Eat till you're stuffed for 10k, but the owner will yell at you… Dare to try this legendary spot in Banjarmasin?
qponx
2026-03-05
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?
Anjay! As soon as I sat down, I heard the owner's (Taci) signature loud voice echoing throughout the place. I instantly felt like I wasn't here to eat, but to join some kind of boot camp...😂 A friend had already given me a heads-up, saying the owner of this place is a bit "emosian," but hearing it in person was still startling.
This is the legendary canteen for students and office workers in Banjarmasin—Warung Berkat[1]. Don't expect any fancy decorations; the environment is quite sederhana (simple), and even a bit stuffy[2], but once mealtime hits, the place is absolutely packed, you can barely squeeze in!
Eating here is like going to war, but it's seriously Mantap!
The style here is Prasmanan (buffet-style). You serve your own rice and vegetables, take as much as you want—the main goal is to get you full[3]! Looking at the rows of home-style dishes, my analysis paralysis was kicking in. I got the signature sweet and sour chicken (Ayam Asam Manis)[4], and the flavor was actually not bad; the sweet and sour taste was very appetizing.
But to be honest, the taste is really polarizing. Some people think it's divinely delicious, with a "taste of mom's cooking"; while others complain that it's very ordinary or even a bit bland[5]. Personally, I think considering the price, it completely exceeded my expectations! I got one piece of fried chicken and two types of vegetables, and the bill was only 10,000 IDR[6]. It's an absolute lifesaver at the end of the month!
Alright, let me give you the real talk
Although the owner is loud, the regulars all know she's actually a nice person; it's just that her management style is a bit "hardcore"[7]. If she sees someone taking their food too slowly or wasting it, she will really call them out... So if you come here to eat, you need to have a bit of a thick skin. Just treat it as a local cultural experience, haha.
Also, the environment is really local, it can get a bit hot inside, and people smoke, so if you're bothered by that, be warned, girls.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls | Save This!
For the "warriors" ready to brave the experience, take note of these points:
- Timing! Timing! Do not go during the peak lunch rush, or you'll be queuing until you question your life choices[8]. It's best to go early.
- Parking is a huge pain. There are basically no parking spots if you drive; you'll have to park on the roadside. It's better to come by motorcycle or ride-hailing[9].
- Payment is on the honor system. After you finish eating, go tell the owner what dishes you took. Be honest, okay[10]!
- Keep a calm mindset. Just treat the owner's "Lion's Roar" as background noise and focus on your food. After all, this is the life-sustaining canteen for countless students[11] and workers
- Brace for the owner's "Lion's Roar"! This boot camp-style dining is true lokal Banjarmasin canteen culture—loud & unforgettable.
- Buffet-style: 10,000 IDR gets you fried chicken + two veggies. A lifesaver when you're broke before payday[1]!
- The signature Ayam Asam Manis is addictively sweet & sour. Tastes like "mom's cooking," a throwback to school days[2][3].
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