To All Coffee Connoisseurs: This Jakarta Shop Is Heaven and a "Gas Chamber"
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover a legendary Jakarta coffee spot that's both heaven and hell. For connoisseurs, the selection of over 50 Indonesian single-origin beans is divine, making the coffee worth the hype. But be prepared for the devilish ambiance: the shop is a cramped, noisy "gas chamber" filled with smoke. It's a great place for a serious coffee fix with friends, but anyone sensitive to smoke or looking for a quiet spot should definitely steer clear.
Honestly, the moment I pushed the door open, I regretted it. 🚬 What hit me wasn't the aroma of coffee, but a thick, inescapable cloud of secondhand smoke. The visibility was so low I thought I'd walked into some underground RAVE. Anjay! I almost turned around and left on the spot, but for that legendary cup of coffee, I endured it…
The Coffee is Divine, but the Ambiance is... Devilish
First things first, the coffee here is absolutely Mantap! It's no wonder they're a veteran in the Jakarta coffee scene. The menu alone has over 50 types of Indonesian single-origin beans[1], from bright and fruity to rich and spicy. It's enough to make anyone with decision paralysis explode on the spot. I asked the barista to recommend a pour-over, and it was smooth, with a perfectly balanced flavor. That feeling… it was just like,"Ah, for this sip, putting up with the smoke was worth it!"
The whole shop has a kind of worn-out, retro-industrial vibe. The lighting is dim, perfect for coming to Nongkrong with friends. But the food... well, it's hard to put into words. Their Burnt Toast[2] and Fried Cassava[3] are actually pretty good. Being hyped up by netizens as"food from heaven" is a bit of an exaggeration, but they are legitimately tasty. As for the main courses, they're... very safe. Not bad, but no surprises either.
Alright, Time for Some Hard Truths
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get to the complaints. Besides the smoke, which is a major flaw, this place really isn't suitable for a long stay. The space is very cramped, and on weekend nights, it gets as noisy as a wet market[4]. Thinking of getting some quiet work done or having a meeting? I'd advise you to forget it. The restroom... emmm... the cleanliness really needs improvement[5]. Germaphobes, please prepare yourselves mentally.
Another point of complaint: it's clearly semi-self-service (you have to get some things from the counter yourself), but they still charge a service fee[6] at checkout. I don't really get that move…
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Who Should Come?
Let me give you a heartfelt summary:
So, to go or not to go, you guys decide for yourselves! 🤙
- 1. Who are you?
- The 'Must-Go' Crowd: Serious coffee lovers, heavy smokers, and those looking for a place to chill with friends. The ambiance is tolerable for the sake of the coffee.
- The 'Run-Away' Crowd: People sensitive to smoke (you'll seriously suffocate)[7], digital nomads looking for a workspace, and families with kids.
- 2. How to get there?
- Parking is pitifully scarce, and it's chaotic out front[8]. I suggest just taking a Gojek/Grab, or using their valet service to save yourself the headache.
- 3. When to go?
- If you want to appreciate the coffee itself, please go early on a weekday morning! Fewer people, and the smoke is a bit lighter.
- 4. How much to spend?
- Around 75k-125k IDR per person[9]. The coffee is worth the price, but the value for money on the food is just so-so.
- Jakarta's OG coffee spot. Over 50 Indonesian single-origin beans [1]. Balanced pour-overs worth any hassle.
- Walk in, thick secondhand smoke 🚬 [2] might make you bolt. But legendary coffee makes you stay for the extreme contrast!
- Beyond coffee, don't miss their surprisingly good Burnt Toast and Fried Cassava [3] snacks!
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