This 4.8-star gem in Banjarmasin… I'm warning you, don't bring your friends
qponx
2026-03-05
This viral Banjarmasin restaurant boasts a 4.8-star rating and a stunning, all-white interior perfect for photos. The article raves about its signature smoked fried rice but warns of a major catch: the service is notoriously slow and frustrating. Before you gather your friends for a visit, read this honest review to see if the Instagrammable vibe and standout dish are enough to overcome the significant downsides of dining at this popular but flawed spot.
An unreal 4.8 score on Google, an all-white space flooding Instagram feeds… Honestly, if my friend hadn't dragged me here, I probably would have been turned off by the ridiculously narrow parking spot[1] at the entrance and the packed crowd. I tried to go twice and was told it was full booked[2], and only managed to get a seat on my third try. I was thinking, how good can this place be? 🤔
Once inside, the all-white, Instagram-style decor is undeniably impeccable. It's clean and spacious, and the lighting makes it very photogenic, so it's no wonder so many girls come here for gatherings. They really nailed the vibe.
Back to the food. The few things we ordered were really a mixed bag in terms of flavor.
The Signature Smoked Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng)[3] deserves a huge thumbs up! It had a great wok-charred aroma, the rice grains were perfectly separated, and it had a slightly burnt, smoky flavor. Mantap! It was so good I thought it was more impressive than many of the main courses. My friend's Meltique Steak Rib Eye[4] with mushroom sauce was also on point, cooked to the right doneness, and the meat quality was okay. But to be honest, the overall flavor profile is on the sweeter side[5], and it gets a bit heavy after a few bites.
Okay, enough praise, time for the real talk. The service at this place… Anjay! It was really infuriating. 🤬 The serving speed was ridiculously slow. We waited for almost half an hour, watching as the table next to us, who arrived later, got their food while ours was still nowhere to be seen[6]. We had to ask several times, and the waiter just had this "yeah, I heard you, but I'm not bringing it" look on their face. The experience really doesn't match the mid-to-high-end price[7].
What to Avoid 📝
So, for the girls who want to check it out, here are a few honest tips:
Overall, if you're just there for that smoked fried rice and have a super chill attitude about the service, then you can give it a try. But if it's for an important date or you just want to comfortably Nongkrong with friends, I'd advise you to think twice. 🤷♀️
- Service is a gamble: Be prepared for a long wait, and don't have high expectations for the staff's attitude, or it will really ruin your mood.
- Do NOT sit outside: Don't be fooled by the photos! The outdoor area is small and cramped, basically a major second-hand smoke zone, and the experience is terrible[8].
- Book in advance: It gets really crowded, so it's best to call ahead if you want to go, otherwise you might make a wasted trip.
- Don't go in the morning for main courses: They only have a breakfast menu before 10 AM. If you want to eat main courses like fried rice or steak, you have to wait until 10 AM sharp, not a minute sooner[9]. The rules are a bit weird.
- A Google 4.8, Insta-famous all-white space. It's hidden, packed, and took me 3 tries to get a table. So what's the hype?[1][2]
- The Smoked Nasi Goreng has incredible *wok hei* with a charred, smoky flavor. So good it outshines the main dishes![3]
- Expect a 30-min wait and the classic Indonesian "food comes when it comes" vibe[4]. Does the flavor make up for the service?
Similar Articles
4.7 stars on Google, but they served me cold spring rolls?
Curious about the 4.7-star Kala Cafe? This popular spot draws crowds with its modern vibe and standout hazelnut coffee. However, the experience can be a gamble. The review highlights major inconsistencies, from delicious fried rice to shockingly frozen spring rolls and spotty service. It gets incredibly noisy, and the Wi-Fi can't keep up. Discover the highs and lows of this trendy hangout and learn how to navigate a visit for the best possible experience.
I found a hidden courtyard in Banjarmasin for this bowl of Indomie & 20k coffee.
Tucked away in a Banjarmasin neighborhood, Pelataran Coffee is a hidden courtyard gem with a super cozy, backyard vibe. It’s the perfect escape for a relaxed hangout, not a trendy photo-op. Don't miss their signature 20k Kopi Susu Pelataran, crispy Bakwan with special sauce, and a hearty, deluxe bowl of Indomie. This spot offers ultimate comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a true neighborhood favorite.
4.7 stars on Google, but service worth a police call? I'm so done with this Shihlin in Banjarmasin.
Thinking of visiting the highly-rated Shihlin in Banjarmasin's Duta Mall? You might want to read this first. While the signature XXL Chicken Cutlet is still crispy, the experience is soured by shockingly bad service and ridiculously long waits. This review unpacks the frustrating reality behind the 4.7-star rating, from rude staff to a lack of seating, and offers survival tips for those brave enough to still go for their fried chicken fix.
Eat till you're stuffed for 10k, but the owner will yell at you… Dare to try this legendary spot in Banjarmasin?
Discover Warung Berkat, a legendary canteen in Banjarmasin offering an unbeatable deal: eat until you're full for just 10,000 IDR! This no-frills spot serves buffet-style, home-cooked meals where you can take as much rice and veggies as you like. The catch? Be prepared for the famously loud and "hardcore" owner who might yell at you. It's a truly unique local dining experience for those seeking great value and a bit of a thrill. Dare to try it?