Stop blindly rushing! I have to be honest about the Mie Gacoan at Malang Station.
qponx
2026-03-05
Is the popular Mie Gacoan at Malang Station worth the hype? This honest review gives you the real deal. While the fried snacks and dimsum are praised as delicious must-tries, the signature noodles can be a letdown. The article also points out the self-service system, slow service for dine-in customers, and some cleanliness issues. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly stop for travelers, but you might want to manage your expectations before heading in for a meal.
Just got off the train in Malang, tired and hungry, and saw this famous Mie Gacoan right next to the train station, my eyes totally lit up! 🤩 I thought, isn't this the legendary "national canteen" for young Indonesians, cheap and delicious, let's go for it! But after sitting down, I realized things weren't that simple…
The higher the expectation, the more there is to complain about?
To be fair, the place is really spacious, two floors plus an outdoor area[1]. I chose a semi-open spot on the second floor, and the breeze was quite nice and cool. But dude, what's the deal with blasting deafening EDM in broad daylight? I just want to Nongkrong quietly, hello!
I came for their signature dish, so I ordered a Mie Hompimpa[2], which is their savory and spicy noodles, and also added their super-hyped fried snacks, Udang Keju (Cheese Shrimp) and Udang Rambutan (Rambutan Shrimp)[3]. The fried snacks came first, and wow, they were truly Mantap! The outside was crispy, and the shrimp and cheese inside were hot and gooey, delicious!
I was in a great mood, but then my noodles arrived… Anjay, what's going on? The noodles were a bit sticky and mushy, I even felt like some strands weren't cooked through[4], and the flavor was also a bit blander than what I've had at other branches. Was it just my bad luck, or was the chef not having a good day? 🤔
Some of the service really makes you say thanks, but no thanks
What confused me the most was the service. They've actually switched to self-service for food pickup now[5], so after ordering, you have to carry a bunch of hot soup and noodles up to the second floor yourself, which is a real test of arm strength… Also, when it's crowded, you can clearly tell they prioritize delivery orders, while dine-in customers wait forever.
I also have to mention the hygiene, the tables were visibly greasy, and the floor wasn't very clean either[6]. My friend wanted to use the restroom, but found it had no water and the door was locked, which was a bit awkward.
Editor's Highlights: How to Avoid Pitfalls & A Quick Guide
So, is it worth visiting? Girls, take this guide and decide for yourselves!
- Ordering Strategy: The quality control for the main dishes (noodles) is a bit hit-or-miss, so I'd suggest lowering your expectations. You can try more of their fried snacks and Dimsum[7], those are usually a safe bet, yummy!
- Service Info: Be prepared to fend for yourself, it's self-service for food pickup now. It's super slow during peak hours, so if you're not in a hurry, you can come here to Chill.
- Check Your Order: It's best to double-check your order with the cashier, some friends have mentioned that their orders were entered incorrectly[8].
- Parking Situation: Friends coming by motorcycle don't need to worry, there's plenty of parking space. But if you're driving a car... Good luck, you'll most likely have to park on the street[9].
- Who Should Come: If you're a student or backpacker who just got off the train and is on a tight budget, looking for something cheap and quick, then you can give it a try[10]. But if you're making a pilgrimage specifically for the food, then for this particular branch, I'd advise you to keep your expectations in check
- Crispy Udang Keju & Udang Rambutan with warm, cheesy shrimp inside. A total mood-booster! [1]
- Roomy 2-story spot with outdoor seating [2]. Grab a breezy upstairs seat & feel the "national canteen" vibe of local youth.
- Right by Malang station, a godsend for backpackers & students. Cheap and fast, it's the perfect quick fix [3]
Similar Articles
13,000+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0? Is this Malang bakery really that legendary?
A Malang bakery with a perfect 5.0 Google rating sounds like a dream, but is it true? This article explores Loopi Hoopi, a spot famous for its silky gelato and delicious vanilla milkbuns. While the desserts might live up to the hype, the review also uncovers the real story: there's no seating, service is chaotic, and there are even shocking reports of moldy cakes. Find out if it's truly worth visiting despite its legendary rating.
Who says it's hard to please everyone? This Kopi O in Malang makes the whole family shut up and eat
Tired of dinner debates? Discover My Kopi O! in Malang, the ultimate solution for pleasing the whole family. This restaurant's massive menu is its superpower, offering a world of flavors from authentic Indonesian Tongseng Domba to crowd-pleasing Korean Chicken Wings and smoky fried rice. Housed in a charming retro building, it’s the perfect spot to end the "what to eat" argument once and for all, ensuring everyone leaves happy and full.
This viral restaurant in Malang: God-tier ambiance, but the food is... questionable?
Discover a viral Malang restaurant set in a stunning European-style villa with a "god-tier" ambiance and live music. While the setting is perfect for photos and date nights, the food is a hit-or-miss affair. Some dishes like the honey-glazed ribs are fantastic, but others fall flat. This article reveals which dishes to order and which to skip, plus crucial tips on reservations and parking to ensure your visit to this beautiful but polarizing spot is a success.
How did a 4500 Rupiah mochi go viral in Malang?
Discover a hidden gem in Malang's residential alleys that's causing a stir! This tiny takeaway shop serves up incredibly soft and chewy mochi that's worth the hunt. From the signature mochi to the must-try strawberry daifuku, each bite is a burst of flavor and texture. While a single mochi costs 4500 Rupiah, the quality is undeniable. It's the perfect spot to grab a unique and delicious souvenir that will impress your friends.