Friends in East Jakarta, stop crowding the malls! This riverside oasis is the true Nongkrong sanctuary.
qponx
2026-01-24
Ditch the malls for East Jakarta's true nongkrong sanctuary! This hidden gem is a riverside oasis offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle. Unwind in a lush, green setting by the Ciliwung River while enjoying surprisingly delicious and affordable food. Don't miss the signature Banana Fritters or unique Tape Panggang. With great views, strong Wi-Fi, and free parking, it's the ultimate spot to chill, work, or simply zone out.
When I came across this place on TikTok[1], I was still a bit skeptical: East Jakarta? What kind of amazing place could possibly be worth a special trip? But it turns out... Anjay! I almost missed out on a hidden gem!
This place is really well-hidden. Following the GPS, I turned into an inconspicuous little alley and even thought I had taken a wrong turn. But as soon as I walked in, the view opened up! The hustle and bustle of Jakarta was instantly shut out, my eyes were filled with lush greenery, the breeze blew in from the Ciliwung River, and I just started to Chill.
Zoning out by the river, and the food is on point too
The cafe is a semi-open, three-story building with a fantastic view. I went straight for a seat on the lowest level by the river, zoning out while watching the water, and it felt like time slowed down. This place is practically tailor-made for people like us who need an escape from the city!
I usually don't have high expectations for the food at places with such a great ambiance, but I was pleasantly surprised.
- Must-Try Snacks: You have to try their signature fried banana, the Banana Fritter[2]! The outside is crispy, the banana inside is perfectly ripe, sweet, sticky, and soft. Mantap! There's also a special dessert called Tape Panggang[3], which is made from grilled fermented cassava. The texture is surprisingly a bit like cheesecake, and paired with almond flakes, the flavor is very unique.
- Creative Drinks: For friends who don't drink coffee, you can try the Black & Berry Mocktail[4]. The slight bitterness of coffee blends with the sweet and sour taste of berries, making it super refreshing and a great palate cleanser.
- Main Course Portions: The portion sizes are also quite generous. I was shocked when the Rice Bowl arrived; the portion is definitely enough to fill up a big guy[5].
To be honest (a little rant)
Although the ambiance and most of the snacks get full marks, it's not without its flaws.
First, the quality of the main courses like pasta and steak can be a bit inconsistent. I saw that the pasta at the next table was a bit oily[6], and I heard the meat can be on the tough side. I'd recommend sticking to the specialty snacks and desserts, as you're less likely to be disappointed.
Second, you order by scanning a QR code, and the system is a bit user-unfriendly[7]. The menu pictures were so small my eyes almost went blind. I suggest ordering directly from the guy at the counter, where you can also ask for recommendations.
And finally, while the view from the lowest level is unbeatable, you might occasionally catch a faint smell from the river[8]. Friends who are particularly sensitive to smells might want to take this into consideration.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls & Save Money
For friends who want to check this place out, keep these points in mind to double your enjoyment!
- Choosing Your Seat: For the best river view experience, you must choose a seat on the lowest level[9]! It's super photogenic.
- A Haven for Workers: This place is a paradise for remote work! The Wi-Fi is strong, there are plenty of power outlets[10], and the parking is free, so you can comfortably spend the whole afternoon here.
- Amazing Prices: The value for money is really high. My friend and I ordered a ton of food and we ate until we were stuffed for only about 160,000 Indonesian Rupiah[11]. For a place with this kind of ambiance, that's incredibly reasonable!
- Safety Tip: If you're bringing elderly people or children, be extra careful on the stairs on rainy days, as they can be a bit slippery[12].
- Escape city chaos at this hidden East Jakarta riverside oasis. Chill by Ciliwung River, feel time slow. [1]
- Don't miss fried banana (crispy, soft, sweet!) and grilled cassava with a unique cheesecake texture. [2][3]
- Two people, stuffed, in this amazing spot, for just 160k IDR! Value that's unreal. [4]!
Similar Articles
With service and taste like this, how did it get so popular in East Jakarta?
Mbience Garden Bistro in East Jakarta is a viral sensation, known for its stunning, plant-filled ambiance that's perfect for photos. But is the hype justified? This honest review cuts through the Instagram filters to reveal the reality. While the setting is beautiful, the article warns of disappointing food, frustratingly slow service, and sky-high prices. It’s a must-read before you visit, detailing who should go (for photos only) and who should definitely stay away.
5k for a Champion Bread? This East Jakarta spot is god-tier
Don't be fooled by its humble appearance! This hidden gem in East Jakarta, Manaree Bread & Cake, is a god-tier spot for baked goods. Prepare to be amazed by their signature Frozen Brownies, which are as soft as a pillow with an intense chocolate flavor. You also can't miss the champion-level Roti Choco Banana, a steal at just 5k. This takeaway bakery serves mall-quality treats at unbelievable prices, making it a must-visit for any pastry lover.
The best food in East Jakarta is hidden under a flyover?
Tired of the usual spots? Discover a true hidden gem in East Jakarta, tucked away under the Kampung Melayu flyover. This cozy, Instagrammable cafe serves up unique, stretchy handmade ice cream with must-try flavors like Teh Botol. But the real showstopper is the surprisingly delicious and affordable pasta, with a wok hei that rivals fancy restaurants. It's the perfect secret base for a hangout with friends, complete with power outlets at every table and board games for extra fun.
East Jakarta friends, assemble! Your new neighborhood Nongkrong spot is here
East Jakarta friends, your new go-to hangout spot is here! The Voice Family Karaoke in Duren Sawit is a super affordable place to belt out your favorite tunes without breaking the bank. While it’s a no-frills spot, you’ll find a surprisingly comprehensive song library and great value packages that include drinks and snacks. It's the perfect choice for a casual, stress-free karaoke session with your crew when you just want to have fun.