Going for BBQ just for the pudding? Only Gyu-Kaku could pull that off, right?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is it worth queuing for Gyu-Kaku's BBQ? This review says yes, but maybe not just for the meat. While the sizzling Karubi beef is a definite highlight, the real star is the unforgettable Milk Pudding—a dessert so good it's considered the main event. Get essential tips for conquering the 90-minute buffet, what to order first, and how to navigate the long lines and sometimes inconsistent service for a worthwhile all-you-can-eat experience.
Meeting up for a meal on the weekend, my friend insisted on dragging me to this Gyu-Kaku at Neo Soho. To be honest, seeing the ridiculously long line at the entrance, I really didn't want to... Plus, the staff would occasionally shout slogans with full force, which was a bit noisy. I really wanted to just Anjay and walk away right then.
But when the first plate of meat arrived, sizzling on the grill, that aroma instantly made me think,"Hmm, maybe this is worth the wait after all." Their signature Karubi beef belly[1] had the perfect fat distribution. Grilled until slightly charred, dipped in sauce and eaten in one bite, Mantap! The Rosu beef loin[2] was also very tender, the meat quality was fresh, and totally worth the price. The whole time I just had my head down, grilling meat and was just Nongkrong like crazy, I couldn't even bother to chat.
But! To be honest, the thing that would actually make me willing to queue up again was surprisingly the dessert at the end. That legendary Milk Pudding[3] is no joke! It melts in your mouth, and the milky flavor was so rich and unbelievably smooth. It's basically a dessert shop disguised as a BBQ place! I downed three bowls in one go, no exaggeration. I feel like this is the main event, hey!
Of course, as usual, let's get real for a moment. The service here is kind of like opening a blind box, it can be hit or miss[4]. I was pretty lucky this time, but I've heard friends complain that sometimes the staff would gather to chat and not respond even after being called for a long time, or the food would come out super slow[5]. The 90-minute buffet time is already tight[6], so running into this situation can be really frustrating. There's also a little trick they play: the portion for the first round of Dragon Karubi is quite generous, but when you reorder, it feels like there's less meat on the plate… Not sure if it's just my imagination hmmm 🤔.
TL;DR & Pro Tips
- Reservations! Reservations! If you want to eat here, don't be lazy. It's best to book in advance even on weekdays. They don't take reservations on weekends, so get there early before meal times to queue, or you'll be waiting until you starve[7].
- Ordering Strategy: Once the 90-minute countdown starts, don't hold back! Order a round of all the expensive meats you want first. You really will be fined for leftover meat[8], so still, order within your limits, okay?
- Budget Reference: The standard buffet is around 250,000 IDR per person (before tax)[9]. If you don't want the All-You-Can-Eat, they also have lunch sets starting from 90k IDR, which are said to be very generous.
- Ultimate Must-Order: Whether you like dessert or not, you HAVE to order the Milk Pudding[10]! Trust me! If it's not good, you can come back and find me
- BBQ joint's secret gem: Milk Pudding[1]! Melts, so rich you'll crave three bowls – the real star.
- Signature Karubi beef[2], perfectly marbled, sizzles. Dip in sauce, one bite, instant Mantap!
- Forever long lines! Wanna eat? Book ahead[3] fast, or starve waiting. Super popular!
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