Great Tea, Terrible Food… A Polarizing Jakarta TWG Experience
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking about visiting TWG in Jakarta? This review spills the tea on the polarizing experience. While the elegant European ambiance, vast selection of over 800 teas, and divine desserts like scones and macarons are a must-try, there's a strong warning. The main courses are described as terribly overpriced and underwhelming. The verdict: come for the luxurious afternoon tea and photo-ops, but definitely eat your main meal somewhere else to avoid disappointment and a hefty bill.
There are so many high-end afternoon tea spots in Jakarta for the ladies, but every time I pass by TWG at Plaza Senayan, I can't help but be dazzled by that shimmering golden wall of tea. But honestly, sitting down this time, the experience was a total rollercoaster 🎢. The good parts were heavenly, but the bad parts were a bottomless pit.
Atmosphere and Tea Snacks: A Lady's Happiness is Just That Simple
The ambiance is truly impeccable, with that old-school European elegance, gold-rimmed tea sets, and velvet chairs. I felt like I instantly transformed into the young lady of some prominent family. But when it gets crowded, the tables are packed super close together. You can hear everything the next table is talking about, so privacy is basically zero[1].
Opening the menu is instantly overwhelming. With over 800 types of tea, my indecisiveness died on the spot. Luckily, the Choco Mint Truffle Tea[2] recommended by the waiter wasn't a miss. The cool mint mixed with the aroma of chocolate was absolutely stunning from the first sip, Mantap! The teapot they give you is also super generous; feels like you could drink until the end of time[3].
The desserts are the real main event here! You have to grab the Scones[4] early. They're moist and absolutely perfect with the tea. And then there are their signature Tea-infused Macarons[5]. The sweetness is just right, not like those obnoxiously sweet ones you find elsewhere.
Main Courses and Service: Anjay! Wallet-Stinging Alert
Alright, enough with the praise, it's time to complain. Girls, promise me, do NOT have a proper meal here!
I watched with my own eyes as the table next to me ordered a Wagyu burger and oxtail soup, and their expressions were hard to describe. I heard the taste is really just average, completely not worth the price[6]. A single glass of iced tea starts at 100,000 IDR, and an afternoon tea set for two is around 400,000 IDR[7]. Value for money is something that doesn't exist here.
The service is also a matter of luck. Queuing during peak hours is the norm, the staff are busy as bees, and getting a water refill depends on fate[8]. Management's attitude towards negative reviews is basically 'read and ignore,' which really doesn't win them any points.
The Real-Talk Guide: The Right Way to Do TWG
So, come on! Your big sis is here to highlight the key points on how to get the best experience for the least amount of money:
- Positioning: Treat it ONLY as a sanctuary for afternoon tea, don't even think about having a meal! Just come here to Nongkrong, take photos, drink tea, and eat dessert. That's the way.
- Ordering: Go straight for the tea + desserts. The quality of the tea is top-notch[9]. If you don't know what to order, just ask the staff for a recommendation[10]. The scones and macarons are safe bets you can order without a second thought.
- What to Avoid: Main courses! Main courses! Main courses! Important things must be said three times. Whoever orders them will regret it.
- Timing: Try to avoid the weekend afternoon peak hours, or you'll be queuing long enough to question your existence. It's best to make a reservation in advance if you want to go.
- Money-Saving Minefield: Watch out! They even charge a 10% service fee for takeaways[11]. Remember to check your bill before paying, don't be a sucker.
- TWG Plaza Senayan: gold-rimmed teaware, velvet chairs. Old-school European refined afternoon tea, you're a family's eldest daughter [1].
- Chocolate Mint Truffle Tea [2] (cool mint + chocolate!). Tea-flavored macarons [3] sweet, not cloying.
- Jakarta's fancy teas: TWG rollercoaster🎢! Tea snacks heavenly, main courses a bottomless pit [4][5].
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