Bakoel Koffie Cikini is far more than a typical coffee shop; it is a steadfast institution standing tall amidst the bustling energy of Jakarta. Nestled in the lush Menteng district, this historic Dutch colonial-era building offers a journey back in time. With its classical façade and an interior showcasing an antique collection, the venue has quietly witnessed the passage of time without ever losing its identity. For those seeking tranquility in the capital, Bakoel Koffie Cikini stands as a destination that seamlessly blends nostalgia, comfort, and authentic culinary flavors.
📸 Galerie photo
Why Visit This Location
The primary appeal of Bakoel Koffie Cikini lies in its rich historical atmosphere. Guests are greeted by magnificent, intricately detailed architecture that cultivates a serene yet undeniably contemporary vibe. It remains one of the few cafes that successfully preserve an old-world charm without feeling stiff or outdated. Boasting a 4.4 rating from over 6,200 reviews, the establishment’s consistent service quality and ambiance are the key reasons it remains a perennial favorite across diverse demographics, from local patrons to international tourists captivated by the building’s storied past.
The Visitor Experience
As a visitor, you can take advantage of the spacious two-story layout. The upper floor is typically designated as a non-smoking zone, offering a quieter environment ideal for working on a laptop or simply reading. Separate areas cater to smokers with adequate facilities. The interior, adorned with antique wall decorations and classic furnishings, delivers a distinct visual experience. You can relax at your own pace, indulging in the refined ambiance without any rush, as the establishment warmly accommodates guests who wish to linger for hours with nothing more than a cup of coffee.
Culinary Offerings
Offering a diverse culinary selection, Bakoel Koffie’s menu extends well beyond beverages. The signature dish you must try is Nasi Goreng Kluwek, a house specialty. This rice dish features the characteristic deep black hue of kluwek and is served with shredded chicken, meatballs, and occasionally slices of rawon beef, delivering a deeply rich flavor profile. Mie Aceh is also a strong favorite among guests, with spice levels adjustable to your preference. When it comes to beverages, coffee takes center stage. You can order a single-origin V60 or a classic tubruk coffee according to your taste. Bakoel Koffie also serves delicious snacks such as Pisang Goreng (fried banana), Lumpia Semarang (Semarang spring rolls), and Tahu Isi (stuffed tofu). Their hot chocolate is highly regarded, particularly for those who prefer a pure, unadulterated flavor without excessive sweetness. However, for those ordering nasi bakar or kebuli, the experience may vary depending on ingredient availability and the kitchen’s preparation that day.
Pricing and Admission
Generally, prices at Bakoel Koffie Cikini range from Rp 50,000 to Rp 150,000 per person. While some visitors consider the pricing on the higher side, particularly for food portions, the value provided is commensurate with the historic ambiance and prime location. Coffee prices start slightly above average; for instance, a cup of V60 is priced around Rp 66,000, which serves as an investment in a comfortable dining experience. The venue accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Operating Hours
The venue operates nearly every day to accommodate guests throughout the day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Operating hours are as follows: Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 08:00–00:00 Monday: 09:00–00:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 08:00–00:00
Getting There
Bakoel Koffie Cikini occupies a strategic location at Jl. Cikini Raya No. 25, directly adjacent to the Cikini Post Office in Menteng, Central Jakarta. Access to the venue is highly convenient and reachable via various modes of transportation. Private vehicle owners will find parking facilities available on nearby paid streets as well as in surrounding paid parking lots. Situated in the city center yet nestled in a tranquil district, it allows visitors to bypass the heavy traffic typical of adjacent business zones. The location’s high accessibility ensures easy arrival from all corners of Jakarta.
Practical Tips for Visitors
For the best experience, visitors are advised to arrive in the morning or afternoon to enjoy a quieter atmosphere before the venue fills up in the evening. If you plan to bring a reusable tumbler, be sure to inquire about the latest policy regarding CCTV monitoring, as some guests have reported a rule requiring tumbler beverages to be stored in bags before entry for security or venue policy reasons. You may also choose the upper floor if you are a heavy smoker, although most of the space remains non-smoking friendly. Do not forget to order the Nasi Goreng Kluwek, a must-try dish to fully experience the establishment’s signature flavor.
Visitor Reviews
"The atmosphere remains incredibly pleasant, with a nostalgic, classic, and unique vibe. The space is spacious across two floors, featuring designated smoking and non-smoking areas... This time, I ordered the kluwek fried rice and laksa, and both tasted absolutely delicious. Whether you visit solo or gather with friends, the ambiance is highly comfortable. It effectively relieves stress thanks to the beautiful interior, excellent service, and quick turnaround."
"The ambiance is truly outstanding. Every corner of the room is beautifully designed and highly Instagram-worthy. The pricing is on the higher side... However, the coffee is genuinely delicious, easily a 9/10. The straws are sustainably sourced, which is great, but it’s disappointing that you’re asked to put your tumbler in your bag due to CCTV surveillance. It doesn’t make much sense when you’re already purchasing a drink inside rather than bringing one from outside."
"It feels like being transported back in time with the vintage interior and antique wall decoration collection... I ordered Mie Aceh, kluwek rice (which they claim is a specialty here), and cheese toast... The kluwek fried rice draws inspiration from rawon; the rice is black, served with chicken, meatballs, and occasionally a piece of rawon beef. It’s quite tasty, although the rice texture was slightly on the firmer side."
"Housed in a former Dutch colonial post office building. The place is highly Instagram-worthy with numerous antique items... I tried their V60, a single-origin Kintamani prepared in a Japanese style... The preparation was slightly lacking; it seemed over-extracted or brewed too hot, as the bitter and scorched notes were too dominant. The price is also slightly above average at 66k per cup."
"I ordered tuna cheese nasi bakar and kebuli fried rice, and the taste was truly unpleasant and off... To make matters worse, there were three power outages, forcing us to eat in the dark. Expensive prices for food that simply isn’t good. This is essentially a scam; I would not recommend it."
Bakoel Koffie Cikini remains an exemplary choice for those seeking a unique blend of history, comfort, and culinary excellence in Jakarta. With its tranquil ambiance and diverse menu, the venue guarantees a memorable dining experience. You will not only enjoy a well-crafted cup of coffee but also the opportunity to appreciate its architectural beauty and the stories woven into these historic walls. Visit to discover firsthand why it has remained a favorite destination for years.
