Common Grounds Coffee Roaster Menteng

My first time visiting Common Grounds was in July 2023. I was still really interested in coffee, but hadn't reached my specialty V60 stage of coffee exploration yet. Espresso was my variation of choice. I had been recovering from years of bad, burnt coffee and enjoying more subtle fruity flavors. Indonesia opened my mind to coffee. You could say I started my specialty coffee journey in Jakarta. 

My first time at Common Grounds was eye-opening. I was walking around Menteng after checking out some art exhibitions and came across this beautiful mansion at the corner of the street. Walking in, I was mesmerized by the beautiful interior. The space was so well lit, with an island table decorated with cakes and pastries, and coffee sections to one side.

The staff was as welcoming as the space itself. Some of the nicest people I've interacted with at a cafe. I was immediately greeted by barista Tria. She asked me what I was looking for and made a few recommendations after we talked about my coffee preferences. Since I was exploring espresso, she suggested her winning espresso blend. Yes, I later found out she had won 5th place at the Indonesia Barista Championship in 2023. 

The espresso arrived after 10 mins of careful, meticulous brewing. She was using Daterra Aramosa beans from Brazil. The coffee was eye-opening. It was fruity and sweet with a strong fermented scent that was very pleasant on the nose. I was so captivated that I got another one for takeaway in a cute espresso cup as I continued my journey around Jakarta.

I've been back to Common Grounds multiple times after that and have always had a great experience. I've since tried their V60 brews with beans from Java, Toraja and Sumatra and have enjoyed each and every one of them. Their brews have a very refined, pleasant flavor. I know Indonesian beans can be a bit strong on the fermented flavor for a lot of people, but I absolutely love them.

Indonesian coffee has this three-dimensional mouthfeel or kokumi as they say in Japanese. Every sip is a flavor ballet, and Common Grounds Menteng captures that beautifully.

I'm not gonna lie, the cafe is a bit more on the pricey side. Common Grounds is definitely within the range of affordability, but on the higher end of that spectrum. I would definitely recommend it. I believe in affordable coffee that is accessible to all. I do not like cafes that sell their product at crazy prices. Specialty Coffee should be for the people. Everyone deserves to enjoy coffee at all levels of complexity.

Let's talk about the food. The food at Common Grounds is also super satisfying. I've been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I tried the Bebek Goreng the first time I visited. The duck was crispy and juicy, and the sambal was perfect. I've also tried their Cannoli and Shakshouka. Everything was delicious and super satisfying.

My last visit to Common Grounds was in April 2025, and the experience has always been consistent. I highly recommend this place, and I make sure to always visit when I'm in Jakarta.

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