I've been to a few Kurasu branches in Jakarta, Senopati, Melawai, Grand Indonesia, and each one has its own vibe. But when I heard they opened a new one on Gunawarman, and that it was the biggest so far, I kind of had to go.
For context, Kurasu is originally from Kyoto. It started in 2013 as an online shop selling Japanese coffee equipment, then eventually opened its first physical cafe in Kyoto in 2016. The whole idea is about bringing Japanese coffee culture to people (the slow, intentional kind).
First impression: finally, space
Most Kurasu branches are on the smaller side, intimate, a bit tucked away. Which is great, but sometimes you just want to sit for two hours without feeling like you're taking up too much room. Gunawarman solves that. The space is wide, the ceiling is high, and the light coming in is really nice. It has that same clean Japanese minimalism Kurasu always does, but here it actually breathes.
Good Coffee, As Always
I stick to my usuals here because they never miss: a smooth basic latte, their rich matcha, and the Mont Blanc, which is easily one of my favorites. Every drink is made with so much care, clean and perfectly balanced every single time.
The kind of place where you order one thing and somehow end up staying for three hours.
What makes this one different
- The size: It is genuinely the biggest Kurasu in Jakarta. There are multiple seating areas, some for working, some that feel more like hanging out. You can find a spot no matter what mood you're in.
- The atmosphere: It sits near Gunawarman Park, so there is a little bit of green outside. Combined with the warm interior, it feels calmer than most coffee shops in that area.
- It gets crowded, fast: This place is new and people already know about it. When I went on a weekend it was packed. Go on a weekday morning if you want a quieter experience.
- Still very Kurasu: Despite the bigger space, it does not feel like they tried too hard. The simplicity is still there. Just good coffee in a nice room.
If you've been to other Kurasu branches and liked them, this one is worth the visit. And if you've never been to Kurasu before, this is probably the best one to start with.
Kurasu Gunawarman
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