13 Days in Jakarta

The afternoon sun beat down on Jakarta as I squeezed out of the Blok M MRT station, instantly swallowed by the district's electric buzz. Motorbikes weaved, music pulsed from shops, and the air hummed with energy. My mission? To dive headfirst into Blok M's legendary – and hyped – cafe scene. Forget quiet corners; this was about the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, joy of discovering the city's most talked-about bites. Here’s the delicious adventure that unfolded: 1. Uma Oma Cafe: Warmth Like Grandma's Hug (My First Stop!) Stepping into Uma Oma was like entering a different world. Gone was the street chaos, replaced by a comforting, homey vibe. The real magic? The staff. *Lovely "Omas" (grandmas)*, smiles etched with kindness, welcomed me and gently placed a frosty glass of *Es Teh* (sweet iced tea) on my table . It wasn't just service; it felt like being cared for by family. The concept here is beautiful: empowering seniors and creating an atmosphere bursting with genuine warmth . It felt authentic and soul-soothing. 2. Little Salt Bread: The Savory Craving Crusher Following the tempting aroma of baking bread, I found Little Salt Bread tucked away. The queue outside was a testament to its viral fame. Patience paid off! Inside, the modern, minimalist space focused all attention on the star: *Korean-style salt bread*. I opted for the *Garlic variation* . Oh. My. Goodness. The first bite was a revelation – a slightly *crispy exterior* giving way to an incredibly *fluffy, soft inside*, bursting with rich, savory garlic butter. Absolutely delicious and worth the wait? Definitely! It was the perfect savory anchor before diving into sweets. Forget plain pastries; this is flavor-packed goodness. 3. OO Donut: Pumpkin Power & Sweet Surprises Energy restored, I sought sugar. OO Donut was impossible to miss – a small spot buzzing with excitement and the sweet smell of frying dough. Known for going viral with unique flavours, especially their *Japanese Pumpkin Donut* , I knew I had to try it. The donut itself was light and cakey, not overly heavy. The star was the filling: a *smooth, sweet, and subtly earthy pumpkin cream* . It was unique, incredibly tasty, and lived up to the hype! I also couldn't resist a *Salted Matcha* ring – the earthy matcha balanced perfectly by a hint of saltiness. Each bite was a little burst of happy surprise. 4. Maiku Cafe: The Tiramisu Triumph (After the Wait!) Tiramisu dreams led me next to Maiku Cafe, nestled in the Little Tokyo area. Maiku evolved from a famous dessert takeout spot into a charming cafe, specializing in *handmade tiramisu* . The anticipation built! Finally seated, I went classic with an *Original slice* and, inspired by reviews, the *Osmanthus Pear Green Tea* . The tiramisu? It was rich but not heavy, perfectly balanced, and TRULY "not-too-sweet" – ideal for everyone.