The Truth About Batam's 10k Sushi: I took one for the team…
qponx
2026-03-06
Tempted by 10k sushi deals and Insta-worthy decor at a Batam restaurant? This review is a must-read warning. While the ambiance looks great for photos, the article exposes a disastrous dining experience. Expect spoiled-tasting sushi, sickeningly sweet ramen, and shockingly poor hygiene, including cockroach sightings. Learn why this spot is considered a complete rip-off and a tourist trap that you should definitely run from, not walk.
Girls, who gets it! While shopping at Nagoya Hill, I saw a Japanese restaurant with signs saying "Buy One Get One Free Sushi" and "Everything for 10k"[1]. The decor was pretty Insta-style with bright lighting[2], so I thought, "It'd be a crime not to take this deal," and dragged my friends right in... Well, Anjay! It turned out to be the biggest disaster I've encountered in Indonesia this year. 🤢
The Instagram Filter vs. The Real Food
The ambiance was admittedly impeccable, looking quite beautiful with a solid design aesthetic, seemingly great for photos and check-ins. But! The moment you shift your gaze to the conveyor belt, the nightmare begins.
The sushi coming around on the belt had fish slices that looked anything but fresh. I took two plates, hoping for the best, but they all tasted spoiled[3]. The rice was on another level of bad—it definitely wasn't Japanese rice and had the texture of dry, hard porridge that's been left out overnight[4]. The ramen and udon we ordered were sickeningly sweet; even I, a major sweet tooth, couldn't handle it. The portions were also pathetically small[5], like a kid's meal.
The only edible thing was probably the Chicken Curry Rice[6]; the chicken was reasonably crispy. But just as we were feeling relieved that there was at least one dish we could eat, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a cockroach taking a leisurely stroll on our table... and instantly lost my appetite. Later, while scrolling through reviews, I found out that someone saw a fly on their plate, and another person even found a piece of glass in their rice![7] And then thinking about how a customer saw a chef wipe their nose with a gloved hand and then continue to handle raw fish... I'm so done. 🤮
A Total Rip-off, Specifically Targeting Tourists
Honestly, this place's marketing is way too good. Their Instagram is bombarded with all sorts of discounts, making it easy to get lured in. But the food quality and hygiene are just terrible. The four of us had a few small bites and ended up spending nearly 400,000 IDR. The value for money is appallingly low. They are a top-tier player in the "pictures are for reference only" game.
A Guide to Avoiding This Trap, Save This Now!
In short, this restaurant uses its pretty decor and crazy discounts[8] to hide its terrible reality. If you want to Nongkrong in Batam, there are plenty of good places. For this one, let's just say, run! 🏃♀️💨
- Don't get your hopes up for fresh seafood: Forget salmon; they might not have any sashimi at all[9]. You won't get to eat their signature dishes even if you go.
- Be mentally prepared: The service is incredibly slow. Missing or wrong orders are a common occurrence, and the waiters have a sour face like you owe them money[10].
- Questionable hygiene: Cockroaches and flies are "regular customers"[11]. If you have a sensitive stomach, please don't gamble with your health.
- Who could resist a buy one get one free sushi deal at Nagoya Hill? Everything was just 10k IDR[1]!
- The reality? Visibly unfresh fish and rice as hard as stale, overnight congee[2]. What a letdown.
- Rumor has it people found cockroaches on plates and glass in their food[3]. Never again! A serious warning to all.
Similar Articles
Google 4.9 stars? This Batam KTV is a tourist trap. Dare to go?
Don't be fooled by a 4.9-star Google rating! This article exposes a popular Batam KTV as a major tourist trap. Uncover the truth behind the glowing reviews, from shocking hidden fees that can double the bill to bizarre scams targeting foreigners and warnings of fake alcohol. It's a crucial read for any traveler looking to avoid a costly and frustrating night out, highlighting the red flags to watch for before you go.
4.8 stars on Google? The wait at this Batam chain gave me internal damage.
Don't let the high Google rating for Batam's Malaya Cafe fool you. This popular chain offers a polarizing experience. While the fried Gurame fish is a standout, inconsistent food quality and disastrously slow service can lead to hour-long waits. This honest review breaks down the hits and misses, offering a survival guide on whether to visit, what to order, and if the potential for a great dish is worth the frustrating wait.
Calling all Batam parents! Found a lakeside Cafe that'll instantly quiet your little monsters
Parents visiting Batam, rejoice! Discover Moora, a spacious lakeside cafe perfect for a stress-free family outing. The main attraction is a dedicated children's playground, giving adults a chance to relax. While the kids play, enjoy the serene lake view, weekend live music, and surprisingly delicious, affordable food. Don't miss the signature Lontong and Es Kopi Susu Moora. Just be prepared for potentially slow service and enjoy the chill atmosphere. It’s a true game-changer for family trips.
4.8 stars on Google, but I ate with flies? This Batam restaurant is seriously Anjay
Think a 4.8-star Google rating guarantees a great meal? Think again. This review of Renuin Restaurant in Batam exposes the shocking reality behind the high score. Despite a promising online reputation, the actual experience was a disaster featuring incredibly long waits, unhygienic conditions with flies for company, and disappointing food. This article serves as a cautionary tale for travelers, detailing why this popular spot is one you should probably skip on your trip to Batam.