Under 100k at Jakarta's OG steakhouse: Nostalgic gem or a total rip-off?
qponx
2026-01-24
Jakarta's legendary ABUBA steakhouse is famous for its nostalgic vibe and steaks under 100k. But is it a bargain or a bust? This review explores the restaurant's biggest issue: wildly inconsistent quality. One visit could be a juicy dream, the next a tough nightmare. Before you go, check out this essential survival guide on what to order (and what to avoid) to make the most of your visit to this iconic, old-school dining spot.
Every time I pass by Cipete Raya in South Jakarta, I always see ABUBA's entrance packed with cars and the inside bustling with people. This original shop[1], which started as a street stall in the 90s, holds so many memories for Jakartans. The atmosphere is that of an old-school family restaurant, a bit noisy, a bit hot, but filled with the lively vibe of Nongkrong.
But let's be real, can a place survive on nostalgia alone these days? This time, I'm here to check it out for everyone and see if this legendary steak is Mantap or Anjay…
One bite of heaven, one bite of hell
Flipping open the menu, the prices are really affordable. You can get a lokal steak for just 88k[2], but I had to challenge it and ordered the New Zealand steak[3], which is the most ordered and also the most complained about.
The result… was truly like opening a blind box. My piece of meat was so tough it was like chewing on rubber, a struggle just to cut it. My friend joked that the texture took them back to Indonesian rendang[4]. The sauce was also on the sour side, and the accompanying vegetables were clearly the frozen kind, emmm… 🔪
To be fair, though, the Wagyu Steak[5] the next table ordered looked fresh and juicy, and I heard you basically can't go wrong with that one. There's also a hidden surprise: the chicken steak[6]. I've heard it's even more reliable than the beef steak, and many regulars have switched over to it.
Don't just listen to my complaints, the truth is…
To put it bluntly, dining here is really a matter of luck[7]. The quality control is very inconsistent. You might spend a little and get a god-tier steak that melts in your mouth, or you might end up with a"jaw workout" like I did. The same goes for the ambiance. It's best to choose the front area; the back and outdoor areas are hotter, darker, and have mosquitoes[8]. Oh, and you have to pay for parking yourself, which is a bit of a confusing move[9].
Survival Guide
So, is it still worth going? If you're feeling nostalgic, or you're on a budget and craving meat, then yes. But you must remember my【Life-Saving Ordering Method】! 👇
- Ordering Mantra: To play it safe, just order anything with"Wagyu" in the name[10], or just give up on the steak altogether and go for the chicken/fish steak. You might be pleasantly surprised.
- The Mystique of Doneness: Because the kitchen's control over doneness is a mystery, if you're afraid of it being too raw, ordering it"Well Done"[11] might be the safest bet.
- Seating Secrets: Try your best to sit in the main dining area in the front! The experience is so much better than in the back or outdoor areas.
- Drinks Blacklist: Don't order the Mojito[12], and don't expect to get beer here, they don't serve it.
- Birthday Perk: For the birthday person, bring your KTP within 7 days before or after your birthday, and you'll get a free bread pudding with the purchase of a main course[13]! 🍮
- Experience a cheap culinary blind box! You might get melt-in-your-mouth steak, or a "jaw workout" [1]
- This OG spot, a 90s street stall, is a Jakarta favorite, buzzing with Nongkrong vibes [2]
- Don't just eye the steak! Many regulars favor the reliable hidden gem chicken steak, or go for juicy Wagyu [3]
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