Giyanti: 10 years of hype. Is it still worth a special trip?
qponx
2026-01-24
After a decade of hype, is legendary Jakarta coffee spot Giyanti still worth a special trip? This review revisits the iconic "urban oasis" to find out. Known for its eclectic decor, intensely rich coffee, and delicious pastries, it’s a feast for the senses. While the strong roasts and premium prices aren't for everyone, its unique atmosphere is undeniable. Get the verdict on whether it's overhyped, plus essential tips on ordering, parking, and its cashless-only payment system.
When talking about the Jakarta coffee scene, Giyanti is definitely an OG you can't ignore. Long-time fans put it on a pedestal, calling it"the best coffee in Jakarta"; but many others complain that it's expensive and just average. Anjay, after all these years, is it the real deal or just overhyped? I'm going to check it out again today.
Stepping into the 'Narnia' of the City
Every time I turn onto Surabaya Street in the Menteng area and see that iconic blue gate, it feels like a portal. The moment you push the door open, the hustle and bustle of Jakarta is instantly shut out. A true urban oasis[1].
The whole space is chaotically organized, with traditional wood carvings, modern art pieces, and overgrown green plants... Every corner is packed with details, making you want to whip out your phone and snap away. The air is filled with that rich, intense aroma of roasted coffee that you can almost taste. The vibe is just right!
I stuck to my usual, a Piccolo[2]. Their coffee is famously strong. That first sip hits you with an explosion of rich, oily body and nutty flavors—an excellent way to wake yourself up. My friend's pastries didn't disappoint either. The Croissant[3] was so flaky it fell apart, and the Carrot Cake[4] was moist and dense without being overly sweet. Mantap!
Let's Talk About Some Hard Truths…
OK, let's get real. Giyanti's coffee really isn't for everyone. If you're used to light, fruity pour-overs, you might find it too"heavy," or even a bit burnt and bitter. Plus, the prices are genuinely not cheap. The three of us spent almost 200k[5] on drinks, which definitely hurt the wallet a bit.
Most importantly, it gets as crowded as a market during peak hours, so trying to quietly Nongkrong or get some work done is basically impossible[6]. The background noise is quite loud.
A Few Things You Must Know Before You Go 📝
For the girls who want to check this place out, here are the key points. You're welcome!
- How to order coffee? When you order, the staff will ask if you want a Light, Medium, or Heavy blend. For your first time, I suggest starting with Light[7]. Don't worry, the staff (sometimes even the owner himself[8]) will patiently give you recommendations.
- When to go? The outdoor area gets really hot in the afternoon. I recommend going in the evening when the lighting is better and the vibe is more Chill.
- How to pay? It's Cashless Only[9] here! Definitely don't bring a pile of cash; remember to have your card or e-wallet ready.
- How to park? Parking spots out front are super hard to find. You can just use their valet parking service[10]. It costs a little, but it saves you the hassle.
- What to eat besides coffee? If you're not a fan of heavily roasted coffee, their sandwiches are super generous in portion size[11], and you generally can't go wrong with their pastries. It's also a great spot for afternoon tea.
- Escape Jakarta's chaos via a blue portal [1] to a Narnia-like oasis. Traditional wood carvings meet modern art; every corner is Instagram-gold.
- Their Piccolo [2] coffee is seriously strong! Rich, oily, nutty flavors explode, instantly waking you up.
- Not a coffee fan? Their Croissant [3] is flaky perfection, and Carrot Cake [4] is moist, dense, not too sweet. Desserts are just as good!
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