A 200k steak that chews like a rubber slipper?
qponx
2026-02-25
Thinking of visiting the legendary Holycow! steakhouse? You might want to read this first. This review details a disappointing experience, from a 200k steak as tough as a flip-flop to serious hygiene concerns and incredibly long waits. While the mushroom sauce still shines, the article questions if the poor value and "nostalgia tax" are worth it. Get the full scoop on why this once-great spot might not be the happy place it used to be.
Girls, I'm speechless! As a veteran of the Jakarta steak scene, Holycow! used to be my happy place for Nongkrong when I first arrived. But this revisit to the Cilandak Town Square location sent my mood on a roller coaster, from the peak of excitement straight to rock bottom…🎢
Something felt off as soon as I sat down. The table was wobbly, and the lighting was so dim it felt like we were in a thriller movie. Isn't this retro vibe a bit over the top? The air was filled with a "the boss hasn't invested in renovations for a long time" kind of vibe. My friend joked that the atmosphere was going for a "Creepy" style. 😂
Drawn by its reputation, we ordered the Wagyu and Sirloin steaks[1]. Turns out, when I cut into my medium-rare, the center was cold and tough. Did the chef forget to turn on the stove? My friend's piece was even more tragic. She struggled to cut it for ages and finally put down her knife and fork, saying: "This thing is tougher to chew than a flip-flop!"[2] Anjay! I really couldn't laugh…
Of course, it wasn't all bad. The only thing worth praising was their mushroom sauce[3]. The flavor was still so Mantap, and you could get free refills. I mixed it with my mashed potatoes and felt like I could get full just from the side dishes.
To be honest, lots of red flags!
Seriously, the Holycow! of today is not what it used to be. The prices have gone up a lot—a steak easily costs two or three hundred thousand rupiah—but it turns out they use Meltique (injected fat meat) without clearly stating it[4]. As for the value for money, all I can say is... hehe. 🤷♀️
What's absolutely unbearable is the hygiene! I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but someone in the comments section said they saw a mouse while eating, and another saw a waiter use a floor broom to clean a table[5]... Holy cow, you've got to be kidding me?!
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls | A Must-Read Before You Go
In short, what was once a legendary spot has now become a "nostalgia tax." To go or not to go, you decide.
- Ordering Tips: If you absolutely must go for nostalgia's sake, don't order the regular 200g steak. It's too thin and will be well-done in a flash. If you're going to order, get the 400g "Big Bite"[6]. The texture of the thick cut is the only thing that barely lives up to the name "steak."
- Time Management: Expect a queue during weekend meal times. A 20-minute wait is standard procedure[7]. Also, they're understaffed, so waiting 40-50 minutes for your food is the norm[8]. They might even bring the wrong dish, so you really need to be patient.
- Hidden Perk: Apparently, you can get a free steak on your birthday[9]. If you want to take advantage of that, you can ask in advance. But whether it's worth your time and mood for that free steak is for you to decide.
- The Mantap mushroom sauce still comes with free refills. Mix it with the mash—you'll get full on the sides alone![1] Can't wait!
- Feeling nostalgic? Get the 400g "Big Bite"[2]. Only the thick cut feels like a real steak—the thin one is a hard pass!
- Go on your birthday for a free steak[3]! It's basically free, so you'd be crazy not to go for it.
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