I Found a Kyoto Nook in the Heart of Tropical Gading
qponx
2026-01-24
Tucked away in Gading Kirana is a hidden cafe that feels like a slice of Kyoto. Behind its unassuming door lies a serene, wood-accented space perfect for working or escaping the city's hustle. While the location is tricky, the reward is worth it. Key highlights include the massive, juicy Chicken Karaage and fragrant truffle dishes like the Kinoko Pasta and Gyudon. It’s a tranquil Japanese-style retreat for those seeking a peaceful, delicious escape.
Honestly, while I was driving in circles in the Ruko maze of Gading Kirana, I almost gave up. The navigation led me to a very ordinary-looking storefront, and I thought,"This can't be another one of those Instagram catfish spots, right?" 😒 But the moment I pushed the door open, Anjay… the hustle and bustle outside instantly went silent.
The whole space looks like something out of a Japanese magazine, with natural wood tables and chairs, warm yellow lighting, and the faint aroma of coffee and Japanese background music floating in the air. The vibe is just perfect. The second floor is more spacious, and the seats by the window are practically tailor-made for WFC (Work From Cafe). There are plenty of power outlets, and the Wi-Fi speed is solid[1]. You can quietly tap away on your laptop here all day.
Everyone says their fried chicken is a must-try, so I had to give it a shot. The Chicken Karaage[2] pieces were seriously huge when they arrived. The skin was fried to a perfect crisp, but the chicken inside was still juicy, Mantap! I couldn't decide on a main course for a while, and ended up randomly ordering the Truffle Kinoko Pasta[3]. The creamy sauce coated every single strand of pasta, and the truffle aroma went straight to my head. It wasn't heavy at all. I also snagged a bite of my friend's Truffle Gyudon[4]. The beef was tender and smooth, and the sauce was perfect with the rice. Who understands the joy of carbs!
For drinks, I ordered their signature Kohicha Coffee[5]. How should I put it, it's kind of like a hybrid of coffee and milk tea, with a very unique taste. However, for a heavy caffeine addict like me, the coffee flavor was a bit on the weak side, but it's totally fine to try as a specialty.
Of course, it's not 360-degree perfect. The main courses are priced around 65k Indonesian Rupiah[6], which isn't cheap for the Gading area, where the competition is fierce. Your wallet might feel a little chill. Also, while the fried chicken is a solid performer most of the time, I've heard friends complain that the quality control can be inconsistent sometimes, and you might get a batch where the skin separates from the meat, so it's a matter of luck.
Editor's Key Points (Get your notebooks ready 📝)
- 📍How to find it? The location is indeed a bit tricky; it's inside Ruko Gading Kirana. For your first visit, I recommend using Google Maps[7] directly, don't just go by feel.
- 🚗Parking? Parking can be a bit tight on weekdays, but there's someone at the entrance to help direct parking, which is a huge plus.
- ⏰When to go? If you want to Nongkrong quietly or work, avoid the lunch rush and weekends. Otherwise, it'll be so crowded you'll question your life choices.
- 💪Good news for health-conscious folks: You can swap the rice in your main course for Shirataki (konjac)[8]. It's low-carb friendly, so thoughtful
- Push the door, noise fades. Instantly in a Japanese magazine space, warm wood light & Japanese music [1] create an amazing vibe. Second-floor window seats are a WFC[2] treasure!
- Must-try Chicken Karaage[3] – huge, crispy, juicy! Truffle Kinoko Pasta[4] & Truffle Gyudon[5]'s truffle scent is mind-blowing. Carb heaven!
- Healthy eaters rejoice! Main rice dishes can be freely swapped for Shirataki (konjac)[6]. Enjoy low-carb deliciousness!
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