ADAPADA KEDAI: Makassar's Unique Cafe & Bookstore | Qpon X

When I first got to the entrance of ADAPADA KEDAI, I thought I had walked into some local Nongkrong spot. The first floor was hazy with smoke, filled with the constant buzz of conversation—a standard, down-to-earth Indonesian vibe… Honestly, my heart sank a little. How was I supposed to get any work done today?

But then… Anjay! The second floor was a whole different world!

Two Floors, Two Different Lives

This place really gets how to divide a space. The first floor is for the guys to hang out and chat, with both indoor and outdoor areas being smoking zones[1], and the atmosphere is super lively. The vintage items and Makassar-style graffiti on the walls give it a really cool vibe.

But if you're like me and here to work or read a book in peace, head straight to the second floor! The AC is blasting, it's completely smoke-free, and there's not even... any background music[2]! It's so quiet you can hear yourself typing. There are even some books on the nearby shelf you can browse. Isn't this just a paradise for introverts and productivity geeks? 😭

I ordered a Japanese-style pour-over coffee[3], not expecting much, but that honey-like aftertaste completely blew me away after the first sip[4]! Mantap! Paired with their Ubi Goreng (fried sweet potato fries)[5], which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this afternoon is just so chill. The prices are reasonable too, great value for money.

Let's Get Real (Tips to Avoid Pitfalls)

Even though I love it, as usual, I've got to point out the downsides. The Wi-Fi signal here can be a bit hit-or-miss[6]. If you have something important to do that requires a stable connection, it's best to have your own hotspot as a backup. Also, if you're driving, the parking spots out front are quite limited[7], so you'll have to try your luck.

Cafe-Hopping Tips (Save This!)

Here are the key points for you girls who want to check it out:

🤙 Just for Nongkrong and fun: Sit on the first floor. The vibe is maxed out, and it's convenient if you want to smoke.

💻 For focused work/studying/a heart-to-heart date: Don't hesitate, head straight to the second-floor non-smoking area[8]. It's absolutely quiet, and no one will bother you.

☕️ Fail-proof ordering: Coffee lovers should try their pour-overs, like the authentic Vietnamese drip[9] or the Japanese one I had. For snacks, just get the Ubi Goreng, you can't go wrong.

🚗 Getting there: I'd recommend taking a ride-hailing service to avoid the hassle of finding parking. Heavy internet users, remember to bring your own mobile Wi-Fi or a power bank

But then… Anjay! The second floor was a whole different world!