This viral spot at ASHTA: The cake was heavenly, but the main course almost killed me…
qponx
2026-01-24
This viral spot at ASHTA is a tale of two extremes. While the baked goods, like the heavenly carrot cake and flaky croissants, are absolutely worth the hype, the main courses are a pricey and disappointing risk. This review guides you on what to order and what to avoid. Learn the secret to enjoying the best of this trendy spot, including a tip for scoring their amazing pastries at a 50% discount, so you can skip the heartbreak and go straight for the good stuff.
Every time I come to ASHTA, I'm always lured in by the buttery aroma wafting from the entrance of this Bartisserie. Looking at the croissants and donuts in the display window, it felt like every single one was calling out to me. I thought, the atmosphere looks pretty chill, so I pulled a friend in to Nongkrong for a bit and grab some lunch at the same time.
After sitting down, we ordered coffee and dessert first—can't go wrong with a safe bet, right? Their Carrot Cake[1] is seriously Mantap! The cake itself was moist, full of spice, and the cream cheese frosting had the perfect amount of sweetness, not cloying at all. My friend's Croissants[2] also blew me away. The flaky layers were incredible, and the buttery aroma was explosive. Honestly, I'd come back again just for the baked goods.
But... after the high comes the low. The main course I ordered with high hopes, the beef, was so dry it seemed like it had been sitting out all day. The cheese wasn't even melted, and the lukewarm texture is hard to describe[3]. My friend's dish wasn't much better. We just looked at each other, questioning our life choices. Anjay, did this really come from the same kitchen?
To be fair, the quality of their food is really inconsistent. The main courses are a bit of a minefield, and they're not cheap. The two of us easily spent almost 600,000 IDR on this lunch[4], and it didn't feel like money well spent. The service is also hit-or-miss. Sometimes the staff is slow to respond, and you can call for ages with no one paying attention[5], which really brings down the experience.
TL;DR & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
- Stick to what they do best: Don't risk it with the main courses, you'll just end up unhappy. Go straight for their baked goods and pastries[6]! Especially the carrot cake and croissants, you can't go wrong with them.
- A paradise for vegetarians: They are super friendly to our Vegan friends, with tons of vegetarian and gluten-free options[7]. Have to give them props for that! It's enough to give you decision paralysis.
- Money-saving tip: Want to try their pastries but worried about the price? Mark your calendar: select pastries are 50% off after 5 PM[8]. Just go for it!
- Mindset is key: It gets crowded and noisy during peak hours, and there's a dining time limit (usually 2 hours). The staff might also raise your blood pressure, so just go with a calm mindset and chill.
- Surprise find: I'll let you in on a little secret, a lot of people in the comments say their Bakmi Ayam[9] is a hidden gem. I might come back next time just for this bowl of noodles. Have any of you girls tried it? Let me know in the comments if it's worth it
- Enticed by the butter aroma, their carrot cake[1] is moist & rich, croissants[2] flaky, buttery perfection. Baking alone makes it worth revisiting!
- Super vegan-friendly! Loads of vegan and gluten-free options[3] mean everyone can indulge.
- Unexpected gem! Reviews rave their Bakmi Ayam[4] is a hidden king. Curious about this bakery's other side!
Similar Articles
Worth the 1-hour food wait to feed deer on this massive lawn
Escape the city bustle at this hidden gem in South Jakarta, which feels more like a trip to Bogor. It boasts a massive green lawn perfect for picnics and a mini zoo where you can even feed deer. While the relaxing ambiance is the main draw, be prepared for a very long wait for food that's just average. The real star here is the atmosphere and the chance to chill in a vast, green space.
This 4.9-star BBQ legend on Google... but the smoke almost made me walk out?
Don't let the smoke at this 4.9-star Korean BBQ bar fool you! While the atmosphere is intense, the real show is the open-kitchen experience where chefs sizzle and torch your meal. Highlights include the signature trio of meat patties, a unique raw Omega egg over silky rice, and unlimited refills on rice and soup. This review weighs the incredible value and unique flavors against the price and polarized opinions, giving you the full scoop before you go.
Is this Osmanthus Latte worth the second-hand smoke?
Craving a delicious osmanthus latte and a juicy chicken sandwich? THE FULL YOLK, located just steps from the Blok M MRT, serves up a popular B-side Bloom latte and a satisfying Signature Sandwich. But there's a catch: the non-smoking area suffers from secondhand smoke drifting down from upstairs. While the convenient location and tasty treats are major draws, be prepared for the smoky air and potentially inconsistent service before you decide to visit this trendy spot.
King of Jakarta's Steak Game? So good you'll want to pack the salt to-go
Looking for Jakarta's ultimate steakhouse? This spot delivers a dramatic, spotlight-lit dining experience perfect for special occasions. Feast on incredible dry-aged and wet-aged steaks, but don't sleep on the side dishes—the bone marrow corn and silky mashed potatoes are legendary. A premium choice for meat lovers, it even has a secret menu and a cool perk: you can take the house-seasoned salt home as a souvenir. It’s an unforgettable splurge for serious carnivores.