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
A 4.7-star god-tier spot on Google, and the steak isn't the main character?
Thinking of visiting the highly-rated B'Steak Grill & Pancake? This article reveals a surprising twist: the steak might not be the main event. Discover why this spacious, family-friendly spot is perfect for group hangouts and offers great value. While the steak quality can be inconsistent, the side dishes are the real stars—especially the must-try Creamy Spinach and Blue Cheese Burger. It’s a casual Western eatery where the atmosphere and supporting menu items truly shine.
Rated 4.7 on Google & swarmed by celebs. Is Roti Romi really that good?
Celebrity-owned Roti Romi has massive social media buzz and high ratings, but does the experience match the hype? This honest review dives into the reality of long waits, a crowded atmosphere, and disappointing main dishes. However, a single menu item shines: the signature vintage toast, Roti Jadul Bakar. Find out if this one saving grace is enough to make this polarizing, 24-hour spot worth a visit, or if you should just grab that famous toast to go.
Who says Halal Cantonese food has no soul? This Jakarta spot changed my mind... halfway.
Craving authentic Halal Cantonese food in Jakarta? Three Uncles in West Jakarta aims to deliver with a retro 90s Hong Kong vibe. This bustling spot gets high praise for its incredible Yang Chow Fried Rice and molten Salted Egg Pao. However, the review offers an honest, mixed take, noting that some other dishes and the milk tea can be underwhelming. It’s a hit-or-miss experience with a fantastic atmosphere, and this article tells you what’s truly worth ordering.
I lined up for this warabimochi, but it's nothing like the one I had in Kamakura?
Ever heard of warabimochi? This review checks out the hyped Warabimochi Kamakura at Central Park Mall. It’s not your typical mochi, but a unique, jelly-like dessert that’s bouncy and melts in your mouth. Served with roasted soybean powder and black sugar syrup, it’s a textural delight. The article gives an honest take on whether it lives up to the hype (and its Japanese original), plus tips on what to order and how to score a deal.