250k for Meat Freedom, but dining with flies? Reconsider this Jakarta AYCE.
qponx
2026-01-24
SHABU SIY in Jakarta offers an affordable AYCE hot pot and BBQ experience in a stunning, art gallery-like setting. For around 250k, meat lovers can feast on unlimited high-quality, thick-cut beef. However, this review reveals a major downside: significant hygiene issues, including persistent flies that disrupt the meal. The article weighs the fantastic meat and ambiance against the poor cleanliness and other hassles, helping you decide if this budget-friendly spot is truly worth the visit.
Girls, the scene in South Jakarta is insane! Even a random All You Can Eat (AYCE) place is designed like an art gallery.
I was passing by this place, SHABU SIY, and was immediately drawn in by its Japanese garden-style entrance and super high ceiling design[1]. I was thinking to myself, a place with this kind of ambiance must cost at least 500k per person, right? But when I asked, it's a hot pot and BBQ combo buffet for only around 250k IDR per person[2]. Doesn't that sound super Mantap?
A Paradise for Meat Lovers vs. A Nightmare for the Detail-Oriented
Getting straight to the point after sitting down, their main selling point is the freedom to eat all the meat you want. Honestly, the quality of the meat is impeccable. It's served plate after plate, and you can see how fresh it is. The thick-cut beef, in particular, is super juicy and has an amazing texture after grilling[3]. The individual pot design is also very hygienic, and you can choose your own soup base.
The buffet bar has a lot of options too. I even found a hidden gem—the fried rice was surprisingly delicious[4]! Paired with the grilled meat, I could eat two bowls of it. The whole space is tall and doesn't feel cramped, which is really great for Nongkrong with friends and taking pictures. The ambiance is on point.
But! Here it comes, I have to be honest, or it wouldn't be fair to this meal... The biggest problem is the hygiene! While I was eating, there were flies constantly buzzing around my table that I just couldn't shoo away... Anjay, that just tanked the experience by 100 points. I also saw a review saying someone found a small green caterpillar in their vegetables, so I didn't dare to take too many leafy greens during my meal[5].
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
So, is it worth going? I'll summarize a few honest points for you, so you can decide for yourselves:
- 1. Parking is a hassle: For those of you driving, take note: their parking lot is very small, and valet parking is basically mandatory. Also, the fee isn't transparent. I was charged 25,000 IDR[6], so remember to have some small change ready.
- 2. You have to"push" for food: If you see that something at the buffet bar (like that delicious fried rice) has run out or doesn't look fresh, be bold and just tell the staff. They'll push the kitchen to restock it[7]. Don't just wait around foolishly.
- 3. Wait for a discount: They occasionally have PayDay discounts or lunch specials like 'buy two, get two free'[8]. If you want to go, you can keep an eye on their official Instagram. Every little bit you save counts.
- 4. Final Advice: If you're extremely sensitive about hygiene, run! If you're just looking for a place to feast on meat with friends, are on a budget, and don't mind battling it out with flies, then... maybe wear a 'fly-proof helmet' before you go. 😂
- South Jakarta AYCE! Japanese garden entry, high ceilings. Thought 500k, but hotpot & BBQ buffet is just 250k IDR [1][2]!
- Meat lover's paradise! Thick-cut beef is amazing, juicy grilled. Individual pots = super hygienic [3].
- Super high ceilings for epic Nongkrong photos. Don't miss their amazing fried rice – perfect with BBQ, you'll want seconds [4][5].
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