200,000 per person for processed meat? Is Surabaya's buffet pioneer Hanamasa still worth it?
qponx
2026-02-01
Is Surabaya's classic AYCE buffet, Hanamasa, still worth the 200k price tag? This honest review revisits the nostalgic spot to find out. While the beef quality might underwhelm, the true star of the show is the unexpectedly delicious marinated chicken, alongside a decent seafood selection. Discover if this old-timer is more about nostalgia now and get essential tips on how to make the most of your Yakiniku and Shabu-shabu experience.
Every time friends visit Surabaya and ask where to go for a family meal, Hanamasa always comes up. After all, it's the AYCE pioneer that grew up with a generation, truly a living fossil of Surabaya's buffet scene. But honestly, with all the new Japanese buffets fiercely competing now, does this old veteran still have its charm? With this question in mind, I went to check it out again.
As soon as I walked in, that familiar vibe hit me. The place is genuinely spacious, bright, and clean. There's also plenty of parking. You can tell it's designed for team building and gatherings; the atmosphere is perfect for a big group to Nongkrong[1].
We sat down and got started. The classic setup of one grill and one hotpot on the table allows you to enjoy Yakiniku and Shabu-shabu[2] simultaneously. This setup is still so Mantap! Headed straight to the food pickup area, the selection was quite rich. Meats, seafood, vegetables, and meatballs were all laid out abundantly.
But! Here's the highlight. The biggest surprise of the whole place, Anjay! It was actually that unassuming marinated chicken[3]! The seasoning was just right, and it was tender and juicy after grilling, completely stealing the show from the beef. The seafood section was also decent; grilling some squid or fish was pretty good for the crowd[4].
However, when it comes to beef... Girls, please automatically lower your expectations. Most of it felt like processed meat rolls or scraps; it wasn't that fresh-cut quality[5], and the texture was a bit disappointing to eat. Oh right, and the drink station, seriously, it was so sweet it was depressing. I felt like my blood sugar would go off the charts after one cup[6].
Editor's Honest Opinion & Pitfall Avoidance Guide
To be honest, it's about 200,000 IDR per person now[7]. Compared to the meat quality at this price, the value for money isn't really high anymore. A few years ago, it was legendary; now, it's more about nostalgia.
Here are some practical tips for those planning to go:
- Main Target: Don't stubbornly stick to beef; focus on the marinated chicken[8] and seafood, and you'll discover a new world.
- Hidden Menu: Want miso soup or ice cream? Don't just wait around; ask a server directly, and they'll bring it to you[9].
- Time Management: During peak hours, dining time is only 1.5 hours[10]. The speed of refilling dishes might also not keep up[11]. So, if you see something you want, don't hesitate, grab it first! If you want to Chill a bit longer, it's recommended to go during off-peak hours.
- Hygiene Details: Now, you have to wear masks and disposable gloves when picking up food. This is pretty well done, thumbs up.
- Buffet redefined! The unassuming marinated chicken is the MVP. Grilled tender, juicy, outshining the beef [1].
- Two-in-one! The grill plate hotpot setup offers Yakiniku and Shabu-shabu. Perfect for indecisive diners! [2].
- Secret menu alert! Want miso soup or ice cream? Ask your server to unlock exclusive perks! [3].
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