I Came for the Vibe, but the Food & Service Fried My Brain… An Honest Review of Jurnal Risa Coffee
qponx
2026-01-24
Jurnal Risa Coffee boasts an impeccable retro Dutch colonial vibe, making it a paradise for Instagram-worthy photos. But is the experience all style and no substance? This honest review dives into the "horror" of its disappointing food, overly sweet drinks, and frustratingly slow service. Find out if this famous haunted-house-themed cafe is worth visiting for more than just the pictures and get essential tips to avoid a frustrating experience.
I came here because of the top Indonesian horror vlogger Jurnal Risa's fame[1], thinking I could get an immersive experience of a retro Dutch colonial haunted house... But it turns out... Anjay, I got an experience, alright, but it wasn't quite the right kind, girls!
The vibe is truly Mantap, but that's about it 📸
Gotta say, the ambiance of this place is impeccable. The moment you walk in, you're hit with that retro colonial style[2], with old picture frames, dim lighting, and all sorts of mysterious decorations—every corner is just begging to be photographed. For girls who love taking photos for their feed, this place is an absolute paradise. Any casual snap can turn into a moody, aesthetic shot.
I ordered their signature Kopi Khayalan Hendrik[3] and a Cinnamon Roll[4]. When the coffee arrived, the packaging was quite unique, but I frowned after the first sip... How should I put this... for someone like me who doesn't have a sweet tooth, it was sickeningly sweet. The coffee flavor was completely overpowered by the syrup. The cinnamon roll was just mediocre, a bit dry, and lacked that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma and fluffy texture.
Alright, time for some real talk 😒
Okay, now that I'm done praising the ambiance, let's talk about the frustrating parts. The service at this place is infuriating. The staff have a cold and aloof attitude the whole time. If you want to order or ask for something, you literally have to shout, because they will perfectly avoid your gaze[5]. Plus, the food comes out at a snail's pace. I personally saw the table next to me wait almost an hour for a simple fried rice[6]. It's like you come here to Nongkrong and practice patience at the same time.
There are plenty of landmines on the menu too. My friend's pasta was actually undercooked[7]. For this price and this quality, I'm just... speechless. I feel like this place is purely an"Instagram filter cafe," only good for taking pictures. If you actually care about food and drinks, you should steer clear.
Pitfall Avoidance Guide, please memorize the whole thing 👇
For those of you who want to visit, listen to my advice to make your experience better!
- 1. Take photos only, don't have high expectations for the food and drinks: Just think of it as paying for a photo backdrop. If you absolutely must order, go for pastries that are hard to mess up, and for drinks, make sure to ask for “less sugar”!
- 2. Pick the right time: Definitely don't go on weekends or in the evening. It's packed with people, the tables are super close together, and you have to shout to be heard[8]. If you want to take photos in peace, it's best to choose a weekday afternoon.
- 3. Choose the right spot: For those who can't stand smoke, head straight to the first floor! The second floor is the smoking area, and it's hot and filled with heavy smoke, making for a very unpleasant experience.
- 4. Parking guide: Don't wait foolishly in front of the shop; there's no parking lot here. Just park your car at the nearby Atrium mall[9].
- 5. Hidden feature: There's a paid photobooth in the shop. It's 40k Indonesian Rupiah for two strips, the filters and frames are quite nice, and it's pretty fun to take a set of photos with your bestie[10]
- Came for **top Indonesian horror blogger Jurnal Risa**, but it's perfect for **vintage colonial photos** – amazing vibe! [1][2]
- **Vintage colonial** cafe: old frames, dim lights. Every corner is ideal for **atmospheric epic shots**. Guaranteed pics! [3]
- Hidden **paid photo booth**! For 40k IDR, get two **vintage filter sticker photos** with your bestie – unique memories! [4]
Similar Articles
5-Star Food, 0-Star Ambiance. I seriously love and hate this old Aceh spot
Discover a legendary Aceh spot where the food is 5-star but the ambiance is zero. This no-frills roadside stall serves incredibly authentic and spicy Mie Aceh and Roti Cane that locals have loved for decades. Be prepared to brave the heat, crowds, and chaos for an unforgettable meal. While quality can be a gamble, the rich, addictive flavors make this sweaty, down-to-earth eatery a must-try for adventurous foodies willing to trade comfort for incredible taste.
Omakase-Level Sukiyaki in Central Jakarta for Under 200k?
Curious about omakase-style sukiyaki in Central Jakarta that won't break the bank? This popular spot offers a luxe dining experience for under 200k, featuring personal chefs and individual pots. Indulge in premium, melt-in-your-mouth beef and don't skip the amazing Chicken Nanban. This review also shares crucial tips on booking, ordering, and what to avoid, ensuring you get the best value and experience from this much-hyped restaurant.
Calling all introverts! I'm only telling you about this 'basement cafe' in Jakarta.
Looking for a quiet escape in Jakarta? Tucked away in an apartment basement, this super-hidden cafe is an introvert's dream. It boasts a cozy, Korean-inspired vibe with a K-pop playlist, perfect for zoning out. The main attraction is the incredible handmade desserts—don't miss the melt-in-your-mouth Basque Burnt Cheesecake or the rich Tiramisu. This tiny spot is the ultimate hideaway for a solo afternoon or a quiet chat with a bestie.
Calling all Jakarta parents! Is this hotel a paradise or a 'battlefield'?
Planning a family staycation in Jakarta? The DoubleTree by Hilton might be your spot, boasting the city's largest resort-style pool and a massive breakfast buffet. But this family paradise can turn into a "battlefield" during holidays with major crowds and long waits for the elevator. This review weighs the amazing amenities against the noisy, crowded reality, helping you decide if this popular hotel is the right fit for your family's getaway.