Spent 99k in Kelapa Gading on a bellyful of flour. I can't even.
qponx
2026-01-24
Drawn in by its stunning decor and a 99k All-You-Can-Eat deal, Pempek Sari Belido in Kelapa Gading seems like a dream. However, this review reveals a major catch: the AYCE pempek is a flavorless disappointment. Learn why you should skip the buffet and order from the à la carte menu instead. Discover the must-try dishes, like the fragrant Lenggang Panggang, to enjoy the beautiful ambiance without falling into the foodie trap.
Girls, I'm rarely this speechless about a restaurant...
I was just strolling around Kelapa Gading when I was immediately drawn to the storefront of this place, Pempek Sari Belido. Oh my god, a Pempek shop decorated like a high-end cafe, exquisite and spacious, and the AC is super strong. I was instantly sold! Then I saw the sign at the entrance that said “All You Can Eat Pempek CUMA 99K”[1], who could resist that? I decided right then and there to go in and Nongkrong for a bit.
The higher the expectation, the greater the disappointment
Once inside, the ambiance was truly impeccable, definitely top-tier in the Jakarta Pempek scene[2], and perfect for family or friend gatherings. But I excitedly chose the AYCE, and that's when the nightmare began.
First off, the AYCE area is on the second floor, and there's no elevator, which isn't very friendly for some people[3]. The first plate of Pempek I got after sitting down... the moment I took a bite, I was dumbfounded... Are you sure this is a fishcake? There was basically zero fish flavor, and the texture was hard and dense. It felt like I was just eating a lump of dough[4]. That Cuko sauce was also sickeningly sweet, like dipping my food in sugar water[5]. Anjay, spending this 99k gave me a heart attack!
Not wanting to give up, I decided to pay extra and order something from the à la carte menu to test the waters. And when the à la carte Lenggang Panggang[6] arrived, hmm? The aroma was right! The grilled fishcake, coated in egg, had a lovely charred aroma, was full of fish flavor, and had a soft, tender texture. Now *this* is the standard Palembang food should have! Mantap! Also, the Pempek Telor Asin[7] is worth a try, the molten salted egg yolk center is amazing.
Some real talk…
So, the problem is obvious: the quality of the AYCE and the à la carte items are completely different things! I'd give the ambiance five stars, but the AYCE food gets only one star, no more than that.
And the service here... it's hard to describe. You wait forever for your food to arrive, and getting a waiter's attention is basically up to fate[8]. Although the à la carte dishes are delicious, the portions are pitifully small[9], which makes the value for money instantly not so great.
Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls & The Right Way to Do It
Alright, I'm highlighting the key points for you, get your notebooks ready:
In short, it's a place with extremely prominent pros and cons. Go for the ambiance, but for the AYCE… run! 🏃♀️
- 1. Definitely don't go for the AYCE! If you're after good flavor, this 99k buffet is a trap. Don't pay to suffer.
- 2. If you want good food, just sit on the first floor and order à la carte. Just treat it as a Palembang restaurant with a nice ambiance. My top recommendation is the Lenggang Panggang[10], trust me, you can't go wrong!
- 3. Keep a chill mindset. Be mentally prepared for slow service. Don't go when you're starving, or you'll go crazy waiting.
- 4. Be aware of the weird rules. There's a fine for not finishing your AYCE food, even if it's just one piece of tofu skin left... It's also not friendly to people with disabilities. If you want AYCE but can't go upstairs, the manager won't be sympathetic[11].
- This Pempek spot is Jakarta's ultimate, with a fancy cafe vibe. Totally insta-worthy! [1]
- Sign outside: 99K for All You Can Eat Pempek [2]! Tempting, but a huge catch.
- Don't miss à la carte Lenggang Panggang [3]! Grilled, eggy, super fishy, tender – Palembang Pempek's soul!
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