passage. While the atmosphere is bustling, the food is the real star. Dive into their must-try Lasagna, loaded with cheese, or the surprisingly delicious Spinach and Cheese Pasta. Just be sure to skip the burgers and hot dogs for the best experience! It's a true taste of local student life.
Every time I come to Malang, my friends mysteriously drag me into a supermarket, saying they're going to treat me to some "serious stuff." Honestly, if it weren't for someone in the know showing me the way, who would have thought that deep inside the bustling Lai Lai supermarket, there's such a legendary old spot hidden away—Cafe LaiLai.
There's always a long line at the entrance[1], with young, student-looking people gathered in small groups, chatting while peeking inside. This scene is like the Malang version of "Super Wenheyou," just more down-to-earth, and more... crowded. 😂
Cheese is power, and carbs bring happiness!
Don't be fooled by its location inside a supermarket, and the atmosphere isn't exactly high-end (the tables are super close together, so don't come if you're looking to quietly chill[2]), but the food is seriously legit! The prices are so cheap it's touching, with most dishes on the menu ranging from 13k to 40k Indonesian Rupiah, making it a paradise for students.
My go-to is always the Lasagna[3]. They are super generous with the cheese, baking it to a golden-brown, aromatic perfection. One scoop in, the rich meat sauce mixes with the melted cheese, and it's just so Mantap!
Another must-order is the Pasta Cheese Bayam[4] (Spinach and Cheese Pasta). It sounds like a weird combination, but one bite and it's just Anjay! Super creamy, the cheese and spinach smoothly coat every single strand of pasta, and it's not heavy at all. The Nasi Panggang[5] (Baked Rice) that my friend ordered was also quite good—it's the kind of comfort food that only Indonesian locals truly get.
Time for Some Honest Roasting (don't hate me)
Even though it's a personal favorite of mine, I still have to speak the truth.
I feel like over the past few years, the food portions seem to have gotten a tiny bit smaller than when I first came to Indonesia[6]… Maybe it's because of inflation. Also, after the good list, here comes the bad list: Promise me, whatever you do, don't order their burgers and hot dogs[7]! I tried them for you last time—the sausage is the cheap, starchy kind, and the cheese in the burger is barely there. The quality is a bit off, so definitely avoid them!
A Nongkrong Guide for the Brave
Want to experience this "blast from the past" college memory? Please take this guide on what to avoid:
- Lining up is the norm: Be mentally prepared for a long wait, especially during meal times. You can wander around the Lai Lai supermarket next door to buy some fruit and snacks, which makes the wait less painful.
- Don't mess up your order: Just go straight for the lasagna and all kinds of pasta. Burgers and hot dogs? A hard pass![8]
- No worries about parking: Although parking spots in front are limited, there's always a friendly parking attendant who will help you find a spot, and might even guide you to a spot across the street[9].
- Check the hours: Remember, They're closed on Thursdays! Closed on Thursdays! Closed on Thursdays![10] Don't make a wasted trip
- Hidden in Lai Lai Supermarket, legendary Cafe LaiLai always has a queue. A true Lokal hub[1] for authentic Nongkrong.
- Lasagna loaded with gooey, golden-baked cheese. Rich meat sauce & melted cheese is pure Mantap![2] A cheap student favorite.
- Pasta Cheese Bayam (spinach cheese) sounds weird but is Anjay![3] Its creamy sauce coats noodles without being heavy.
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