Smokers rejoice, non-smokers beware! This pork knuckle rice is Mantap, but I'm so done with the secondhand smoke.
qponx
2026-01-24
Ninety Nine in West Jakarta offers a true love-hate experience. The star is the "Mantap" crispy pork knuckle butter rice—an absolute must-try dish. It's also a great spot for drinkers, with live music and generous happy hour promos. The major catch? The entire restaurant is extremely smoky, a dealbreaker for non-smokers. With other dishes and the service being hit-or-miss, you'll have to decide if the incredible pork knuckle is worth braving the haze.
Girls, some places just give you that love-hate relationship.
Take Ninety Nine, for example, located on the second floor of Ranch Market in West Jakarta. Every time I pass by, it's always bustling with people, making me think it's some kind of hidden gem. But once I went in... oh man, I almost thought I'd stumbled into a massive smoking lounge! 🚬 The space is spacious, sure, but it's filled with the smell of smoke. For people like us who get a headache from the smell, it's a major turn-off.
The food is on point, otherwise I would've left long ago
Since I was already seated, I had to eat, right? Thankfully, the quality of the food pulled me back from the brink of flipping the table.
I came for their signature dish, and when the Pork Knuckle butter rice[1] was served, my eyes lit up. The pork knuckle was roasted to a crispy skin, but the meat inside was super juicy. Paired with the butter rice, one bite was simply Mantap!
The lapchiong fried rice[2] my friend ordered was also full of that smoky wok flavor, just the way I like it. Even the Fish 'n' Chips[3], which I'm not usually a fan of, was done to a high standard—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. It made a vegetarian friend of mine break their rule and give it a five-star review, Anjay!
They also have Live Music[4] at night, which really sets the mood. It's perfect for having a few drinks and just chill with friends. Plus, they have a lot of drink promotions, like buy-one-get-one-free beer, free-flow wine, and so on[5], which is very friendly to us drinkers.
But, let me be blunt...
Honestly, aside from the major flaw of secondhand smoke[6], the quality of the food here is a bit like opening a blind box. The pork knuckle and fried rice are really solid, but the pasta I tried last time was super mediocre[7], bland as hell, and the cake was incredibly dry. A plate of pasta costs around 120,000 Rupiah[8], and for that price and taste, the value for money isn't great.
The service is also hit-or-miss. It's okay during dinner, but during lunch, you might have to shout to get a waiter's attention[9]. If you're impatient, you've been warned.
Editor's Key Takeaways (Must-read before you go!)
Finally, here are some honest tips for you. If you're thinking of going, decide for yourself:
📍Ninety Nine Pesanggrahan, Jakarta Barat
- Don't go if you hate smoke: I'll say it a million times, if you're sensitive to smoke or have kids with you, just don't come! Don't say I didn't warn you.
- Live Music is unpredictable: They say there's a live band on Wednesdays and Fridays, but the start time is very flexible, so don't take it too seriously.
- Great for drinkers: If you love to drink, you can come here to Nongkrong. The various Happy Hour promotions are a great deal.
- The Wi-Fi is just for show: Don't expect to connect to their Wi-Fi to get work done. Even if you connect, you can't get online[10].
- Bring cash for tips: If you want to leave a tip, remember to bring cash, as you can't add it to your card payment[11].
- Signature German Pork Knuckle Rice [1]: crispy skin, juicy meat, with butter rice – pure Mantap!
- Even vegetarians break their diet for the Fish & Chips [2] – crispy outside, tender inside, so good you'll shout Anjay!
- Evenings: Live Music [3], vibe maxed, with promos like Beer Buy One Get One Free [4] – a Chill paradise for drinkers!
Similar Articles
This Korean spot at CP: A set meal feast for 77k, but a single dish is 75k? Seriously?
Discover a popular Korean spot in Central Park known for its Seoul-style home cooking and a bizarre pricing strategy. While the 77k set meals offer amazing value with hits like Beef Bulgogi, be warned: a single à la carte dish can cost nearly the same! This review breaks down what to order and what to avoid (like the 75k Japchae), while also giving a heads-up on long queues, hygiene concerns, and other potential pitfalls before you visit.
A Jazz Mecca's Fall from Grace? Checking Out Double Doors, West Jakarta's OG Bar.
What's the real deal with Double Doors, West Jakarta's famous Irish bar? This review investigates whether it's still a jazz hotspot or just a rowdy nightlife venue. Explore its three unique floors, from a chill bar for chats to a packed, smoky live music scene and a hidden pool room. While the live band and draft beer get praise, the article also covers the downsides, offering a complete guide to this iconic, evolving Jakarta bar before you visit.
Queueing 1.5 hours for Xing Fu Tang? Read this first.
Is the massive 1.5-hour queue for Xing Fu Tang worth the hype? This honest review dives into the experience. While the hand-stir-fried brown sugar pearls are praised for their legendary chewy texture, the milk tea itself might be underwhelming. Before you go, get the verdict on its taste and value. Plus, discover clever tips on how to skip the line, find discounts, and master the perfect takeaway order for a better boba experience.
How did a 4-seat, self-service dessert shop in Jakarta go viral?
Discover the truth behind Jakarta's viral 4-seat dessert shop! This spot is famous for its unique "Dessert ATM" self-service concept. While the Burnt Toast with Vanilla Flan is a must-try, the experience isn't flawless. This article explores the hyped-up treats, the surprisingly high prices, and the tiny space. Get the full scoop and essential tips on whether this super-small, super-hyped dessert bar is actually worth the visit before you brave the queue.