Awful service, but I'd come back a billion times for this shaved ice
qponx
2026-03-06
Despite some hit-or-miss service, Cafe Amico is a must-visit for its incredibly authentic Korean food. The star is the Injeolmi Seulbing, a melt-in-your-mouth shaved ice dessert that's worth the trip alone. Enjoy huge, shareable portions of tteokbokki and cheesy fried chicken in a cozy, Seoul-like atmosphere. It's a student-friendly paradise, offering discounts, free printing, and board games, making the amazing food and great value an experience you won't want to miss.
Confession time, I'm starting this post with a complaint. As soon as I walked into Cafe Amico, the waiter brought over the menu with a total poker face, cool like he just got off the set of a K-drama, but not the handsome kind of cool, more like the "you-owe-me-money" kind of cool 🥶. He was also pretty unresponsive when I was ordering. If I wasn't here for the food, I might have just said Anjay and left on the spot[1].
The taste really teleports you to Seoul
OK, rant over, let's get back to the real review. The ambiance is really nice, cozy and very homey[2], with K-pop playing, it feels like you're instantly transported to a small eatery near Hongdae, perfect for coming to Nongkrong with your girls. The owner is Korean[3], which is obvious from the menu, and the flavors are incredibly authentic. I heard that many Koreans in Palembang treat it as their go-to canteen[4].
The portion sizes are surprisingly huge, one dish is enough for two or three people to share[5], and the value for money is off the charts.
- Seulbing (Korean Shaved Ice): The best of the best! A must-order! We ordered the Injeolmi Seulbing[6], and the fine shaved ice melts in your mouth. Paired with rice cakes and fragrant soybean powder, the taste is refreshing and not overly sweet. It's definitely the best iced dessert I've had in Palembang, Mantap!
- Tteokbokki (Stir-fried Rice Cakes): The flavor is very authentic[7]. It's not that cloyingly sweet sauce, but a mildly spicy Korean flavor. The rice cakes are chewy and soft, loved it.
- Mozarella Sunsal (Cheese Boneless Chicken): The fried chicken has a crispy outer layer[8], and the chicken inside is still very juicy. Covered with tons of mozzarella cheese, it's a calorie bomb, but it doubles the happiness!
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money
Although the food is a winner, there are some landmines I need to point out. For those who want to go, take notes ✏️:
- 1. Service is a gamble: Like I said at the beginning, the waiters' attitudes are really... random. The owner himself is super friendly, but which waiter you get is all up to fate.
- 2. Parking is a nightmare: There's only space for one or two cars out front. For friends who are driving, I suggest parking directly at the nearby temple's parking lot[9], otherwise, you'll be circling for ages trying to find a spot.
- 3. Students, show your ID: This place is basically a student paradise! Bring your student ID for a 10% discount on all food and drinks, and you can also print your homework for free (up to 20 pages)[10]. The Wi-Fi is strong too, making it the perfect spot to grind out your assignments.
- 4. Well-equipped facilities: If you're bored while waiting for your food, you can play the board games they have[11]. Muslim friends, don't worry either. There's a prayer room (Mushola) on the third floor[12], which is very thoughtful.
- Instant Hongdae vibes! This cozy spot's K-pop makes you feel like you're Nongkrong in Seoul, not Palembang [1].
- Giant, melt-in-your-mouth shaved ice with rice cakes & soybean powder is light, refreshing, and totally mind-blowing [2].
- Students: Flash your ID at Cafe Amico for 10% off everything and free homework printing. An unbeatable deal! [3].
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