I've been to a few Kurasu branches in Jakarta — Senopati, Menteng, 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. Single origin beans, careful brewing, no rush. Jakarta got its first Kurasu in 2023 and honestly it fit right in.
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.
The coffee, as expected, is good
I got a pourover — they rotate single origin beans so what's on the menu changes. The barista explained where the beans were from without being preachy about it, which I appreciated. The coffee was clean and a little fruity. My friend got an iced latte and said it was one of the better ones she's had in Jakarta.
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 — no over-the-top decorations, no gimmicks. 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 — you get the full experience without feeling cramped.
Kurasu Gunawarman
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