The staff's face was more bitter than the coffee, but I'll still rush back to this 'botanical garden' in Pekanbaru
qponx
2026-03-06
Tucked away in Pekanbaru, Pungu Coffee is a stunning "botanical garden" cafe that’s worth the hunt. Its lush, photogenic interior offers a gorgeous escape from the city heat, making it a top spot for photos or remote work. While the service can be hit-or-miss, the food is a clear winner. Don't leave without trying the internet-famous Soggy Mee and the signature Pungu Capp. This unique gem is a must-visit, despite its tricky parking and potential crowds.
Honestly, when I was winding through the alleys of Pekanbaru to find Pungu Coffee, I almost thought my GPS was lying to me. The location is seriously a bit deep, but the moment I stepped inside, I instantly felt it was all worth it!
Did I just walk into a botanical garden? Nope, it's a cafe!
Anjay! This isn't a cafe, it's practically a mini indoor forest! 🌿 Lush greenery hangs from the ceiling, and the air is filled with a fresh scent, instantly saving me from the Pekanbaru heat. The whole space has a design that's totally on point, and any corner is super photogenic[1].
I found a corner spot to start my Nongkrong session—as a remote worker, you get it. For coffee, I had to get their signature Pungu Capp[2]. It's perfect for someone like me who doesn't like sweet drinks; the coffee flavor is strong, the milkiness is perfectly balanced, and it's not bitter at all. For my main, I couldn't resist ordering the Soggy Mee[3] that's hyped all over the internet. The moment that garlic aroma hit me, I was sold. The taste is truly Mantap! The noodle portion is generous too, definitely enough to fill you up[4].
But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows…
While the ambiance and food are both commendable, the service is really a bit hit-or-miss... Most of the guys working there are pretty friendly, but the girl at the cashier who took my order had a poker face the whole time[5]. She was dismissive when I asked a question, which was a bit of a minus point 🤷♀️. Also, the prices. A cup of coffee starts at 25k-30k, and mains are 40k+. That's not cheap for the area, so you'll need to hold on to your wallet a bit tighter.
Here are the highlights for you all 📝
- A blessing for the WFC (Work From Cafe) crowd: Stable Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets, and free water refills[6]! It's practically tailor-made for people like us who carry our laptops everywhere!
- Parking is a huge pain: There are very few parking spots out front, especially for cars. I'd recommend taking a ride-hailing service or a motorbike, or you'll get exhausted just looking for a spot[7].
- Avoid peak hours: It gets crazy crowded after 4 PM. If you want to Chill quietly or take photos, I suggest going early.
- Must-try list: First time here and don't know what to get? Just go straight for the Soggy Mee and Pungu Capp, you can't go wrong. Meat lovers can add the Beef Brisket[8]—I heard it's amazing too
- Escape the heat in an indoor mini-forest! Greenery drapes from the ceiling, with air so fresh it's a lung detox [1].
- Coffee lovers, try the Pungu Capp! Not sweet, just a perfect balance of rich coffee and milk. Pure bliss in a sip [2].
- The hyped Soggy Mee is a garlic bomb! A huge portion of noodles so addictive you can't stop eating [3][4].
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