This 4.9-star pho in Jakarta has a Mantap broth! But I found the pitfalls so you don't have to.
qponx
2026-01-25
Curious about a 4.9-star pho spot in a Pluit mall? This Jakarta restaurant is praised for its rich, authentic beef broth and tender meat. A must-try hack is dipping their cakwe (fried dough sticks) into the soup! While the signature pho is a star, not everything hits the mark. This guide reveals the perfect order, what to skip (like the spring rolls), and other perks like unlimited iced tea refills to ensure a flawless visit.
Has the pho scene in Jakarta gotten this intense? A shop inside a Pluit shopping mall actually has 1500+ reviews on Google, with a rating that's soared to 4.9 stars[1]! For real, if my friend hadn't practically forced me to try it, I probably would have missed out.
The place doesn't have that flashy, influencer-style vibe. It's just simple and clean, the space is pretty big, and the AC is blasting[2]. After a day of shopping, coming here to rest and eat feels so Chill～ It's especially perfect for a casual Nongkrong with family and friends.
The Broth is the Soul, but the Sides Have Hits and Misses
I ordered the signature Pho Ba Ba Signature[3]. As soon as the soup arrived, that savory aroma just hit my nose. It's that rich, beef bone umami flavor, not the kind made from MSG water, so you don't feel thirsty after finishing it. The beef was tender too, and the best part is you can get free refills of basil, bean sprouts, and lime! That's a huge plus, love it, love it.
🤫 Let me teach you a secret hack: you have to order a side of Cakwe (fried dough sticks)[4]. Don't eat it plain; dip it into the Pho broth, let it soak up all the soup, and then take a bite. That flavor... anjay! You'll know what I mean when you try it!
Let's Be Real, It's Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
However, to be fair, it wasn't perfect. I tried the Vietnamese spring rolls[5] my friend ordered. The wrapper was crispy, but the accompanying peanut sauce was... hard to describe. It tasted weird, so I'd recommend you steer clear.
Also, based on the reviews, their quality control can be inconsistent sometimes; some people have gotten noodles that were overcooked and falling apart[6]. The most outrageous part is, someone actually claimed to have seen a rat in the shop! 😱 Fortunately, the restaurant's management reacted quickly and immediately called pest control to deal with it[7]. Their attitude towards crisis management is definitely commendable.
✍️ Editor's Highlights (Tips for Saving Money & Avoiding Pitfalls)
Alright, it's time for some tips. Girls, get your notebooks ready and take this down:
- The Joy of Unlimited Refills: Order an iced tea for 16.5k and get unlimited refills[8]. In this Jakarta heat, it's an absolute lifesaver!
- Good News for Phone Users: There are power outlets in the shop[9], so no need to panic if your phone is running low on battery.
- The Ordering Formula: Signature Pho + Cakwe is the perfect combo! You might want to hold off on the spring rolls for now.
- A Heads-Up for the Future: The restaurant has posted a notice that they will start charging a 2% service fee from January 15, 2026. Just so you're all aware.
- Hidden in a mall, this pho spot boasts a stellar 4.9-star Google rating from 1500+ reviews – the hype is real![1]
- The signature Pho Ba Ba Signature boasts rich, divine beef broth. Even better, basil, sprouts, and lime are unlimited free refills![2]
- 🤫 Pro tip: Dip Cakwe (youtiao) into the hot broth to soak up all that flavor – it's absolutely Anjay![3]
Similar Articles
This Al-Baik dupe in Jakarta: I'm telling you, don't drive there
Craving Al-Baik? A new fried chicken joint in North Jakarta might be the answer! This spot serves up juicy chicken with an explosion of authentic Middle Eastern spices. The real game-changers are the fragrant Nasi Kebuli and the addictive garlic sauce—a match made in heaven. While the place is family-friendly and supports a good cause, be warned: parking is a nightmare. Leave the car at home and get ready for a flavor-packed experience that's worth the trip.
All of Jakarta's Matcha Fanatics Are Rushing to This Little Shop in Senopati.
Discover MOKU Matcha, the tiny Senopati shop that’s a paradise for true matcha lovers! This spot is less a cafe and more a matcha 'laboratory', offering nine types of powder from entry-level to competition-grade. Customize your perfect cup or try the signature Kagura for an authentic umami explosion. While seating is very limited, the expertly whisked, high-quality matcha and knowledgeable baristas make this a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional and authentic taste experience.
Jakarta's Seafood Queue King: The food is legit, but the staff wanted to throw down…
Jakarta's Little Bahari is famous for its long queues, and for good reason—the seafood is incredible. This review raves about fresh, flavorful dishes like the Nyonya Steamed Fish and Padang Sauce Seafood. But it's a love-hate affair. Brace yourself for a chaotic, crowded atmosphere and service that leaves much to be desired. Find out if the phenomenal food is worth the battle, along with crucial tips for visiting this popular Muara Karang spot.
Forget Singapore! This Bak Kut Teh in Jakarta has a broth more addictive than the meat
Craving a comforting meal in Jakarta? This Bak Kut Teh spot might be your new favorite. The article raves about its incredibly addictive peppery broth, which is even better than the tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. The best part? The soup has unlimited refills! Discover other must-try dishes like crispy cakwe and a surprisingly delicious spicy pork belly. It's the perfect warm-up for a rainy day, offering a truly satisfying and flavorful experience worth checking out.