The staff's face was more bitter than the coffee, but I'll still rush back to this 'botanical garden' in Pekanbaru
qponx
2026-03-06
Tucked away in Pekanbaru, Pungu Coffee is a stunning "botanical garden" cafe that’s worth the hunt. Its lush, photogenic interior offers a gorgeous escape from the city heat, making it a top spot for photos or remote work. While the service can be hit-or-miss, the food is a clear winner. Don't leave without trying the internet-famous Soggy Mee and the signature Pungu Capp. This unique gem is a must-visit, despite its tricky parking and potential crowds.
Honestly, when I was winding through the alleys of Pekanbaru to find Pungu Coffee, I almost thought my GPS was lying to me. The location is seriously a bit deep, but the moment I stepped inside, I instantly felt it was all worth it!
Did I just walk into a botanical garden? Nope, it's a cafe!
Anjay! This isn't a cafe, it's practically a mini indoor forest! 🌿 Lush greenery hangs from the ceiling, and the air is filled with a fresh scent, instantly saving me from the Pekanbaru heat. The whole space has a design that's totally on point, and any corner is super photogenic[1].
I found a corner spot to start my Nongkrong session—as a remote worker, you get it. For coffee, I had to get their signature Pungu Capp[2]. It's perfect for someone like me who doesn't like sweet drinks; the coffee flavor is strong, the milkiness is perfectly balanced, and it's not bitter at all. For my main, I couldn't resist ordering the Soggy Mee[3] that's hyped all over the internet. The moment that garlic aroma hit me, I was sold. The taste is truly Mantap! The noodle portion is generous too, definitely enough to fill you up[4].
But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows…
While the ambiance and food are both commendable, the service is really a bit hit-or-miss... Most of the guys working there are pretty friendly, but the girl at the cashier who took my order had a poker face the whole time[5]. She was dismissive when I asked a question, which was a bit of a minus point 🤷♀️. Also, the prices. A cup of coffee starts at 25k-30k, and mains are 40k+. That's not cheap for the area, so you'll need to hold on to your wallet a bit tighter.
Here are the highlights for you all 📝
- A blessing for the WFC (Work From Cafe) crowd: Stable Wi-Fi, plenty of power outlets, and free water refills[6]! It's practically tailor-made for people like us who carry our laptops everywhere!
- Parking is a huge pain: There are very few parking spots out front, especially for cars. I'd recommend taking a ride-hailing service or a motorbike, or you'll get exhausted just looking for a spot[7].
- Avoid peak hours: It gets crazy crowded after 4 PM. If you want to Chill quietly or take photos, I suggest going early.
- Must-try list: First time here and don't know what to get? Just go straight for the Soggy Mee and Pungu Capp, you can't go wrong. Meat lovers can add the Beef Brisket[8]—I heard it's amazing too
- Escape the heat in an indoor mini-forest! Greenery drapes from the ceiling, with air so fresh it's a lung detox [1].
- Coffee lovers, try the Pungu Capp! Not sweet, just a perfect balance of rich coffee and milk. Pure bliss in a sip [2].
- The hyped Soggy Mee is a garlic bomb! A huge portion of noodles so addictive you can't stop eating [3][4].
Similar Articles
Hundreds per person for service that's a total gamble? My take on this high-end Japanese restaurant in Pekanbaru.
Discover a high-end Japanese restaurant in Pekanbaru with a stunning garden atmosphere and rave-worthy food. Enjoy incredibly fresh sashimi and the signature Special Okinawa Roll in generous portions. However, the experience comes with a catch: the service is a complete lottery! This review dives into whether the beautiful setting and delicious meals are worth the gamble of potentially terrible service, and even includes tips on how to save money on your visit.
Attention Pekanbaru workers! Found a cafe with plenty of power outlets, but you'll need to bring your patience for the food…
Looking for a spot to work remotely in Pekanbaru? Aksén Coffee offers a spacious interior with abundant power outlets, perfect for digital nomads. While the vibe is great and the fried rice portions are huge, be prepared for some challenges. It gets incredibly noisy during peak hours, and the food service is notoriously slow. This guide helps you navigate the pitfalls and enjoy the best of what this popular, yet flawed, cafe has to offer.
Spending 300k on Wagyu is like a blind box? Holycow! Is it a hit or miss?
Is the 300k Wagyu at Holycow! a hit or a miss? This review explores the popular steakhouse, where the experience can feel like opening a blind box. While the cozy atmosphere is perfect for gatherings, the signature steak's cooking quality is a gamble. The real star might be the incredible mushroom sauce! Discover tips on what to order instead, how to score a free birthday pasta, and enjoy unlimited drink refills to make your visit a guaranteed win.
Only 10k IDR per person! This café in a flower shop is criminally cute
Discover a hidden gem in Pekanbaru! Tucked behind a flower shop, Celupin Cafe is a super cute and cozy escape with a lovely floral scent. With prices starting from just 10k IDR, it's perfect for a chill afternoon. Don't miss the adorable, wobbly Jiggly Cat Pudding and delicious Roti Bakar. It's a great spot for catching up with friends, and they even provide Legos and clay to keep kids entertained, making it a relaxing outing for everyone.