Who says all the good coffee is in Jakarta? This little shop in Balikpapan humbled me.
qponx
2026-03-05
Think all the best coffee is in Jakarta? This small, unassuming roadside shop in Balikpapan might change your mind. It’s a hidden gem serving seriously good, non-sugary coffee with owner-roasted beans. Try the expertly made V60 or the signature Kopi Susu Singkawang. At night, the place transforms into a buzzing social hub, perfect for experiencing authentic Indonesian "Nongkrong" culture and making new friends over a fantastic cup.
After drinking so much specialty coffee in Jakarta, to be honest, I was getting a bit jaded. I never expected that on this business trip to Balikpapan, I'd get schooled by a small roadside spot, it was truly anjay! 🤯
The shop isn't big, but at night, it's absolutely buzzing with people, I almost thought I'd walked into some popular livehouse. The entrance was packed with motorcycles, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee and the laughter of young people. This is what Indonesia is supposed to be like.
True Coffee, Not Sugary Water
Now for the main event: their coffee. This is definitely made for "true coffee lovers"[1], not that sickeningly sweet sugar water type of drink. The owner roasts the beans himself, and he can clearly present the distinct flavors from various Indonesian regions.
I ordered a pour-over V60[2], and the balance of fruity acidity and sweetness in those Gayo beans was amazing[3]. You could tell it was the real deal from the first sip. My friend who was with me ordered the signature Kopi Susu Singkawang[4], and I had a taste. The milk was smooth, and the sweetness was just right—not a half-assed flavor at all.
The most amazing part is the social atmosphere here. People at the next table can just strike up a conversation with you while they're chatting. Turning from strangers to friends only takes the time to drink a cup of coffee[5]. This is what true Nongkrong is all about!
Let's Be Real (Here Come the Downsides)
But, to be fair, friends who want to come here to Chill need to be mentally prepared. First, the place is indeed not very big[6], and it gets super crowded at night, so finding a quiet corner to type away might be a bit difficult. Second, parking is very tight, especially for cars, there are only a few spots[7]. For friends driving here, I'd suggest coming during off-peak hours or just trying your luck.
My Tips for Your Visit
- What to Order: Coffee connoisseurs should go straight for the pour-over or Cold Brew[8]. Trust me, you can't go wrong. Newbies can try the Kopi Susu Singkawang[9]—it's a safe bet! Just order some french fries, the portion is surprisingly huge[10], and it's super great value for money.
- When to Go: If you want a quiet experience, come in the afternoon; it's suitable for freelancers to work[11]. If you want to experience the lively social vibe, come at night and be ready to chat with strangers.
- Hidden Perks: Moms with kids, take note! They actually have high chairs for babies[12]—so thoughtful! Muslim friends, don't worry either, there's a small prayer room on the second floor[13].
- Buying Beans: If you like the coffee, you can grab a bag of beans to take home. They have a solid relationship with regions like Aceh Gayo[14], so the quality of the beans is guaranteed. It's also a way to support local coffee farmers. Mantap! 👍
- This roadside spot is a buzzing livehouse at night, filled with coffee, laughter, and the real Indonesian `Nongkrong` vibe [1].
- Owner-roasted Indonesian beans. A V60 pour-over reveals the balanced fruity acidity of Gayo beans—a coffee lover's dream [2].
- Strangers become friends over coffee. This is the social `Nongkrong` vibe—the soul of a café [3].
Similar Articles
Anjay! This Balikpapan K-food is killing it, 399k for BBQ & hotpot to stuff 4 people
Craving affordable K-food in Balikpapan? GC Korean BBQ offers an unbeatable deal: a massive BBQ and hot pot feast for four people at just 399k! Dig into sizzling beef belly, unique Belly Mozza with melted cheese, and a comforting Budae-jjigae. With its cozy, K-drama-inspired vibe, it's the perfect spot for a group hangout. This popular restaurant gets busy, so book ahead to enjoy this fantastic value without the wait.
This is Balikpapan's legendary restaurant?! Sucky service, but... I'd still go back?
Discover Balikpapan's legendary DECAFE, a beautifully renovated spot with a chic, cozy atmosphere. But be warned: the service is famously bad. Despite the icy waitstaff and long waits, some dishes are absolutely divine. The Black Pepper Beef with Buns and comforting Oxtail Soup are must-tries that make this a place you'll love to hate. This review weighs the pros and cons, helping you decide if the heavenly food is worth the devilish service.
Stop calling Balikpapan a food desert! This restaurant is the first to disagree
Think Balikpapan lacks great food spots? Scako Coffee is here to prove you wrong! This highly-rated gem offers a chill, cozy vibe perfect for any occasion, from dates to family dinners. Enjoy top-notch service and live music that’s just the right volume. Don't miss their must-try dishes like the savory Black Pepper Rice Bowl and the acclaimed Hazelnut Latte. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, Scako Coffee is a standout destination worth the visit.
This 4.8-star Google-rated sushi train has service like *this*? Balikpapan girls, don't rush over
This 4.8-star sushi train in Balikpapan might not be what it seems. While the sushi is decent, the real stars are the surprisingly amazing hot dishes, like the must-try Grilled Salmon Head and rich ramen. However, a heads-up is needed for the incredibly slow service, rude staff, and chaotic kitchen atmosphere. Is the delicious hot food worth the frustrating wait? This review breaks down what to expect before you decide to join the long queue.