1-hour queue, 50-min wait for food… Is this Gading Serpong spot delicious enough to forgive it?
qponx
2026-02-25
Craving authentic Japanese Tendon? ICHIDON in Gading Serpong serves a massive "All Star Tendon" with perfectly crispy tempura and juicy gyoza that offers incredible value. But here's the catch: be prepared for legendary queues and long waits in a cramped, chaotic space. The food quality can also be a gamble. This review breaks down whether the deliciousness is truly worth the hassle and gives you essential tips for surviving the visit.
Friends in Tangerang, you're probably no stranger to this ICHIDON, right? Every time I pass by, it's always packed with people... This time, I finally decided to check it out. Honestly, I waited in line for an hour to get a seat, then had to line up again to order, and ended up waiting almost 50 more minutes for the food[1]. I was so hungry I was seeing stars and almost just walked out. I had only one thought in my mind: What kind of god-tier Tendon is this that's worth all this hassle?!
The food's here! A hit or a miss?
The moment my "All Star Tendon"[2] was served, with its mountain of tempura, half of my anger instantly vanished. Shrimp, salmon, mushrooms, pumpkin... the portions were so generous! Anjay!
Let me give you the verdict first: The tempura itself is Mantap![3] This is definitely one of the most authentic Japanese-style tempuras I've had in Indonesia. The batter was light and crispy with a satisfying crunch, not greasy at all, and the ingredients inside were cooked just right. The sauce drizzled over the rice had a perfect sweet and savory balance, and when mixed with the runny onsen egg, every bite was pure bliss. The portion is huge; one bowl will fill you up to the brim. For a price of 50-75k, the value for money is truly unbeatable[4].
Oh, by the way, their "Gyoza"[5] also blew me away. The skin was thin with a crispy bottom, and it was so juicy when you bite into it. Definitely not the frozen stuff you get at regular Japanese restaurants. A must-order!
But, I have to be honest...
Although I had a good experience this time, the quality control at this place seems to be a bit unstable. A friend of mine came last time and complained a lot, saying the tempura batter was hard and oily, leaving a greasy feeling in their mouth, and the salmon was a bit fishy[6]. So it feels a bit like opening a blind box; the quality of the food depends entirely on the chef's touch and mood that day. 🤷♀️
Also, the ambiance is a real drawback. The restaurant is small, the tables are packed super close together, and it gets incredibly crowded during peak hours. It's basically impossible to Nongkrong and have a good chat with friends[7]. The AC is blasting like crazy, so for my friends who get cold easily, remember to bring a jacket.
A Guide to Visiting (and Avoiding Pitfalls) - Save this!
For those of you who want to check this place out, take my advice:
- Do NOT go during meal times! The queue during weekend meal times is a disaster. It's best to go on a weekday afternoon to save a ton of time.[8]
- Don't go on an empty stomach! From queuing to getting your food, it'll take at least an hour and a half. This place is only for people who are not in a rush and can take it easy.
- There's only ONE ordering machine! Yes, you read that right. After you're seated, you still have to line up at the single self-service kiosk to order, so be prepared.[9]
- Not suitable for kids! The long wait will definitely cause a meltdown. Don't ask me how I know...[10]
- Ocha is free-flow! Iced tea is the perfect companion for tempura to cut through the richness. Remember to get a few refills![11]
- A mountain of tempura with shrimp, salmon, mushroom, & pumpkin. Huge, super filling portions! [1][2]
- The batter is audibly crispy, light & never greasy. Fillings are cooked perfectly. Hailed as Indonesia's most authentic tempura. [3]
- The Gyoza is a must-order! Thin-skinned, crispy-bottomed, and bursting with juice—not your typical frozen dumplings. [4]
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