Forever Waits, Live Bugs in Salad: Why Do People Still Queue for This Viral Jakarta Spot?
qponx
2026-01-24
Why do people queue for this viral Jakarta spot? This 24/7 cafe offers a massive outdoor area and nightly live music, making it a hotspot for late-night hangouts. However, this review uncovers the shocking truth behind the hype: painfully slow service, hit-or-miss food, and serious hygiene concerns (like a live bug in a salad!). Find out if the electric atmosphere is enough to outweigh the major pitfalls before you decide to join the long wait.
Honestly, every time I pass by this 24-hour cafe in Kayu Putih and see the cars packed outside and the noisy crowd, I always wonder, is it really that good? Last night, my friends and I finally went to check it out, and how should I put it... my feelings are a bit complicated... Anjay! 🤯
The moment you walk in, the vibe is seriously incredible. The outdoor area is huge, packed with young people Nongkrong in groups. The air is filled with smoke, mixed with the sound of a live band, and the atmosphere is turned all the way up. There's live music[1] every night, which is perfect for a big group of friends to come and have a good time. If you're coming for this lively atmosphere, then this is definitely the late-night spot for young people in East Jakarta.
The Food is Like a Blind Box, Hit or Miss
We sat down to order, and the menu looked quite extensive. In the spirit of being the guinea pigs, we ordered a few of their signature dishes.
Overall, the food portions are okay, but the quality control is extremely inconsistent. You might get a stunning plate of fried kway teow, or you might get a main dish that makes you question your life choices.
- Kwetiaw Goreng Tjan (Fried Kway Teow)[2]: The best of the night! It had that great smoky wok flavor, the taste was on point, and you can customize the spiciness. They were generous with the toppings too. You can order this one without hesitation, Mantap! 👍
- Nasi Goreng Tjan (Signature Fried Rice)[3]: This one was a bit of a mystery. My friend said it was delicious last time he had it, but the one I had this time felt a bit lacking. It didn't have enough smoky flavor and was a bit bland. The toppings were plentiful, though, with satay and chicken, and the portion size was huge[4].
- Kopi Susu Tjan (Signature Milk Coffee)[5]: Similarly, this got mixed reviews. My cup felt a bit watery, and the coffee flavor wasn't strong enough. Maybe I was just unlucky.
Shhh, now for some real talk…
The atmosphere is great, but there are so many things to complain about that I just have to vent. First of all, the service is super, super, super slow! We waited for almost a full hour for all our food to arrive[6], and when we tried to follow up on our order, the waiter looked annoyed. That attitude... emmm... it felt like we owed him money[7].
The most shocking thing was, in the salad my friend ordered, we found a live, wriggling worm! 🤮 We lost our appetites on the spot. Although the waiter said they could replace it, who would dare to eat it after that?[8] The hygiene situation is seriously worrying.
Also, they only accept cashless payments, but sometimes the card machine is down, forcing you to use QRIS[9]. The whole process is quite chaotic. Come on, it's 2026!
Pitfall Avoidance Guide, You're Welcome
So, is this place actually worth visiting? My advice is:
Who is it for?
Who should definitely avoid it?
If you absolutely must go, remember these points:
In short, it's a place with pros and cons that are both off the charts. Whether you go or not, you can weigh the options for yourselves! 🤷♀️
- People who just want a place to hang out with friends until late at night and have no expectations for the food or service.
- Live music lovers who just want to soak in the lively atmosphere.
- People in a hurry or those who are already starving. (You'll wait so long you'll start questioning your existence)
- Friends who are particular about hygiene or have sensitive stomachs.
- Anyone looking for a quiet place to chat or work. (The music is very loud)
- 1. Lower your expectations: Think of it as a"teahouse" with music, not a proper restaurant.
- 2. Ordering strategy: Stick to drinks or the proven Kwetiaw Goreng. Be cautious with everything else.
- 3. Payment prep: Make sure you have an app that can scan QRIS on your phone.
- 4. Avoid peak hours: Weekend nights are insanely crowded, and it's hard to even find a parking spot[10].
- 5. Check the bill: The prices seem reasonable, but they add a total of 15% for service and regular tax at the end[11].
- East Jakarta's favorite 24/7 late-night spot with live music [1]. Electric vibe, perfect for Nongkrong!
- Worth their wok-hei-packed signature Char Kway Teow [2] – flavorful, generous, a must-try!
- So complex, you'll just say Anjay! 🤯! With explosive highs and lows, it's Jakarta's must-explore cafe.
Similar Articles
This McDonald's has a 4.6 on Google, but I advise you to chant "check your order" three times before you pay.
Don't be fooled by the 4.6-star rating and sleek, modern exterior of this East Jakarta McDonald's. While the two-story building and McCafe offer a great ambiance, this branch struggles with service. Expect long drive-thru lines, inconsistent food quality, and a high chance of missing or incorrect items in your order. The biggest piece of advice from this review? Always double-check your bag before you leave to avoid any fast-food frustration.
Are all Jakarta cafes as loud as a market? This one is so quiet you can hear yourself breathe
Tired of Jakarta's noisy cafes? Discover a rare, quiet spot perfect for working or deep conversations. This cafe serves authentic Acehnese cuisine, featuring huge portions of Mie Aceh and refreshing Sanger coffee. It's a haven for introverts and even has a free playground for kids. While the peace is a huge plus, the article also dives into the cons, like potentially slow service and weak AC, helping you decide if this quiet paradise is the right fit for you.
With service and taste like this, how did it get so popular in East Jakarta?
Mbience Garden Bistro in East Jakarta is a viral sensation, known for its stunning, plant-filled ambiance that's perfect for photos. But is the hype justified? This honest review cuts through the Instagram filters to reveal the reality. While the setting is beautiful, the article warns of disappointing food, frustratingly slow service, and sky-high prices. It’s a must-read before you visit, detailing who should go (for photos only) and who should definitely stay away.
Who says PGC is just a wholesale market? I just raged at a mini-fest in this KTV
Think PGC is just for wholesale shopping? Think again! Tucked away in this East Jakarta mall is a KTV that's secretly a mini live house. Forget karaoke—this spot is all about intimate live music performances from up-and-coming indie bands. Experience "music without distance" in a super chill atmosphere perfect for discovering new artists. It's an underrated gem for true music lovers looking for a different kind of night out, far from the usual crowded scene.