Feast at PI for under 250k/person, but there's one signature dish I'd advise you to skip...
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking about visiting the classic Imperial Shanghai at Plaza Indonesia? This review dives into whether the 30-year-old spot is still worth the hype. Discover must-order dishes like the god-tier Sichuan Beef Lamian and underrated Crispy Eel, all for under 250k! But get a heads-up on which famous signature dish to skip. Plus, find essential tips on avoiding queues and hidden costs for a perfect, budget-friendly meal at this bustling, Halal-certified restaurant.
Every time I pass by the ground floor of Plaza Indonesia and see the unwavering long queue outside Imperial Shanghai, I can't help but fall into deep thought… Seriously, as a time-honored brand that's been open for almost 30 years, it holds so many youthful memories for the people of Jakarta[1]. But after all these years, is it still a foolproof choice you can make with your eyes closed? Today, I'm going to check it out again for you guys!
The Familiar Lively Vibe, a Full-on Nongkrong Atmosphere
The moment you step in, you're hit with that familiar feeling. It has a touch of golden splendor, but it's definitely not one of those high-end, intimidating restaurants where you're afraid to speak loudly. On the contrary, this place is always bustling with noise, filled with the happy laughter of family gatherings and the chatter of friends having a Nongkrong, full of a lively atmosphere[2]. As for the space, it does get a bit crowded during peak hours, but isn't this kind of bustling energy the soul of a Chinese restaurant?
The Hits and Misses List is Here! Feel Free to Copy My Order
First, the conclusion: The lamian is still god-tier!
👍 Hits List (Must-Order):
👎 Misses List (Things to Skip):
- 四川麻辣牛腩拉面 (Sichuan Beef Lamian): This has to be the MVP of the whole meal! The noodles are hand-pulled on the spot, with a chewy and smooth texture. The broth is rich, the spiciness is just right, and paired with the tenderly stewed beef brisket, one bite is super satisfying! Mantap![3]
- 无锡脆鳝 (Wu Xi Crispy Eel): A seriously underrated hidden gem! The eel is fried to a perfect crisp, coated in a well-balanced sweet and savory sauce. The flavor is super unique and it's amazing with rice[4].
- Super-sized Fried Rice/Noodles: Their portion sizes are seriously generous. One order of fried rice or noodles is definitely enough for two girls with small appetites to share. Great value for money[5].
- 小笼包 (Xiao Long Bao): I know this is one of their signature dishes, but I have to be honest today! I don't know if the standard has dropped, but the xiao long bao now are smaller, the skin is thick, and the soup inside is pitifully scarce, making it a bit dry[6]. That joy of a burst of soup in one bite from back in the day is really gone... Don't set your expectations too high.
Heart-to-Heart Truths & A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Finally, a few key points for my girls, take note!
- 1. Queue Warning: During lunch and dinner peak hours, queuing is the norm. If you don't want to wait, either make a reservation in advance or arrive before the main meal times[7].
- 2. Service is Hit-or-Miss: When the restaurant is super busy, the waiters and waitresses might get a bit overwhelmed. It's possible they'll bring the wrong dish or be slow to respond, so just be patient[8].
- 3. The Pre-meal Snacks are a Trap: Those little snacks on the table like peanuts, prawn crackers, etc., are not free! You'll be charged if you eat them, about 10,000 to 20,000 rupiah. If you don't want to spend unnecessary money, don't touch them[9]!
- 4. Halal-Friendly: Most importantly, this is a Halal restaurant, so they don't serve pork. You can bring all your friends here with peace of mind, and everyone can eat happily[10].
- Must-try Sichuan Spicy Beef Brisket Ramen! Chewy hand-pulled noodles, rich broth, tender beef. Pure bliss! [1]
- Wuxi Crispy Eel? Underrated gem! Perfectly crunchy, sweet-savory coated. Unique, amazing with rice! [2]
- This 30-year-old spot is always buzzing, a nostalgic hub for Jakartans. [3][4]
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