Calling all Pekanbaru students! I've scouted out this viral 20k cafe for you.
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Sanama, Pekanbaru's viral cafe that's a massive hit with students for its super affordable prices, with most items around 20k! This spot boasts a spacious, industrial-style interior perfect for hanging out. While the coffee is a safe bet, be warned: the food quality can be inconsistent, and the service is notoriously slow, especially during peak hours. This guide weighs the incredible value against the major drawbacks, helping you decide if this budget-friendly hotspot is for you.
Every time I pass by Sanama, it's always packed, and the high 4.6 score on Google[1] also made me super curious. Today, I finally found some time to check it out, and the result... well, how should I put it? My feelings were like a rollercoaster ride🎢; the pros and cons are both so prominent you can't ignore them.
As soon as I walked in, I was amazed by the spacious area. It has a minimalist industrial style, with clear sections for indoor, outdoor, and smoking areas, and it's quite photogenic. When it gets crowded in the afternoon, it gets really lively; it feels like all the young people in Pekanbaru come here to Nongkrong[2]. Looking for a quiet corner to study? Emmm, don't even think about it during peak hours. Plus, the air conditioning in some indoor corners isn't very strong, so it can get a bit stuffy.
I came for the prices, and they are seriously so affordable it's unreal. Most of the food and drinks are around 20k[3], which is super friendly for students! I ordered their signature Kopi Sanama[4], and it tasted pretty good. The balance between the coffee and milk was on point; it was a good drink.
But the main courses... that's a bit of a gamble. My friend's Ayam Bakar[5] was apparently okay, but my Nasi Goreng[6] was hard to describe. The rice was a bit hard, and it was too salty. It feels like the quality control for the main dishes is very inconsistent; it's purely down to luck.
Okay, now let's talk about the biggest downside of this place—the service. Girls, you definitely need to be mentally prepared. I literally watched the table next to me wait over an hour for one dish[7]. The staff's attitude is also... let's say, pretty Chill. It's that 'you're in a hurry, but they're not' kind of vibe. Ordering, getting your food, and paying the bill—every step requires a ton of patience. Especially on a Friday afternoon, it's a total disaster zone.
TL;DR Guide 📝
- So, is it worth going? If you're on a budget, want a place to chat and hang out with friends, and aren't too picky about food and service, then yes. After all, the prices are a real steal! But if you're looking for a great atmosphere and service experience, you should think twice.
- What to order? You generally can't go wrong with the coffee and drinks. Be cautious when ordering main courses, or just ask the staff which dish is consistently good today. Ayam Bakar seems to be a safe bet.
- When to go? Definitely avoid mealtimes and weekend afternoons! If you want some peace and quiet, come on a weekday morning.
- Don't count on the internet: The Wi-Fi speed is painfully slow[8]. Don't even think about using it for online gaming or streaming shows. You'll be lucky if you can even send a message.
- A heads-up for drivers: Parking spots are extremely limited[9], especially for cars. It's better to come by motorcycle or grab a ride-hailing service, otherwise, you'll be searching for a parking spot until you question your existence.
- Spacious industrial-style spot with distinct zones. It's photogenic and the go-to for Pekanbaru's youth [1].
- Crazy cheap! Most items are around 20k IDR[2]. Hang out all afternoon for the price of a single boba tea.
- The signature Kopi Sanama has a perfect coffee-and-milk balance. A foolproof, can't-miss choice [3].
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