Under 250k/pax & Mantap meat! But I have to roast Gyu-Kaku Jakarta
qponx
2026-01-24
Craving affordable all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ? Gyu-Kaku offers delicious, tender meats like Suki Shabu and Rosu for under 250k per person! The silky milk pudding is also a must-try finisher. However, be warned: this popular spot is known for its notoriously long queues and slow service during peak hours. This review weighs the fantastic food against the frustrating wait, giving you the full scoop on whether the "mantap" meat is worth the battle.
Every time I pass by this Gyu-Kaku at Lotte Avenue, the insane queue always makes me turn away. Today, my friend and I were determined and ended up waiting for almost two hours[1]. If it weren't for the thought of getting all-you-can-eat BBQ for less than 250k[2] per person, I would have seriously just turned around and left!🤦♀️
After sitting down and ordering via QR code, the 90-minute timer started. Battle mode: ON! We went with the standard package and immediately ordered a ton of Suki Shabu and Rosu[3]. To be honest, the quality of the meat is truly Mantap for this price range! The thinly sliced beef sizzles on the grill. Dip it in the sauce, and it's so tender you barely need to chew. If you like something chewier, you can try the Dragon Karubi[4], which is a thick-cut short rib; it takes a bit of patience to grill. You have to finish with dessert! Their milk pudding and ice cream[5] are an absolute stroke of genius. The silky pudding with caramel sauce... having a bite after all that BBQ is so refreshing and satisfying. I'd say it's the main event!
Okay, enough with the praise, time for some real talk. The service here is seriously Anjay… 🫠 During peak hours, the staff are running around like crazy. You can call for them several times and still be ignored, and missed orders are a common occurrence[6]. The vegetable platter we ordered never even arrived by the time we got the bill… There was also a small incident; my friend said they saw a little creature that shouldn't have been there in the corner of the table… Although the staff dealt with it immediately, germaphobes might want to think twice[7].
Editor-in-Chief's Heart-to-Heart Guide
- Don't want to wait in line? Promise me, you have to book in advance! Or choose an awkward time like 3 or 4 PM to go Nongkrong. Otherwise, waiting one or two hours during weekend meal times is standard procedure[8].
- Order fast, accurately, and decisively! 90 minutes sounds long, but it's actually very tight when you factor in the time it takes for the food to arrive. The staff are slow to respond, so it's best to confirm with them after placing your order. Don't just wait passively, or you'll starve[9]…
- How to choose a package? Personally, I think the 238k standard package offers the best value for money[10]; the meat quality is already quite good. If you want to try Wagyu, you can go for the more expensive ones, but I heard from friends that it's not particularly amazing.
- Table etiquette? Remember, everyone at the same table must choose the same price package[11]. Don't start a fight with your friends when you get there, haha.
- What to order without thinking? For meats, focus on Suki Shabu & Rosu[12]. For dessert, it has to be the milk pudding[13]
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