As a freelancer, I have my own room dedicated to working. My work setup is comfortable enough, and everything I need is there. However, I need a change of scenery from time to time (just like I need to change my desktop wallpaper every month) …plus a girl’s necessity to dress up and go somewhere cute is hard to resist!
I have been trying to go out more this year, so here’s a list of spots in Jakarta area that I have personally visited and liked so far. I don’t rely on coffee (and cigarettes) to function, so the places listed here are not necessarily coffee shops.
1. Fleur by Raja
Melawai, Jakarta Selatan | Instagram: @fleurbyrajacafe
Suitable for: a dessert fix, but you want to avoid the crowd in Blok M
From Blok M MRT station, you have to walk for 15 minutes to reach Fleur by Raja. Don’t worry about that though, because the pedestrian walk is accomodating. The crowd and queue in Blok M can be very overwhelming (especially on weekends…) so why don’t you spend some time in this cute cozy cafe instead?
Their garlic rosemary salt butter bread is by far, the best saltbread I have ever had in Jakarta. Reasonably priced, delicious, quite cripsy on the outside and melts on the inside. Power outlets are provided on the wall behind each table. Don’t forget to collect the stamp to claim special bonus on your tenth visit.
2. Hakon Ethnic
Setiabudi, Jakarta Selatan | Instagram: @hakonethnic
Suitable for: sketching session/reading a book while basking in lush greenery
A ceramic gallery precedes the entryway to Hakon Ethnic, that also serves as a lobby for guests on waiting list since the place is pretty packed on the weekends. The ceramic artist, F. Widayanto, creates whimsical and nature-inspired wall decors, accessories and tableware items. You can also spot his creations all over the place, even on the tiles you step on.
Hakon Ethnic claims itself as the largest matcha place in Southeast Asia. The building has three stories, with indoor and outdoor areas. I don’t get to explore the whole place during my visit since all of the indoor tables are occupied. I have no issues with my table in the outdoor area, because the green atmosphere is so nice! The plants are robust, you wont feel the Jakarta’s hot and humid air, although it’s not that breezy either. I see that a lot of people are working with their laptops indoors, so I assume it’s pretty comfy for WFC. For the outdoor areas, it might be better if you bring a book instead because there are no power outlets.
Since I’m not a matcha enthusiast, I can’t really comment on the drinks…except that their no. 75 cold whisk tastes very grassy. I have no complaints about the service.
3.Other Half
Tanah Abang, Jakarta Pusat | Instagram: @otherhalf.jkt
Suitable for: working alone, group meeting, or even a date
The curious moss centerpiece is what attracts me when I see their Instagram post. Other Half is like a whole package: beautiful branding, nice ambience, delicious food, excellent service, and versatile. By versatile, you can go there for casual hangout, a date, WFC (power outlets are abundant), or work meeting (they have a dedicated meeting room with the equipments).
The grilled chicken sambal manis bowl is very good! My friend has garlic miso fusili, which is also good, but the portion might be too small for an empty stomach. The staff who serves us is so sweet like saccharine – he even apologizes for the plastic straws (because the eco-friendly ones haven’t arrived yet).
You can even donate some books here!
4.AMS&DAM
Pasar Baru, Jakarta Pusat | Instagram: @amsendam
Suitable for: snacking, heavy meals and coffee
The place is kind of compact, but it’s comfy nonetheless. I don’t know why, but this cafe’s ambience makes me want to have a long, cultured conversation with a friend. The entire food and drink selection, that revolves around Dutch culture, looks very scrumptious! The price is pretty okay for Central Jakarta standards.
My husband and I have mee goereng Java (Javanese fried noodle) and kapsalon (butter rice with tomato salad, cheddar cheese and chicken thigh). Both are delicious. If I have the opportunity for a second visit, I will splurge on their snacks. Although power outlets are provided in selected areas only, AMS&DAM still makes a good alternative for WFC.
5.Lemondiscofish
Kemang, Jakarta Selatan | Instagram: @lemondiscofish
Suitable for: working and chilling with gelato
Cozy place, yummy gelato, and cute doggos might come to distract (or relieve) you from work Lemondiscodish is a pet-friendly sweets parlor with homemade gelato as their specialty. On some weekends, they host activities such as trinket market, dog adoption and bazaar and it can be very crowded, so make sure to come on the weekdays or other weekends if you want to bring your work here.
When there are no events going on, this cafe can be the perfect spot for WFC! The atmosphere is very relaxing, with so many intriguing gelato flavors to choose. Don’t forget to check out the merchandise section, where you can shop for some local artist goods, t-shirt or snacks for your doggo.