4.9 stars on Google, but I waited 50 minutes… Is this viral Japanese spot in Tangerang worth it?
qponx
2026-03-04
Curious about the 4.9-star Sushi Hiro in Tangerang? This viral spot offers a stunning, photo-ready Japanese ambiance and standout dishes like fresh, thick-cut salmon and truffle gyudon. But is it worth the hype? This review weighs the good against the bad, including notoriously long waits of up to 50 minutes, inconsistent service, and a high price tag. Discover if the experience justifies the queue and the cost before you decide to visit.
Went strolling around Gading Serpong over the weekend, and passed by Sushi Hiro around mealtime. Seeing the long queue at the entrance and the sparkling 4.9 stars on Google, I took the plunge and went for it. The result… Anjay! That plunge sent me straight into a long, long wait; it felt like a century had passed. 🫠
To be honest, the ambiance is truly impeccable. As soon as you walk in, you get that high-end Japanese restaurant feel, with all sorts of small Japanese-style decorations, and the lighting and atmosphere are maxed out. Any random photo you take looks like a masterpiece[1], definitely a great spot to Nongkrong and take photos with your girls. But since it's in a mall, it can get a bit noisy when it's crowded, lacking the quiet vibe of an izakaya.
As for the food, it's a mixed bag. Their salmon is truly the star of the show[2]! Whether it's the Sashimi or Sushi, the thick-cut, rich texture is super fresh and melts in your mouth, Mantap! I also tried the Gyudon with Truffle[3]; the truffle aroma is very strong, and when mixed with the runny onsen egg and beef, one bite is, yep, the taste of happiness for sure. As for the Creamy Udon series[4] that they heavily promote, the texture is creamy, but personally, I found it just okay, not amazing.
But to be fair, the quality seems a bit inconsistent. The sushi rice I had this time was a bit loose and fell apart when I picked it up[5], which kind of ruined the experience. I hope it was just a one-off thing.
But here comes the biggest complaint… the serving speed! It's! So! Slow! Girls, be prepared, waiting 30 to 50 minutes during weekend meal times is the norm[6]. I watched the table next to me go from anticipation to zoning out, they were starving. The service is also hit-or-miss, depending on your luck[7]. Some staff are very enthusiastic, while others are... you know. As for the price, it's definitely on the high side. The four of us had a casual meal and it was almost 1 juta[8], my wallet is hurting a bit. Also, a friend complained that the sashimi was cut too thin[9] and the portions were a bit stingy, but I thought it was okay this time.
Here's a guide from your big sis on what to avoid (get your notebooks ready 📝)
- Don't go during peak meal times! Unless you're really patient or want to experience the theory of relativity. If you want to chill, go during off-peak hours!
- Ask before you order! They mainly use QR code ordering[10], but some popular dishes like salmon sashimi might be sold out. It's best to confirm with the staff if it's still available before ordering to avoid disappointment.
- What to order? Go straight for the salmon series, the quality is on point. The Gyudon with Truffle is also worth a try. For other dishes, order as you see fit, but don't have high expectations.
- Who is it for? It's suitable for friends or couples on a date who aren't on a tight budget, have plenty of time, and are mainly there for photos and the atmosphere. If you're starving and just want to eat quickly, I'd advise you to think twice
- Thick-cut salmon melts in your mouth. Super fresh as sashimi or sushi—pure satisfaction! [1] 😋
- Upscale Japanese vibe. Chic decor and moody lighting make every corner photogenic. Perfect for Nongkrong and pics with your besties! [2]
- Truffle Beef Don is so aromatic. Mix the runny onsen egg with the beef for a bite of pure bliss. [3]
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