Pasta for only 38K? Better ride your motorcycle to this legendary East Jakarta spot
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover Hakuna Matata, a cozy cabin-like hideaway in East Jakarta serving surprisingly delicious and affordable food. This Instagrammable spot is a must-visit for its creamy pasta (only 38k!) and addictive spicy fried chicken. Perfect for dates or small groups, it even has a kids' play area. Just be sure to arrive by motorcycle as parking is scarce, and book your table in advance to skip the inevitable queues at this popular hidden gem.
Every time fans ask me about good places to Nongkrong in East Jakarta (Jaktim), I'm always a bit lost for words... To be honest, this area isn't really a hotspot for the trendy crowd. But recently, I really dug up a spot that makes me willing to make a special trip for it, Hakuna Matata Jakarta.
Don't be fooled by its location, hidden in a residential area in Cijantung, you could easily miss it. But once you push the door open and step inside, the whole vibe is like a warm and cozy little cabin[1], so warm and comfortable. The place isn't big, but every corner is decorated with great care, especially the second floor, where any picture you take is good enough for your social media feed.
The food is surprisingly not a letdown!
Honestly, before coming, I thought it was just another one of those Instagrammable cafes that rely on their decor, and I didn't have high hopes for the food. But the result... Anjay! I was totally surprised!
Their pasta is so good it shocked me, and the key thing is, one portion is only 38,000 IDR[2]! I tried the creamy chicken one, and the sauce was rich and smooth—it didn't taste like it came from a cheap pre-made packet at all. The quality is definitely worth the price. My friend who came with me ordered the aglio e olio and also said it was Mantap!
Another must-order is the fried chicken[3]. Trust me, you have to order the spicy one! The skin is crispy, and the chicken inside is still juicy. It's spicy and addictive, a complete surprise masterpiece. They also have a small kids' play area[4], which is very friendly for families with kids—that's a definite plus.
But hold on, real talk time!
Although the food is delicious and the prices are great, this place has some very obvious bugs, and my conscience wouldn't be clear if I didn't point them out.
First, parking spots, especially for cars, are basically non-existent[5]. The small space in front is nowhere near enough, and you might have to find a spot in front of the neighbors' yards, which is a huge hassle. So, take my advice: coming by motorcycle is the smartest choice!
Second, the place is really small with limited seating. If you're planning a gathering for more than 4 people, you can basically forget about it[6]. Also, it gets super crowded on weekends and during meal times, so queuing is the norm. If you want to go, I highly recommend booking a table in advance via WhatsApp[7], otherwise, you'll likely make the trip for nothing.
TL;DR: My Visiting Tips
- ✅ How to get there?: By motorcycle! By motorcycle! By motorcycle! Important things must be said three times.
- ✅ Do I need to book?: Absolutely! Especially on weekends. If you don't want to wait outside, book in advance via WA[8].
- ✅ What to order?: You can't go wrong with any of the pastas[9]. The spicy fried chicken[10] is a pleasant surprise, don't miss it.
- ✅ Who is it for?: Small gatherings of 2-4 friends, couples on a date, or families with kids looking for a Chill afternoon tea.
- Creamy chicken pasta? Shockingly good, only 38,000 IDR [1]! Rich, smooth sauce, miles from cheap instant stuff.
- Hidden away, but step into a warm cozy cabin vibe [2]. The 2nd floor is super photogenic; every corner is Insta-gold!
- Trust me, get the spicy fried chicken [3]! Crispy skin, juicy inside, spicy kick. An unexpected flavor bomb!
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