4.8 on Google, 2-hour queue… I tried this viral Jakarta Thai hot pot so you don't have to.
qponx
2026-01-23
Curious about that viral Jakarta Thai hot pot with a 4.8 rating and insane queues? This review dives deep into whether it's worth the hype. While the spot boasts a chic, Instagrammable ambiance and standout Angus beef and marinated chicken, the experience is a rollercoaster. The signature Tom Yum soup falls flat, service is spotty, and a controversial discount-for-review tactic is revealed. Find out if this trendy restaurant is truly worth the long wait and hefty price tag.
Central Park on a weekend is no joke. From far away, I could see a massive crowd at the entrance of this newly opened Thai hot pot place 🤯. I quickly checked Google, and wow, a high score of 4.8. I thought,"It must be incredibly delicious, right?" I braced myself and got a queue number, and the result... Anjay, so in this post, let's get into the details.
The Ambiance is Okay, but the Flavor is like a Mystery Box?
Gotta say, the ambiance is really nice. As soon as you walk in, you're hit with this modern, luxurious vibe. The AC is blasting, the whole space is well-designed, and it's a great spot to Nongkrong and take some Instagrammable photos[1].
After sitting down to eat, as a carnivore, I went straight for the Premium package. The Angus beef was genuinely good. The marbling was beautiful, and it melted in my mouth after a quick grill. Thumbs up for this one 👍[2]. But what surprised me the most was actually the seemingly ordinary marinated chicken. It was super flavorful, the best of the night, no arguments accepted[3]!
BUT! Here comes the main complaint. As the soul of a Thai hot pot, the Tom Yum soup base, how should I put it, felt a bit lacking. It wasn't rich enough, the sourness wasn't quite there, and it even had a strange hint of curry flavor[4]. The Thai milk tea was also watery, with the sweetness overpowering the tea flavor. It felt like a flavor lottery; the experience was a rollercoaster.
Thankfully, the coconut ice cream at the end saved the day. Having a scoop after all the grilled meat and hot pot was just so refreshing[5].
Some"Unwritten Rules" I Have to Mention
In terms of price, the regular buffet is around IDR 293k per person after tax[6]. If you want the Angus beef, you have to get the Premium package, which is 349k before tax[7]. For this price, considering the quality of the food and service, my wallet is clenching...
Speaking of service, it's hard to describe. The waiters and waitresses seemed inexperienced. They looked confused about their own menu, and bringing the wrong soup base was a common occurrence[8]. The whole experience was basically"go-with-the-flow service."
What shocked me the most was when I was paying the bill, I found out that you can get a 10% discount for giving a five-star review[9]… No wonder the rating is so high; this tactic is a bit of a turn-off.
My Honest-to-God Tips, You're Welcome!
- The queue is a nightmare: Definitely don't go during peak meal times! The queuing system is very confusing; I heard that if your number is called and you miss it, it might be voided and you have to queue all over again[10]. If you must go, pick a weekday afternoon to chill.
- Ordering Guide: Don't hesitate, go straight for the Angus beef and marinated chicken; you basically can't go wrong. As for the Tom Yum soup and Thai milk tea, just lower your expectations.
- A Note for Families: This is very important! For families with kids who bring a nanny, the nanny cannot enter the restaurant to accompany you if they are not dining[11]. This rule is really weird; I've never seen it at other AYCE places. So friends with babies, be aware and avoid this issue.
- Managing Expectations: It's fine to treat it as a gathering spot with a nice ambiance, but if you're purely seeking an authentic Thai flavor experience, you might be disappointed. Mantap or not? You decide. 😉
- Surprisingly, the unassuming marinated chicken was super flavorful, a blogger's 'best of the best, no arguments' pick [1]!
- Walk in to a stunning modern luxury vibe! Chilly AC, sleek design, perfect for Nongkrong, super photogenic [2]!
- Their 4.8 rating? It's a 'secret rule': five-star review = 10% off [3]! What a tactic – gotta see it!
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