Gacoan's Throne in Jeopardy? This Tangerang Noodle Joint is Mantap, but the Flaws Are Another Story.
qponx
2026-03-04
Tangerang's MIMUME is making waves as a Gacoan rival, but is it worth the hype? This spot wins on taste with its signature Mie Jaim, boasting thick, chewy noodles and a flavor richer than its competitor's. It's a super affordable, student-friendly hangout. However, this review also uncovers some serious red flags, from questionable hygiene to hit-or-miss quality control. Discover if the delicious, budget-friendly noodles are worth overlooking the restaurant's significant flaws.
My DMs have been blowing up recently, with everyone talking about this place in Tangerang, MIMUME, which is said to be a strong competitor to Gacoan. I happened to be in the area, so I came to check it out for you guys. The scene of people lining up to order definitely had that vibe, packed with students and young people, and the menu format is almost exactly the same[1]. So I was curious, is it actually good, or just another copycat?
The taste is definitely a hit, but quality control is a gamble
The moment the noodles arrived, I got it. The noodles are the thick, very chewy type[2], which is different from other places, and I personally love this kind. I ordered the signature Mie Jaim[3], it's sweet and savory, and I chose the mild spicy level. The sauce coated every single noodle, and the first bite really gave me that 'Mantap!' feeling. The flavor profile is richer than Gacoan's.
For a side dish, I ordered the Udang Keju (cheese shrimp)[4]. The outside was fried to a crisp, but... it seems like the cheese in my portion ran away from home? 😂 But my friend said hers had plenty, so it seems the quality control is a bit hit-or-miss. The younger ones, however, couldn't get enough of their ice cream[5].
The place is quite spacious, perfect for friends to come and Nongkrong. But I had a weird experience: the whole restaurant was constantly playing their own theme song on a loop[6]. By the end of the meal, I could sing along, Anjay! Also, I don't know if the walls are made of shipping container metal sheets, but it's super noisy. The conversation from the next table sounded like a party right in my ear.
To be honest, there are some red flags you should know about
Okay, enough with the praise, it's time to get real. The biggest problems with this place are really hygiene and quality control.
My friend was scrolling through reviews and actually saw someone found a steel wool ball in their noodles[7]... which scared me so much I immediately poked around in my noodle bowl. Even though I didn't win that lottery, my heart still skipped a beat. Also, promise me, unless you're absolutely desperate, don't use their restroom. The cleanliness is really... hard to describe. Someone even said the toilet moves, which is basically a physical jumpscare[8].
The service is also inconsistent, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Missed orders are a common occurrence during peak hours[9], so for the girls who want to go, you'll need to be patient.
TL;DR & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
In a nutshell: The taste is good, great value for money, and a strong competitor to Gacoan. But if you have high standards for hygiene and service, you might want to think twice. It's suitable for students who prioritize taste and price, don't mind the details, and just want a place to Chill.
- What to order?: For your first time, go straight for the signature Mie Jaim, you can't go wrong. The side dishes are a game of chance, but you can give them a try.
- How much?: Super affordable, a blessing for students. But note, there's an extra charge of 1k Indonesian Rupiah for each takeaway box[10].
- Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls:
- Be extra careful when eating and check your food.
- Try to avoid the restroom, you know what I mean.
- It gets super crowded during meal times, so be prepared to queue and wait for your food. Their system is pay first, then collect your food.
- **Mie Jaim**: Thick, chewy noodles with a rich, sweet, savory, slightly spicy sauce. One bite will make you shout 'Mantap!', way more complex than Gacoan.[1][2]
- **Cheese Shrimp**: Cheese amount can be hit-or-miss, but the crispy shell is still a must-try. Your portion might just surprise you![3]
- The looping, **catchy theme song** and slightly noisy vibe make you feel like you're at a lively street party.[4]
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