4.8 Stars on Google, But Service So Slow I Wanted to Walk Out? This Korean Bakery Has Me Feeling Love-Hate.
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover a hidden Korean bakery in North Jakarta that’s earning rave reviews, but with a major catch. While the legendary Osmanthus Kouign Amann and cheesy sourdough pizza are heavenly, the service is painfully slow. Is the cozy, Seoul-like ambiance and incredible pastry worth the frustrating wait? This review weighs the pros and cons, offering essential tips on parking, timing your visit for the best treats, and even a secret discount to make your trip worthwhile.
Jujur (to be honest), I was so done today. Just for a bite of the legendary Osmanthus Kouign Amann, I drove around the small alleys of North Jakarta for three laps, at one point thinking the GPS had tricked me into some kind of warehouse district. If I hadn't seen that unassuming little elevator, I would have just turned around and left! 🤦♀️
Who would've thought that the moment the elevator doors opened on the third floor, the whole vibe would change! Warm yellow lighting, the air filled with the aroma of butter and coffee, soft Korean songs playing in the background… Anjay! It felt like I was instantly transported to a street in Seoul, so perfect for coming to Nongkrong with my besties![1]
As for the taste, it was half heaven, half... emmm
I came specifically for their viral Kouign Amann (Osmanthus Kouign Amann)[2]. My luck was off the charts, I arrived just in time for a freshly baked batch! The outside was caramelized, so crispy it flaked everywhere, and the osmanthus cream inside was sweet but not cloying, with a fresh floral scent, paired with the slight tartness of the strawberries… Mantap! 👍 Seriously, getting lost earlier was totally worth it for this one bite.
I also tried the Sourdough Pizza[3]. The sourdough base was very fragrant, and we ordered the four-cheese flavor. The cheese pull was insane, a cheese lover's dream come true! Oh, and their drinks are huge, super great value for money. The tea I ordered felt like enough for two people.[4]
But! My long-time followers know I don't just praise things blindly. I have to be clear about some of the downsides too.
First, the service… I can't even. 🫠 After we ordered, it felt like the staff just disappeared. We waited almost an hour for a cup of coffee, and after reminding them several times, the guy just smiled and said"sebentar ya kak (one moment, sis)," and then... nothing. Impatient people would seriously lose their minds.[5] Their Tiramisu[6] gets very mixed reviews. Personally, I found it a bit too sweet and soft, but friends who love espresso might like that strong coffee flavor.
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (A Must-Read Before You Go!)
Alright, girls, I'm gonna highlight the key points for you. If you want to go without any mishaps, remember these tips:
- Want to try the Osmanthus Kouign Amann? Please, make sure to get there before 2 PM! This thing is super popular. If you go late, you'll basically just be staring at an empty plate in tears.[7]
- How to get there? It's on the 3rd floor of a building in a small alley. Don't just wait foolishly on the ground floor, take the elevator straight up![8]
- Attention, drivers! There's almost no parking space out front. The good news is they've officially said they now have a Valet parking service, which can solve the difficult parking situation.[9]
- Money-saving tip! Don't throw away your first receipt! It has a 20% discount coupon attached, which you can use immediately on a second order, or within two weeks![10] The smart move is to buy drinks first, then use the coupon to buy pastries, which basically rounds up to a 20% discount
- Hidden 3rd-floor Korean cafe! Step out, instant Seoul. Warm, buttery scents; perfect for Nongkrong. [1][2]
- Must-try Osmanthus Croissant! Crispy crust, sweet, floral osmanthus cream, tart strawberry. Worth getting lost for! [3]
- The Osmanthus Croissant sells out fast! Grab it before 2 PM, or face empty plates. Don't miss this rare treat! [4]
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