Dharmawangsa's newest hotspot: WFC paradise or a major turn-off?
qponx
2026-01-24
Dharmawangsa's new hotspot, Houm Coffee, is creating a buzz with its homey vibe and photogenic interior. While the article praises its must-try snacks like fried cassava and a "champion-level" banana dessert, it's a tale of two extremes. Be warned: the coffee is a letdown, the space is cramped with flies, and it's not the WFC paradise it seems. It's a spot for great photos and snacks, but not for serious coffee lovers or remote workers.
This Houm Coffee in Dharmawangsa, South Jakarta, has been really popular lately. Yoga upstairs 🧘♀️, coffee downstairs ☕️, with the main vibe being a homey, cozy feeling. Sounds pretty Chill, right? Especially with the gimmick of"one free refill for your Milky Coffee," which totally won over the 'Work From Cafe' crowd. I couldn't resist either, so I grabbed my laptop and rushed over. And the result... Anjay! It's a bit hard to put into words.
The Experience Was Truly a Tale of Two Extremes
To be fair, the facade and interior design are really photogenic. The simple wooden tones paired with a vintage storefront look truly Mantap[1] for photos when the lighting is good. It felt less like I was there for coffee and more like I was just Nongkrong at a friend's place.
The food was a pleasant surprise! The Fried Cassava (Singkong Goreng)[2] is a must-order. It's crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and the accompanying sambal sauce is the soul of the dish. There's also a dessert called Banana Delight[3], which my friend exaggeratedly called"champion-level" delicious, worth coming back just for it. If you're looking for a main course, the Mie Ayam OG[4] is a safe bet, with that comforting, homemade taste.
But! The main event, the coffee, was a total letdown. I came specifically for that 58k lemon coffee with the free refill, but after one sip... isn't this just syrup water?[5] I feel like even the stuff sold by guys on electric scooters by the roadside is better than this... I'm speechless.
Then, the thing that affected the experience the most was... the flies! Seriously, so many flies buzzing around indoors. I had to swat them away while typing, which brought the experience score down to negative points.
Complaints I Just Have to Get Off My Chest
Besides the flies, there are also many fundamental flaws with the environment. The space is really cramped, with tables packed right next to each other. Trying to have a private conversation is basically like broadcasting it to the whole room. The AC wasn't strong either; it was so hot I just wanted to leave quickly. The service is also a matter of luck. It's slow during peak hours, which is a given, but some friends also complained that they were comfortably seated but were"asked" to move because a large family arrived... That kind of move really kills the vibe[6].
A Guide to Avoid the Pitfalls, You're Welcome!
Finally, here's a summary in plain language for the girls who want to check it out:
In conclusion: It's okay for taking photos and grabbing some fried cassava and dessert. But if you're looking for a comfortable place to work or have high standards for your coffee, there are better options in Jakarta.
- Time: It gets super crowded on weekends and right after a blogger has featured it. If you want a good experience, I suggest going on a weekday[7].
- Crowd: If you're here to WFC (Work From Cafe), don't get your hopes up. There aren't many tables suitable for laptops, and power outlets are scarce. Plus, the seating is very cramped[8].
- Ordering: For coffee, don't order those fancy, gimmicky special blends; you're likely to be disappointed. Sticking to a pour-over or a regular latte is probably a safer bet. As for that free refill perk, you might end up waiting for an hour and still not get it due to stock issues[9], so don't take it too seriously.
- Yoga 🧘♀️ upstairs, coffee ☕️ downstairs. Homey vibe, simple wood, retro facade. Great for photos! [1]
- Dessert dark horse: Banana Delight! Friends call it 'champion-level' delicious. Don't miss it! [2]
- Must-order Fried Cassava (Singkong Goreng)[3]! Crunchy-soft, with soul-stirring sambal. So good!
Similar Articles
They say EP is an expat paradise, but will Lokal be discriminated against?
Eastern Promise in Kemang is a legendary expat haunt, but is it unfriendly to locals? This review explores the iconic English pub's highs and lows. While the authentic Indian curries and surprisingly delicious tomato soup are major highlights, be prepared for the infamous service and smoky interior. Get the full scoop on this Jakarta "living fossil," including tips on what to order, the best times to visit, and how to tackle its unique "Pressure Hour" free-flow beer challenge.
A Michelin Chef, and this is it? Is Jakarta's Alice worth the hype?
Is Alice at The Langham Jakarta worth the hype? This review spills the tea. While the stunning, European-style decor makes it a top Instagram spot, the food is a mixed bag. The afternoon tea set, featuring some of Jakarta's best scones and delicious profiteroles, is a must-try. However, you might want to skip the pricey main courses and be prepared for slow service. It's the perfect place for beautiful photos and decadent desserts, but not for a full meal.
Worth the 1-hour food wait to feed deer on this massive lawn
Escape the city bustle at this hidden gem in South Jakarta, which feels more like a trip to Bogor. It boasts a massive green lawn perfect for picnics and a mini zoo where you can even feed deer. While the relaxing ambiance is the main draw, be prepared for a very long wait for food that's just average. The real star here is the atmosphere and the chance to chill in a vast, green space.
Waited 1 hour for this? Bakerman, Jakarta's OG viral spot—be careful what you order
Is Jakarta's viral sensation, Bakerman, worth the long lines? This spot is famous for pioneering the Croffle trend and serves up heavenly baked goods like their Triple Cheese Croissant and flaky Egg Tarts. But be warned! While the pastries are a must-try, the main courses and coffee might leave you disappointed. Discover the pro-tips on what to order (and what to skip) to make your visit worthwhile, and find out the best times to avoid the crazy crowds.