Google's 4.9-Star 'God-Tier' Spot? The Lasagna is Legendary, But Avoid These Dishes.
qponx
2026-03-05
Curious about Samarinda's 4.9-star "god-tier" cafe, Vinckitchen? This spot is famous for its stylish, photogenic interior and legendary lasagna loaded with cheese and meat sauce. While signature dishes like the lasagna and seafood fried rice are definite must-tries, the menu can be hit-or-miss. Discover which dishes live up to the hype and which you should probably skip, plus essential tips for a flawless visit to this popular, internet-famous destination.
Girls, on a business trip to Samarinda this time, a lokal friend of mine was raving about a cafe called Vinckitchen, saying it's a "god-tier spot" with a 4.9 rating from over 1300+ reviews on Google[1]. Honestly, I've seen plenty of these highly-rated, internet-famous spots. How many are genuinely good, and how many are just hype? Today, I'm here to test it out for all of you!
My Visit: A Pleasant Surprise or a Total Scare?
The moment I walked in, the ambiance was undeniably great. It has a modern minimalist style, and every corner is super photogenic. You can tell the owner (her name is supposedly Cece July, and she's super nice[2]) has great taste. Unlike many internet-famous spots that are crazy loud, the music here is very chill, perfect for coming with friends to nongkrong for an afternoon. Oh, and the parking lot is huge, a blessing for those who drive.
Enough chit-chat, let's get straight to ordering!
👍 Must-Try Recommendations
👎 To be honest, I have some complaints…
Their menu claims that "everything is delicious," but... the quality control is really a bit hit-or-miss. The cake I ordered for dessert[3] was shockingly salty. I don't know if they knocked over the salt shaker. I've also heard friends complain that their Hainanese chicken rice was served cold[4], and that some of the snacks had a weird texture. So when you order, apart from the signature dishes, the rest might be a gamble.
The prices are mid-to-high range. If you want to eat to your heart's content, I'd suggest preparing around 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person. After all, a single drink costs around 40,000.
- Lazana (Lasagna): Anjay! I have to rave about this one! It's said to be the signature dish that started the owner's business[5], and they're super generous with the meat sauce and cheese. Every bite is incredibly satisfying. It's no exaggeration to say it's the best lasagna I've had in Samarinda.
- Nasi Goreng Seafood: I didn't have high expectations for fried rice at a cafe, but I was completely blown away. It had that amazing "wok hei" flavor, and the seafood was fresh too. A lokal said it was the best fried rice he's ever had[6], and I believe him!
- Noodle Dishes: We also ordered a noodle dish, and the portion was ridiculously huge[7]. One girl can't possibly finish it, so I recommend sharing it between two people.
Pro Tips to Avoid Disappointment, You're Welcome!
For the girls who want to check this place out, take note of these points to improve your experience by 80%:
- 1. Make a reservation in advance! Especially on weekends, the indoor air-conditioned seats are in super high demand. Booking directly via WhatsApp is the most reliable way[8].
- 2. Ask about the menu when you book. Many dishes at this place are often sold out, so you can avoid making a trip for nothing and finding out what you wanted is unavailable[9].
- 3. Be more zen during peak hours. When it's crowded, the service can be slow, and they might even bring you the wrong dish. Don't get too worked up[10].
- 4. A perk for the lazy! There's a car wash right next to the cafe. You can just drop your car off to be washed, and drive away right after your meal. You're a time management master[11]! (Note: It only opens after 2 PM on Fridays)
- God-tier cafe Vinckitchen[1] (4.9 stars/1300+ reviews!). Cece July's[2] spot is photogenic, minimalist, and chill—perfect for afternoon nongkrong.
- The Lazana is a local obsession, loaded with meat sauce & cheese. Hailed as Samarinda's best[3], each bite is pure satisfaction.
- The Nasi Goreng Seafood packs smoky wok-hei & fresh seafood. A local called it the best fried rice they'd ever eaten[4].
Similar Articles
Under 50k per person, ice cream in a real coconut shell? This shop in Samarinda is so Mantap
Escape the heat in Samarinda at Frozento, a local favorite for nearly a decade! The main attraction is the Zento Coconut—creamy, real-fruit ice cream served in an actual coconut shell. But it’s not just for dessert! They also offer a full menu of affordable Indonesian main courses and snacks. For under 50k, you can enjoy a unique treat or a complete meal, making it a fantastic and budget-friendly hangout spot.
This Samarinda stall is so loud you have to shout to order, and now it's expanding to the Netherlands?
Don't let the noisy, chaotic roadside setting of Samarinda's Nederland Martabak fool you. This humble stall serves unbelievably delicious Terang Bulan (sweet pancakes) and crispy Martabak Telur, both packed with generous fillings. Famous for its long lines and authentic flavor that rivals fancier spots, this local legend is so good it's even expanding to the Netherlands! Be prepared to shout your order and enjoy a truly memorable street food experience.
Is a perfect 5.0 Google rating too good to be true? I tested this Samarinda spot to find out
A Samarinda coffee shop with a perfect 5.0 Google rating seems too good to be true, right? This article investigates KOPI LIMA, LA to see if it lives up to the hype. While it boasts an authentically chill `nongkrong` (hangout) vibe perfect for relaxing with friends, there's a catch. The service, especially late at night, can be incredibly slow and chaotic. Discover if the great atmosphere is worth the potential wait and get tips for the best experience.
@Indecisive meal buddies, gather at "Sweetheart" Restaurant
Struggling to find a spot that pleases everyone? "Sweetheart" Restaurant in Samarinda is the answer for indecisive groups, boasting a massive menu with Chinese, Indonesian, and teppanyaki options. While the smoky Mutton Fried Rice and hearty Javanese Boiled Noodles are highlights, this guide also shares crucial tips on navigating potential long waits and parking issues. It’s the perfect read for anyone wanting to conquer this popular spot and satisfy the whole crew.