The food is a total rip-off, but why do I still go to Kopikalyan Menteng every week?
qponx
2026-03-04
Ever wonder why someone would frequent a cafe with rip-off food? This review of Kopikalyan Menteng reveals a classic love-hate relationship. While the food is described as bland and overpriced, the cafe shines as a premier "Work From Cafe" destination in Jakarta. Discover why its spacious, modern ambiance, fast Wi-Fi, and quality coffee make it an irresistible spot for productivity, even if you should probably eat somewhere else first. It’s the ultimate guide to enjoying the best of Kopikalyan.
Every time I come to Kopikalyan Menteng, I find myself lost in thought when ordering… Should I give the food another chance, or just stick to coffee? 😂 Seriously, this place is such a love-hate relationship.
🤷♀️ Reasons to Love It: The Pinnacle of WFC in Jakarta
You get it the moment you walk in, the ambiance is truly Mantap![1] The space is huge, with a modern minimalist style and incredible natural light. It's divided into non-smoking, indoor smoking, and outdoor areas, so no matter what kind of smoker (or non-smoker) you are, you can find your own little corner. The Wi-Fi is super fast, there are plenty of power outlets, and the music isn't distracting. It's practically a 'second office' tailor-made for people like us who make a living on our laptops. 👩💻
The coffee quality is consistent. Their signature Kalyan Shake[2] is a can't-go-wrong, order-it-with-your-eyes-closed choice. It's smooth, perfectly sweet and fragrant, truly a JUARA! But if you order something else, especially one of the cream-topped coffees, remember to tell the staff "less sugar"[3], or you'll be hit with a sweetness so intense it'll make you question your existence.
🤦♀️ Reasons to Hate It: Anjay… I Really Can't Praise the Food
Alright, now that I'm done praising the ambiance and coffee, let's talk about the food… Anjay, I really can't bring myself to hype this part up.
I tried their Mie Ayam Sereh (Lemongrass Chicken Noodles)[4], but the lemongrass flavor was completely missing, and the chicken and broth were so bland it was like they forgot the salt. Then there are the various fried snacks. More than one friend has complained to me about the soggy fries (leyot cuyyy), and a piece of toast that costs 60k rupiah, but the taste was a total ZONK (fail). For that price, I'm just... speechless.[5]
To be honest, the prices here are on the high side for a Jakarta cafe[6]. A drink and a main course can easily cost over 100k, but the quality and portion size of the food really don't justify the price. It hurts the wallet, it really does.
✍️ My [Avoid-the-Traps & Hassle-Free] Guide
So, is this place worth visiting? My advice is: it depends on what you need!
Practical Tips for my girls:
So, you ask if I'll be back? Of course! Whenever I need a quiet place to type away, this is still my top choice. After all, in downtown Jakarta, a perfect work environment is much harder to find than a good plate of fries! Don't you think? 😉
- If you're here to WFC / looking for a place to Nongkrong: Go for it! This is definitely one of the most comfortable options in the Menteng area. Also, their prayer room (Musholla) is the cleanest and most spacious I've ever seen in a cafe, which is a huge plus![7]
- If you're purely a foodie: I suggest you eat before you come, or just treat it as a place for coffee only.
- 1. Grab a seat early: It gets crazy crowded after lunch, so if you want a good spot? Make sure to come early![8]
- 2. Parking situation: Parking spots are extremely limited. Just use the valet service; 20k rupiah solves all your worries.[9]
- 3. The golden rule of ordering: Stick to coffee, and take your chances on the main courses. Or, just eat next door and then come over to Chill for the afternoon.
- Jakarta's top WFC spot. Kopikalyan Menteng is a "second office" with huge space, minimalist style, and great natural light [1].
- Consistently good coffee. The signature Kalyan Shake is smooth, sweet, and JUARA—a can't-miss order [2].
- The Musholla (prayer room) is the cleanest and most spacious in any cafe. A thoughtful detail earning major props [3]!
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