Who says Jakarta is just malls? I could Nongkrong all day at this cafe in a rattan gallery
qponx
2026-01-24
Discover CRAFTOTE, a hidden gem in West Jakarta that’s part café, part rattan gallery. This cozy, home-like spot offers a quiet escape perfect for working or relaxing. Be sure to try the unique Dragon Craft Coffee and crispy Empek-empek Kulit. The main attraction? A stunning collection of high-quality, affordable local handicrafts. It’s a unique place to chill, work, and find beautiful artisanal treasures without breaking the bank.
Every time someone asks me what's good to check out in West Jakarta, I'm a bit at a loss for words... until I ventured down an unassuming residential street in Tomang and discovered this place, CRAFTOTE. Anjay, the entrance is so low-key, it looks like a private house. I almost missed it. Who would've thought it was hiding a completely different world inside!
The moment I stepped in, I understood why its Google rating is 4.9 stars[1]. The air isn't filled with the burnt, bitter smell of a commercial coffee shop, but a mix of fragrant coffee, the freshness of green plants, and the faint, grassy scent of woven handicrafts. It's less of a café and more like the home of an artsy upperclassman, quiet and comfy. Every corner is filled with works from lokal artisans, from light fixtures to dinner plates, and the design is super awesome[2].
I didn't rush to open my laptop; first, I ordered their signature Dragon Craft Coffee[3]. A combo of espresso + dragon fruit + ice cream. Sounds like a weird concoction, but it was surprisingly refreshing. The slight bitterness of the coffee was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the fruit and ice cream. For a snack, I got the Empek-empek Kulit[4], which is made from fried fish skin. mantap! Not fishy at all, super fragrant and crispy, and it goes perfectly with coffee.
Heart-to-Heart Time 🤔
Honestly, their snacks and coffee are top-tier, but the main courses... well, there's room for improvement. I tried the chicken rice, and the egg was a bit dry; my friend ordered a burger, and the avocado sauce was a little watery[5]. They didn't taste bad, but they weren't as amazing as the snacks. But the portions are generous, so you'll definitely get full.
Also, their handicrafts are the real treasure here! Those woven lamps and straw bags that sell for a fortune on Instagram are shockingly cheap here. A huge handmade lamp is only 130k, and a really nice textured bowl is just 45k[6]! The value for money is something I truly respect. They're helping to promote products from lokal artisans, which is something we must support!
Blogger's Secret Tips 📝
- For the WFC (Work From Cafe) crowd: This place is your paradise! The WiFi is super fast, the AC is cold enough, the environment is quiet, and most importantly, the staff and owner are all super nice[7]. It makes you feel like you're working from home, with absolutely no pressure.
- How to get here: I highly recommend coming by motorcycle or ride-hailing. Car parking is extremely limited[8], so don't cause yourself the headache.
- Must-buys: Leave some budget for the handicrafts[9]! The quality is export-grade, but the prices are like a lokal market's. They're super classy whether you buy them as souvenirs or for yourself.
- Ordering strategy: If it's your first time, go straight for the Dragon Craft Coffee[10] + Empek-empek Kulit[11] combo. You can't go wrong
- Hidden in a residential alley, its unassuming entrance hides a Google 4.9-star gem: "an art student's senior sister's home," where every corner is design-filled. [1][2]
- Must-try: Dragon Craft Coffee! This "dark cuisine" combo of espresso, dragon fruit, and ice cream is surprisingly refreshing and cuts through richness, perfectly balancing coffee's bitterness. [3]
- Forget overpriced Ins-famous rattan lamps and straw bags! Here, a huge handmade lamp is only 130k. Export-grade quality, local market prices! [4][5]
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