Pork Rice Bowl is Mantap! But why is the signature crispy roast pork rock-hard?
qponx
2026-01-24
Yoloé in West Jakarta offers a chill, modern vibe perfect for working or hanging out, complete with an indoor smoking area. But be warned: the food is a gamble! While the Tokyo Kakuni Bowl is a tender, flavorful must-try, the signature Crackling Pork Belly is disappointingly rock-hard. This review gives a heads-up on what to order and what to avoid, ensuring you can enjoy the great ambiance without any culinary regrets.
Honestly, in the Greenville area of West Jakarta, it's really not easy to find a decent place that's suitable for WFC (Work From Cafe). So when a friend recommended Yoloé to me, I was hesitant at first, thinking,"Oh no, not another one of those Instagram-famous places that are all hype, right?" But once I stepped inside, hey, it's actually got something to it.
The ambiance is genuinely nice, with a modern minimalist style and comfortable lighting—you can tell it's the kind of vibe young people would like[1]. The biggest plus is that the second floor is actually an air-conditioned indoor smoking area[2], which is super friendly for our smoker friends! For non-smokers like us, we can just stick to the first floor, where there are plenty of power outlets and WiFi. It's absolutely Chill to come here in the afternoon to hunker down with a laptop and get some work done[3].
I came here for their pork, and I have to praise the portion size first—it's impressively large! I ordered the Tokyo Kakuni Bowl[4], and the pork was stewed until it was tender and flavorful, a bit like the taste of Babi Hong. Paired with rice, Anjay, one bite is super satisfying. Although some friends thought there was a bit too much fatty meat, I think that's the best part!
BUT! The praise ends here. I ordered the signature Crackling Pork Belly[5] with high hopes, but the pork skin... how should I put it? It was so hard my teeth almost gave out on the spot. I couldn't chew it at all—a total fail! And then there was the Pork Belly Aglio Olio[6], which was so salty it was overwhelming, and the spiciness overpowered everything else. How is this Aglio Olio? It's more like Indonesian Sambal noodles, right? The chef's performance is so inconsistent.
The drinks can also be a hit or miss. A friend's coffee was so sour it made them frown, and someone else said they felt unwell after drinking the tea...[7] As for the service, during peak hours, when it gets crowded, they seem a bit overwhelmed. The food comes out slow, and you might even be asked to switch tables[8], which really brings down the experience.
### A Guide to Avoid Disappointments ✍️
Alright, let me highlight the key points for you. For my friends who want to check out Yoloé, take note:
- Who should come: Anyone in the West Jakarta area looking for a place to WFC or just Nongkrong with friends. Here, the ambiance score > food score.
- What to order:
- ✅ Safe bets: Tokyo Kakuni Bowl—the portion is generous and the taste is consistent.
- ❌ Run away!: Crackling Pork Belly (unless you have very strong teeth), Pork Belly Aglio Olio. Order coffee and tea at your own risk.
- Important reminder: The menu features a lot of pork dishes and uses lard, so for friends who don't eat pork, be sure to ask before ordering![9]
- Money-saving tip: There's a discount if you use a BCA credit card! From Monday to Thursday, you get 10% off with a minimum spend of 250k. You have to take advantage of this deal![10]
- West Jakarta's modern minimalist WFC gem? Outlets, WiFi, perfect for a Chill work session[1][2]!
- Must-order Tokyo Kakuni Bowl[3]! Tender, flavorful pork (like Babi Hong), amazing with rice, generous portion!
- Bonus: upstairs hides an air-conditioned indoor smoking area[4]! Smokers Chill comfortably; non-smokers, downstairs.
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