The Peak of Gifting in Jakarta? For this 'Hermès' of chocolate shops, my advice is: takeout only
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover KAKAW in ASHTA, Jakarta, the "Hermès" of chocolate shops perfect for upscale gifting. Its luxurious orange-box packaging is sure to impress. While the signature cakes, rich gelato, and comforting hot chocolate are worth trying, be warned: the venue is extremely small and not ideal for dining in. For the best experience, think of KAKAW as a high-end gift shop and opt for takeout to enjoy its decadent treats without the hassle of finding a seat.
Girls, take my advice, next time you need to give a fancy gift but don't want to be cliché, just head straight to KAKAW in ASHTA, Jakarta. The packaging is seriously next-level luxury, with the classic orange box and a ribbon. People who don't know any better might think I just came from an Hermès store. It's definitely impressive enough for clients or your besties[1].
I was totally lured in by its good looks and was all excited to sit down and chill for a bit, but I was dumbfounded in a second... The shop is ridiculously small, with only three tables! Want to get a seat on a weekend afternoon? It's basically down to luck.
The taste is worth the price, but don't have overly high expectations
Although the ambiance might make you want to leave, the products are still solid. Chocolate lovers should go straight for their signature eponymous cake, the"Kakaw"[2]. It's about 55k Indonesian Rupiah, and the first bite hits you with that silky, intensely rich, high-quality cocoa flavor that just lingers. It's truly mantap!
The Gelato was also a pleasant surprise; the chocolate flavor is super rich[3], and the portion size is quite generous. I feel like it's a better deal than the cake. For drinks, I tried the single-origin hot chocolate[4]. It was smooth, the sweetness was just right, and finishing the whole cup felt warm and very comforting.
Time for some real talk… (complaint time)
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get real. The biggest bug with this place is the seating[5]; it's not a place suitable for nongkrong at all. Once the music is on, you and your friends basically have to shout to talk. Secondly, the service depends on your luck. Some of the staff are super nice, while others... are on their phones with a cold face the whole time. Anjay, the experience is instantly halved[6].
There's another pitfall to watch out for: The chocolate bars displayed as decoration on the counter, covered with nuts, look super tempting, right? But some friends have complained that when they bought them and opened them at home, they found the amount of toppings inside was pitifully small, completely different from the display sample[7]! That's really not cool.
Pitfall-avoiding / Hassle-free Guide 📝
Here's a summary from the bottom of my heart for you guys:
- Get it to-go! Don't have any illusions about dining in. If you absolutely must sit down, remember to call and book in advance[8], otherwise, you'll most likely have made a wasted trip.
- Think of it as a"high-end gift shop". You're buying it for the packaging and the prestige; it's absolutely perfect for gifting. If you're buying it for yourself, you can try the Gelato, the value for money is ok.
- Confirm availability before going for the viral items! Like the Dubai pistachio chocolate that went viral before, it's often sold out. Before you go, it's best to ask on their IG or call them directly to confirm if it's in stock[9], to avoid a wasted trip.
- Skip boring gifts! Hermès-style orange gift box = instant luxury, impressing clients & besties [1].
- Chocoholics, rush! Signature "Kakaw" cake (55k IDR): silky, rich, melt-in-your-mouth premium cocoa flavor. Mantap! [2].
- Their chocolate Gelato? Huge & intensely rich [3], better value than the cake. Dessert lovers, a must!
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