Jakarta's Viral HAKA Dim Sum: A 1-Hour Wait For THIS? Is It A Total Rip-Off?
qponx
2026-01-23
Curious about Jakarta's viral HAKA Dim Sum? This review tackles whether the legendary 24-hour, Halal spot is worth the long waits and crowded, hot conditions. Discover the truth behind the hype, from standout Chili Oil Noodles to so-so dim sum that might not justify the buzz. Learn why its round-the-clock availability and affordable price are the real attractions, making it a popular late-night hangout spot despite its flaws. Is it a must-try or a pass? Find out here.
Girls, who gets it! I ran to Blok M in the middle of the night just for the legendary 24-hour HAKA dim sum. Turns out, I waited in line for almost an hour[1], climbed that steep and narrow staircase[2], and as soon as I walked in, a wave of heat hit me, my makeup was about to melt off🫠... At that moment, I had only one thought: Anjay! If this food is bad, I'm gonna lose it!
As for the ambiance, it felt like a Chinese restaurant from an old Hong Kong movie, all red and bustling, but it was really, really, REALLY hot![3] Basically no AC, just a few fans to keep you alive. The tables felt a bit greasy, and the hygiene...ehem...you know what I mean. Ordering is done by scanning a QR code, so at least they're keeping up with the times.
Let's get straight to the food:
Oh right, the portions are generally on the small side[4], especially the noodles and rice. Guys might need to order two servings to feel full.
To be honest, this place's popularity really isn't because of its food. The taste is just so-so[5], and it even tastes a bit like reheated frozen dim sum. Plus, the service leaves much to be desired; slow service and missed orders are a common occurrence[6]. Its only trump card is being open 24 hours + Halal[7], which perfectly nails the Nongkrong needs of Jakarta's youth and the pain point of late-night food hunting. That's why the crowds are endless.
- 辣椒油面 (Chili Oil Noodle)[8]: The best of the night! The noodles were coated in their homemade chili oil, a simple but aggressive deliciousness, it was really fragrant. But! It was super oily. After eating, I felt like my mouth could be used as lip gloss. Friends who are afraid of oil, order with caution.
- 虾饺 (Hakau)[9] and 肠粉 (Cheung Fun)[10]: These were pretty standard. A friend said the Hakau had thin skin and a generous filling and was very Mantap, but this time, I felt the shrimp wasn't very fresh, so it was a bit of a miss for me. The Cheung Fun was alright, though; the sauce was good.
- 咸蛋黄麻球 (Onde Telor Asin)[11]: This one's a winner! Served piping hot, it's crispy on the outside with a molten center. The sweet and salty flavor is quite unique. However, some people find it too sweet and can't really taste the salted egg yolk.
My Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls for You Guys (Get your notebooks ready!)
- Go during off-peak hours: Like 2-3 AM or early in the morning, otherwise you'll be queuing until you question your life choices.
- If you can't stand the heat, don't go: You'll seriously be sweating buckets while you eat. Dress lightly!
- Don't expect much from the service: Just keep a level head, treat it as an experience of life's rich pageant, and Chill～
- Get your order right the first time: You can't cancel or change your order after submitting it via QR code[12], so no shaky hands.
- Not recommended for the elderly and children: That staircase is really high and steep[13], and not very safe.
- Price: You can get full for about 80k-100k IDR per person, which is indeed cheap. The two of us spent around 160k. I guess you go for the value for money.
- Jakarta's late-night ace! 24/7 + Halal perfectly nails the young crowd's Nongkrong vibe [1].
- Don't miss the chili oil noodles [2]! Drenched in homemade chili oil, their raw, punchy aroma conquers taste buds.
- And the salted egg yolk sesame ball [3]! Served hot, crispy outside, gooey inside, its salty-sweet combo is super unique.
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