4.8 stars on Google? So what? My advice for this viral lakeside restaurant: have zero expectations for the service.
qponx
2026-02-25
Escape to a Balinese paradise at this viral lakeside restaurant near Jakarta. With stunning thatched-roof huts floating on a lake, the ambiance is a photographer's dream. But this review gives a crucial heads-up: while the signature Honey Grilled Prawns are a must-try, the service can be frustratingly slow and inaccurate. Read this "survival guide" to learn how to enjoy the incredible views and delicious prawns without letting the chaotic service ruin your day.
Took the family to Nongkrong over the weekend, and I came across this Mang Engking in South Tangerang while scrolling. The pictures immediately sold me! The thatched-roof huts (Gubug) floating on the lake, the breeze carrying the scent of grass and water—it instantly transports you to the Balinese countryside, feeling nothing like the outskirts of Jakarta.
😇Heavenly Ambiance vs 🤬Hellish Service
Seriously, the ambiance here is absolutely Mantap! The place is ridiculously huge; it's more like a park than a restaurant[1]. We ate in a private hut on the lake, watching the fish swim beneath our feet, and that Chill feeling is truly rare. Their slogan, “Dari Desa Untuk Indonesia” (From the Village for Indonesia)[2], isn't just for show—the atmosphere is absolutely on point.
The ambiance gets a perfect score, but what about the food? We went straight for their signature dish from the catchy slogan, the Udang Bakar Madu (Honey Grilled Prawns)[3], and the prawns were firm and bouncy with a sweet and savory honey glaze—it was definitely the star of the show! We also ordered the Gurame fish[4], which was decent and a safe choice. But that Karedok[5]... it tasted okay, but why were the crackers cut in half? It looked like someone's leftovers, which would drive someone with OCD crazy!
OK, enough with the praise, I'm about to rant, girls, so hold on tight! The service here, Anjay, is really hard to describe[6]. Getting the wrong dishes and missed orders are the norm, and communicating with the staff feels like you're on completely different wavelengths. I also heard a friend ordered a whole duck, but when it arrived, the portion was clearly smaller than it should have been—the quality control is something else[7]. The high 4.8 score on Google? I feel like 4 of those points must be for the ambiance...
📝 A "Survival Guide" You Must Read Before Going
So, is this place actually worth visiting? If you're going for the ambiance and the photos, then yes! But to avoid getting frustrated, please burn this guide into your brain:
- 1. Keep a calm mindset: Lower your expectations for the service to zero! Be more zen about it, be proactive in reminding them, and double-check your order before the food arrives.
- 2. A must for parents: Parents with kids, please be extremely careful! There are no railings around the ponds[8], so you absolutely must watch your children and not get too caught up in taking photos! Safety first!
- 3. Ordering strategy: Order the honey grilled prawns without a second thought, and for everything else, just order what looks good to you. If you feel the portion size is off, be brave and point it out.
- 4. Parking & Other Info: The parking lot charges by the hour, and it's not cheap[9], so be prepared for that. Also, there's a very clean Masjid[10] in the restaurant, which is very friendly for our Muslim friends and deserves a thumbs-up. 👍
- Floating thatched huts (Gubug) on a lake + a breeze smelling of grass and water = instant Bali vibes. Feels a world away from Jakarta [1].
- Honey Grilled Prawns (Udang Bakar Madu)[2] are a foolproof choice. Bouncy prawns with a sweet & savory honey glaze.
- Huge like a park, its motto is "From the village, for Indonesia." The vibes are simply immaculate [3].
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