One Fifteenth’s New Home in Menteng

by Julius Kensan
17th August 2017
After five years in the specialty coffee scene, the popular One Fifteenth says hello to its new sibling in the neighbourhood of Menteng.

Since popping into the scene in 2012, One Fifteenth has been one of the pioneers that played a huge part in introducing specialty coffee in Jakarta. With a modern and clean Scandinavian interior that is amped up with the warmth of wooden fittings and potted plants, their first home in Gandaria is very often the default South Jakarta’s coffee spot for young creative professionals and expats.

While other specialty coffee shops have went on to launch more branches around the city for the past five years, One Fifteenth seems to be unhurried, choosing to take it slow and easy instead. And now, entering its fifth year, the establishment has finally welcomed a new home in the area of Menteng, right next to Kaum restaurant as their neighbour.

The obvious difference to its predecessor is the space. Though smaller, it oozes an arresting homey vibe that encourages longer stay. But similar to its main branch, there are plenty of spots for you to claim. For the loners, you could conceal yourself in the hidden corner by the window right next to the coffee bar or park yourself at counter in front of the open kitchen with the company of busy staff. During these solo moments, it feels right to indulge in their signature cold drip coffee, Rojali (Rock Java Lime) along with a slice of banana lime cake.

It’s also easy to lose your time here, especially with their menu, crafted by Head Chef Hikaru Take that carries you from day to night. There’s Avocado Toast and Shakshuka for a pleasant morning pick-me-up, dependable pasta for lunch to heavier options, such as Braised Beef and Pork Belly Confit to end the day.

Of course, sharing a compound with Kaum means you could grab a coffee for a brief work meeting before moving to Kaum for dinner or vice versa. This versatility means you could spend the whole day in these two establishments. And that’s definitely not a bad thing at all.

Sure, it may took One Fifteenth five years to branch out, but given its enviable second location and the laidback atmosphere it effortlessly exudes, it’s certainly worth the wait.