Visiting the Instagram famous Gigi Susu cafe in Bali.
My first morning in Canggu and I stumbled across this absolute gem of a cafe.
Beautiful food, strong coffee, and a truly unique ambiance… I can see why Gigi Susu is Instagram famous in Indonesia!
Is it really worth the queue though?
If you’ve ever planned a trip to Bali (or even casually browsed Instagram), chances are you’ve come across photos of sun-dappled tables topped with vibrant smoothie bowls, colorful lattes, and plates that look more like art than food.
Often, these dreamy scenes are tagged at Gigi Susu Café, one of Bali’s most photogenic brunch spots located right in the heart of bustling Canggu.
In the last couple of years, Gigi Susu has become something of a pilgrimage site for travellers chasing Bali’s café culture.
But with popularity comes the inevitable crowd. So the question remains — is it really worth standing in line under the tropical sun just to get a seat?
Let’s break it down.
An iconic spot in Canggu.
Why is Gigi Susu so popular?
Ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you it’s a mix of charm, colour, and that unmistakable Bali vibe — though it’s the dazzling visuals that grab you first.
It’s an Instagrammer’s dream.
Let’s be honest — a big part of why people flock here is for the photos… As with many places in Bali!
The café is thoughtfully designed from floor to ceiling with a soft, modern aesthetic, and everything is meticulously planned - the staff’s uniform, the plate and mugs, and even the beautifully presented pastries.
It’s not just tourists either. Gigi Susu draws plenty of Bali-based influencers, remote workers, and local creatives, all seeking that perfect brunch backdrop.
Beyond the picture-perfect scenes, what truly keeps people coming back is how effortlessly Gigi Susu captures the essence of the Bali café lifestyle.
An awsome ambiance.
The Bali café lifestyle.
Part of Gigi Susu’s charm is how it captures the laid-back yet trendy vibe that Bali is famous for.
It’s where digital nomads come for a late breakfast after a morning surf, or groups of friends gather for slow weekends over iced lattes.
I loved having my breakfast here after a morning workout at Crossfit Wanderlust.
Two of my favourite things about Bali… Fitness and cafe culture!
Music plays softly in the background, the staff are warm and chatty, and the general pace is unhurried. Even with its buzz and popularity, it manages to feel relaxed.
I was completely relaxed enjoying my flat white, despite a constant queue of locals just behind me.
My delcious Bali breakfast.
What’s on the menu?
Gigi Susu isn’t just about good looks — the food holds up too.
The menu is a playful mix of classic brunch staples and Asian-tropical twists that feel right at home in Bali’s climate.
Some of the highlights include:
🥞 Tropical fruit bowl, a variety of tropical fruits which offer a taste sensation, and plenty of energy for your day in the sunshine.
🥑 Avocado toast, piled high with microgreens, paper-thin radish slices, and perfectly poached eggs, finished with a squeeze of lime.
A awesome selection.
🥥 Coconut cold brews that are incredibly refreshing on a hot day, served in glasses frosted from the ice.
🌸 Acai bowls, yoghurt, acai berries, and granola, all mixed together (my choice).
🥐 Fresh pastries & cakes, often made with tropical fruits or local spices, and displayed temptingly at the counter.
My favourite.
Bets sellers which I tried.
Are the queues really that bad?
Here’s the honest truth: yes, most of the day you will find queues!
Especially if you show up between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm — peak brunch hours — it’s not unusual to wait 20 to 30 minutes for a table. On weekends, the wait can stretch even longer…
I visited several times with mixed experiences. The longest I waited for my coffee was 30 minutes, however, another day I was in and out within 20 minutes.
A common sight.
The good news is, the staff manage the crowd well.
They’ll take your name, give you a rough estimate, and you can either wait by the entrance (which is shaded and has fans) or take a quick stroll around the area, before returning to pick up (or sit down).
If you want to skip the line, come early (before 9 am) or later in the afternoon when it’s less crowded. Gigi Susu serves brunch all day, so a 2 pm pancake is still totally acceptable (it was for me anyway).
Another queue.
So… is it worth the hype?
That really depends on what you’re looking for.
✅ It’s worth it if:
You love discovering beautiful, thoughtfully designed spaces.
Brunch is as much about the experience and atmosphere as the food.
You want to snap some truly stunning photos to remember your trip (or share on Instagram).
You’re happy to linger over a long meal, people-watch, and soak in Bali’s café culture.
🚫 Maybe skip if:
You get impatient waiting for a table.
You’d rather eat at small local warungs (which are often cheaper and offer incredible authentic Balinese dishes).
You’re travelling on a super tight budget — while Gigi Susu isn’t overly expensive by international standards, it is pricier than local eateries.
Next time I am in Canggu, I will be 100% enjoying breakfast at Gig Susu again.
A true word spoken.
Final thoughts: the Bali café checklist
Bali has no shortage of pretty cafés — from jungle treehouses in Ubud to beachfront smoothie shacks in Seminyak…
But Gigi Susu stands out for how well it combines style, quality, and that special Bali energy, which is completely different to everywhere else on my South East Asia trip.
Whether it’s “worth it” is subjective, but for most foreign visitors spending a week or two in Bali, it’s absolutely a spot to try at least once…
Even if you don’t like seeing the influencer crowd on your travels, you can find quieter times to visit (with some planning).
So yes — queue up, order something delicious, and enjoy you Bali breakfast!
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.