Toko Merah, within the historical heart of Jakarta, lies a treasure trove of nostalgia, where time seems to stand still amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. With its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, Old Town Jakarta provides the perfect backdrop for a journey back in time. Amidst this enchanting setting, the vintage cafes that dot the landscape offer a cup of coffee and a portal to a bygone era.
A Glimpse of Toko Merah Old Town (Batavia) Jakarta
Toko Merah, nestled within the historic confines of Old Town Jakarta, is a cultural gem that epitomizes the city’s rich history. Translated as the “Red Shop,” Toko Merah is an iconic Dutch colonial-era building, its crimson facade standing out against the backdrop of the cobblestone streets. Constructed in the early 18th century, this historical edifice has borne witness to Jakarta’s transformation through the ages.
Originally built as the residence of a wealthy Dutch merchant, Toko Merah has served various purposes over the years, from a hotel to a political meeting venue. Besides, the meticulously restored building houses a museum, allowing visitors to delve into Jakarta’s past through exhibits that showcase the city’s colonial history and the architectural evolution of Toko Merah itself.
What Happened to Toko Merah Now?
Today, Toko Merah has become a vintage cafe that is attractive to people because of its history. The cafe is named ‘Rode Winkel’ derived from Dutch which means ‘Toko Merah’ in Bahasa. Exploring the chambers and hallways of Toko Merah is akin to stepping back in time, as the building encapsulates the colonial charm that continues to define Old Town Jakarta.
Rode Winkel Coffee & Savoury at Toko Merah
Rode Winkel is a new Indonesian coffee shop in Old Town Jakarta located in the historic ‘Toko Merah’ building. The 300-year-old architecture building has rustic walls, high ceilings, and doors; the furniture is original. This is one of the vintage cafes in Jakarta that is worth the experience of sipping a cup of coffee in the place where the VOC Governor General lived.
The menu is quite affordable, starting from only IDR 22.000 for an espresso, and they have signature Iced coffee, Kopsu Rode, Kopsu Winkel, Kopsu Biscoff and for non-coffee, Classic Lemongrass and Sweet Verdant. For the savoury and roastery menu, they have plenty of main courses, but these are the ones you might be curious to try: Iga Bakar Maranggi Iga Bakar Merah. The rest are classic Indonesian main courses: Mie Goreng, Nasi Goreng kampung, etc.
Based on customer reviews, the service is excellent, the taste of the food and drinks is overall good and worth trying, all the staff are very friendly, and it is very recommended if you want to immerse yourself back in the 1970s. It is a good place to hang out and best for vintage photos for your trip to Jakarta.
Location: Jalan Kali Besar Barat No.11, Jakarta, Indonesia
Operational Hour
10.00 – 22.00 (Mon – Fri)
07.00 – 22.00 (Sat – Sun)
Best Cafes in Jakarta, Indonesia: Vintage Good Coffee Shop in Old Town (Batavia)
Cafe Batavia
Housed in a beautifully preserved historical dining experience colonial building, Cafe Batavia is an iconic establishment that exudes old-world charm in Kota Tua. With its antique furnishings, vintage photographs, and live jazz music, it’s a timeless retreat for those seeking a taste of Jakarta’s colonial past. Cafe Batavia is one of the oldest coffee shops in Jakarta and served aunthentic Jakarta coffee taste that represents coffee scene in Indonesia; Aceh, Bali, Java, Mandailing, Papua, Luwak Gayo a.k.a Civer, those are special local coffee beans. The nusantara main course food menu that will spoil your taste in Indonesian authentic taste.
Location: Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.14, Jakarta Barat
Operational Hours
9.00 – 24.00 (Mon – Fri)
07.00 – 24.00 (Sat – Sun)
Kopi Es Tak Kie
Kopi Es Tak Kie is a popular cafe place located in the heart area of Jakarta, a living testament to the city’s rich history and enduring coffee culture. Established in 1927, this legendary cafe provides the test of time, making it one of the oldest coffee shops and best coffee shops in Jakarta. Renowned for its signature iced coffee, or “Kopi Es,” the cafe has become an institution, attracting locals and tourists alike with its nostalgic ambiance around Jakarta and aromatic brews. As you step into Kopi Es Tak Kie, you are transported to a bygone era, surrounded by vintage decor and the lingering aroma of freshly ground black coffee beans.
Location: Gang Gloria, Glodok, Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan III No.4-6, Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta
Operational Hours
06.00 – 14.00 (Mon -Sun)
Acaraki Jamu Kota Tua
This coffee house highlights something unique and different, ‘Jamu’ an Indonesian Traditional Herbs drink, as the signature of the coffee place. From generation to generation, Jamu has been believed by the Indonesian people as the booster of stamina for health. Adapting coffee, tea, and matcha, Acaraki presents herbal medicine in a modern form. Their signature Jamu are Kunyit Asam and Beras Kencur, which will roast in several options as light, medium, or bold.
Location: Gedung Kerta Niaga 3, Kota Tua, Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.11, Jakarta Barat
Operational Hours
08.00 – 20.00 (Mon -Sun)
Immerse Yourself Back in The 1970s
Exploring the vintage cafes of Old Town Jakarta is more than just a culinary journey; it’s a step back in time, a chance to relish the simplicity and elegance of days gone by. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a coffee connoisseur, or simply seeking a respite from the fast-paced present, these cafes offer a haven where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, creating an experience that lingers in the memory long after the last sip of coffee has been enjoyed.
