Seriously, this shop's toilet in Makassar smells better than my room! 🤯
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover The Foreign, Makassar's stunning new cafe that feels like dining in a chic greenhouse. Its photogenic, sun-drenched interior is perfect for dates or hangouts. While some dishes are a hit-or-miss, the massive Garlic Cheese Bread and one of the city's best Crookies are must-tries. The biggest surprise? An unbelievably luxurious restroom that’s an attraction in itself! This review covers the food, ambiance, and essential tips for your visit to this eye-catching spot.
Every time I pass by Jl. Dr. Sutomo in downtown Makassar, my eyes are always drawn to a super eye-catching building, and I'd wonder, is this a new art gallery?[1] The exterior design is so stylish, it's hard not to take a second look when you pass by. After putting it off for so long, I finally came to check it out today. The place is called The Foreign.
I was stunned the moment I walked in! It's a mix of semi-industrial and retro vibes, but the absolute best part is its garden concept. Green plants are interspersed in every corner, making it feel like you're dining in a delicate greenhouse. It's super photogenic. During the day, sunlight streams down through the transparent roof, maxing out the atmosphere! Whether you're here to Nongkrong with your girls or on a date, the vibe is just right.
Came here with friends, and we first ordered the Garlic Cheese Bread[2] that everyone online has been raving about. Anjay! When it arrived, that garlic aroma... I couldn't handle it! The portion was huge, enough for the three of us to share[3]. For my main, I tried the pasta, and both the texture and seasoning were on point[4]. The Crookie my friend ordered was an even bigger surprise—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. No exaggeration, it's arguably one of the best in Makassar![5]
Of course, my long-time followers know I don't just blindly praise things. To be honest, ordering food here is a bit like opening a blind box. The Pad Thai my friend ordered was... hard to describe. It felt more like a lokal fried kway teow, not very authentic[6]. The prices are in the mid-to-high range, with drinks starting from 30k IDR and mains from 40k IDR. But considering the ambiance and the generous portions, I'd say it's worth the money.
✍️ Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
- 1. Parking Warning: The first thing to complain about is the parking! The parking spots are extremely few and tight[7]. We came on a weekend afternoon and had to circle around several times. I suggest either coming early or just taking a Grab, otherwise you'll seriously lose your mind.
- 2. Reservations are a must: It gets super crowded on weekends, so if you plan to go, it's best to call and book a table in advance![8] Otherwise, you might make a trip for nothing.
- 3. The Art of Choosing a Seat: The window seats on the second floor are great for photos, but it can get a bit hot during the day because of the transparent roof[9]. For my friends who can't stand the heat, choose wisely.
- 4. WFC Heads-up: For those of you planning to Work From Cafe here, take note: it's quiet and comfortable on weekdays, but not every seat has a power outlet[10]. Remember to bring a power bank or pick the right spot.
- 5. Vegetarian Warning: For my vegetarian friends, the vegetarian options for main courses are very, very limited[11], so please take note of this.
- 6. The Grand Finale/Easter Egg: Lastly, promise me you'll go check out their restroom! Trust me! It's sparkling clean, the aromatherapy scent is super high-end, they use Sensatia hand soap, and there are even fresh flowers[12]... The details, I truly respect it! It's arguably the best cafe restroom I've ever been to in Makassar, bar none
- The Foreign, Makassar's hotspot: semi-industrial + retro garden vibe. Sunlit and plant-filled, it's a chic greenhouse.
- Viral Garlic Cheese Bread: super garlicky, huge (serves 3)[1][2]! The crispy-soft Crookie is one of the city's best[3].
- The bathroom is next-level: spotless, premium scents, Sensatia soap, fresh flowers[4]. Makassar's best cafe restroom.
Similar Articles
Remote Workers, Assemble! This 'Little Ubud' in Makassar is great for everything but the main course
Escape to a "Little Ubud" in the heart of Makassar! This stunning café offers a lush, photo-worthy ambiance perfect for chilling out or a productive work-from-cafe day. While you might want to skip the main courses, the desserts are a must-try—especially the heavenly tiramisu. With fast Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets, it's an ideal spot for remote workers looking for a change of scenery and a delicious sweet treat.
Willing to melt in the Makassar heat for this bowl of Sop Konro.
Willing to brave the heat and crowds in Makassar for an unforgettable meal? This popular spot, Sop Saudara Irian, is a chaotic but rewarding experience for serious foodies. Dive into their legendary Sop Konro, featuring fall-off-the-bone beef ribs in a rich, complex broth that's simply unbeatable. While it's a hot, noisy, "eat and run" joint with mystery pricing, the incredible flavor of the beef soups makes it a must-try for an authentic taste of Makassar.
15 per person! This legendary Makassar eatery was so good it made me cry (the heat did too).
Discover Coto H. Daeng Tayang, a legendary eatery in Makassar serving what locals call the "best Coto in town." Brace yourself for a hot, crowded, no-frills experience, but be rewarded with an incredibly rich and flavorful beef offal soup. Packed with tender meat and enhanced with lime and fried onions, this super affordable meal is an authentic taste of Makassar. Pro-tip: you can even ask for free soup refills! It’s a delicious, sweat-inducing adventure worth taking.
Under 10 bucks, but this Makassar beef offal soup is so good it's maddening—and totally worth it
Brave the notoriously bad service for a Coto Makassar so good, it’s legendary. This roadside stall serves a mind-blowing beef offal soup for under $10. The rich, charcoal-cooked broth, tender meats, and fragrant pandan rice cakes are heavenly, but the experience isn't for the faint of heart. This guide reveals why the divine flavor is worth the chaos and gives you all the tips for surviving this authentic, unforgettable Indonesian dining adventure.