They say this is the best coffee in Semarang? I tried it for you. The coffee is Mantap, but…
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover why Strada Coffee is a Semarang legend! Run by a renowned Q-Grader, this spot serves seriously impressive coffee in a cozy, homey atmosphere. Don't miss creative signatures like the must-try Es Kopi Ketan Hitam. A quick heads-up: while the coffee and unique local snacks are top-notch, the main dishes can be inconsistent. It’s the ultimate destination for coffee lovers, but maybe not for a full meal.
Every time I come to Semarang, friends are always buzzing in my ear about Strada Coffee, saying it's the "best in town"[1], the pinnacle of the coffee scene. I heard the owner is the renowned Indonesian Q-Grader[2] Evany Jesslyn, and that background is hardcore enough. Alright, with all that said, I had to come check it out for myself!
As soon as I walked in, the shop isn't big, but it feels very homey. The air is filled with that lovely aroma of roasting coffee[3], and the warm lighting makes you feel very relaxed. It's not that cold, industrial-style you see in trendy internet-famous cafes; it's more like walking into the living room of a coffee master. It's perfect for coming to nongkrong with friends, or for spending a quiet afternoon by yourself with a laptop.
Coffee is Mantap! The food... is a bit of a gamble
The main event is, of course, the coffee. As soon as I saw the menu, I knew I'd come to the right place. From various Indonesian single-origin pour-overs to mind-blowing creative signature drinks, it's enough to give you analysis paralysis.
I just randomly ordered a cup of Es Kopi Ketan Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Coffee)[4], Anjay! I was genuinely blown away. The soft, chewy sweetness of the black glutinous rice and the richness of the coffee are an unexpectedly perfect match. It's not cloyingly sweet at all, and the layers of flavor are superb. The friend with me ordered a pour-over with beans from Bali. He said the flavor was very clean—the kind of quality you get from people who are serious about their coffee, no complaints.
Feeling happy with the drinks, we ordered some food on the side. The Tahu Rebung[5] (fried tofu with bamboo shoot filling) was quite interesting. They take the filling from Semarang's signature Lumpia and stuff it inside tofu to be fried. It's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a very unique taste. Worth a try. I heard their Bakmi Tek Tek[6] is also quite good. I didn't have room for it this time, so I'll have to come back for it.
BUT! The main courses are really a bit hit-or-miss. The pasta we ordered was, to be honest, a bit tasteless[7], and even adding salt and pepper couldn't save it... So it feels like their quality control for food isn't as consistent as it is for their coffee. The prices are also definitely on the high side for Semarang; a signature drink is around 40k, and a pizza is 75k[8]. If you're coming for the coffee, it's absolutely worth the price; but if you're looking for a proper meal, you might want to manage your expectations.
Pro Tips & Ordering Guide (Save this!)
Okay, here are the key points for you, for all you girls who want to go and chill, take note:
- Seating: The shop is small, so it can get crowded on weekends or during meal times. If you want a comfortable spot, it's best to make a reservation in advance[9].
- Ordering: Feel free to order any coffee with confidence! If you don't know what to get, just ask the baristas; they're super professional[10], especially a guy named Joel, who I hear gives great recommendations. For food, just stick to the unique snacks to try something new, but be cautious with the main courses!
- Secret Menu: If you order the fried cassava but want a healthier option, you can ask the staff to switch it to boiled (rebus)[11]. This is a little tip I don't just tell anyone.
- For Coffee Aficionados: If you're a true coffee lover, they also have their own coffee academy[12], with courses ranging from beginner to advanced. It seems very professional, not just a hobbyist thing, so you might want to check it out.
- The aroma of roasting coffee[1] and warm lights create a chill, expert vibe—more living room than trendy cafe.
- The Black Glutinous Rice Coffee (Es Kopi Ketan Hitam)[2] blends soft, sweet rice with rich coffee for a stunningly complex flavor.
- Tahu Rebung[3] is fried tofu with Semarang Lumpia filling. Crispy out, tender in—a unique flavor you can't get elsewhere.
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