AYCE for under 100k: Is the price just eating fat?
qponx
2026-01-24
Is that under 100k AYCE Korean BBQ in East Jakarta too good to be true? This honest review reveals the reality behind the tempting price. Expect a deep dive into disappointing meat quality that's mostly fat, bland side dishes, and misleading "Wagyu." The article also uncovers sneaky hidden costs for essentials like water and extra ice cream scoops. Read this guide to see if this budget spot is a bargain or a foodie trap you should definitely avoid.
Friends, I'm seriously emo today. I came to this Korean BBQ buffet in East Jakarta that claimed to start from 99k[1], thinking I could finally go all out and feast. The result… Anjay, this meal left me with mixed feelings, and I just have to get it off my chest!
The Greater the Expectation, the Greater the Disappointment
The restaurant is on the second floor of an old building. The space felt quite large when I went in, with smoking and non-smoking areas. But the air felt a bit stuffy[2], not exactly comfortable. You could only say it's a place to Nongkrong.
Here comes the main part. I excitedly ran to the freezer to pick out some meat, and then… I was petrified. 🤯
Friends, how could you call that meat? It was basically a fat convention! Plate after plate of sliced meat, I'd say 80% of it was just glistening white fat, with only a pathetic little strip of lean meat[3]. I was seriously questioning my life choices at that moment. Is this a barbecue or an oil-grilling session?
Refusing to give up, I tried a few of their so-called"signatures":
If I had to point out something edible, it would probably be the Black Pepper Beef[4]. The marinade was strong enough and the meat was thicker, so it managed to cover up... well, you know.
- King Karubi: The texture was super weird. It was either tough like chewing on a rubber band, or it would crumble into pieces at the slightest touch, like overcooked chicken liver[5].
- “Wagyu”: Don't believe it! That's not real Wagyu at all. It's that Meltique beef made with meat tenderizer, with zero beef fat aroma.
- Soup Base and Side Dishes: Don't get your hopes up for these either. The Tom Yum soup was as bland as water, and the stir-fried glass noodles and kimchi in the side dish area also looked lifeless and tasted very mediocre[6].
Hidden Menus Full of"Surprises" Everywhere
The things to complain about this meal go far beyond the food itself. If you don't like sweet drinks, you're screwed.
All the free drinks are sickeningly sweet, with absolutely no sugar-free options. Want a sip of plain water? Sure, bottled water will graciously cost you 10k IDR per bottle[7].
The wildest move was the ice cream. Each set meal only includes one scoop per person, but when you go to get it, the staff will enthusiastically ask,"How many scoops would you like?" When you're done and go to pay, you'll find an extra charge for ice cream on your bill! No one tells you the whole time that extra scoops cost money[8]! What a move, truly Mantap! 👍 (That's sarcasm, by the way)
Editor's Honest Words · A Guide to Avoiding This Trap
Alright, rant over. Let's get to the real advice. So, is this place actually worth visiting?
Seriously, girls, just add a little more to your budget and go to established AYCE places like Kintan or Gyu-kaku. The experience will be a million times better. Don't be like me, trying to be cheap and ending up with a stomach full of anger[9].
#JakartaLife #JakartaFood #JakartaExplorer #KoreanBBQ #AYCE #Buffet #JakartaAvoid #FoodRant
- 1. If you're a meat lover with basic standards for meat quality: Listen to me, run! Immediately! Right now! Don't cause yourself this much grief just to save a little money.
- 2. If you're on an extremely tight budget and just want a place to chat with friends and fill your stomach: You can come, but please lower your expectations to the center of the earth. Just think of it as paying for an air-conditioned place to sit and chat, with the food being a bonus.
- 3. Ordering Strategy: If you absolutely must take on this challenge, go straight for the meats marinated in heavy sauces, like the black pepper flavor. At least the seasoning will make it edible.
- 4. How to Save Money: Bring your own water! Only take one scoop of ice cream! Don't get tricked by the staff's"enthusiasm."
- BBQ buffet? Just white fatty oil; texture like chewing rubber bands or overcooked chicken liver [1]!
- Beware 'friendly' staff! Free ice cream: one scoop per person. Extra scoops secretly charged, no warning [2]!
- Free drinks are sickly sweet. Want clean bottled water? 10k IDR per bottle [3]!
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