Google 4.8-star Surabaya Korean Buffet: Worth the rush?
qponx
2026-02-01
Tempted by a 4.8-star Korean AYCE in Surabaya for only 120k IDR? This article gives you the unfiltered truth. Discover why this spot is a total mixed bag. While the price is unbeatable and the grilled chicken is a must-try, the review also uncovers the downsides: mediocre food quality, frustratingly slow refills, and a less-than-comfortable environment. Get the full scoop and a handy pitfall avoidance guide before you decide whether this budget-friendly buffet is worth the rush.
Folks, you get me! Recently, in Surabaya, I found a Korean AYCE (All You Can Eat) place with a Google rating of 4.8. The price is ridiculously cheap, only 120-150k IDR per person[1] and you can eat until you can barely walk. I thought, if I don't rush to try this, am I even human? But the result... Anjay, the experience was truly a mix of emotions. Today, I really need to tell everyone all about it.
A 'Surprise' That Doesn't Match Its Appearance
To be honest, the facade and reception area of this place are really beautiful. At first glance, it's definitely one of those Instagrammable influencer spots perfect for photos. But once you walk in, the vibe completely changes...
Let's talk about the food first. The buffet selection is decent; they have BBQ, sukiyaki, cooked dishes, and sushi. The best of the entire spread, I'd give to the chicken[ref:1"], it's well-marinated, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside after grilling, truly Mantap! 👍 But for the rest, it's a bit hard to describe. For example, the beef felt like scraps[2], and the quality was very mediocre. The sushi[3] looked good, but the rice was dry when eaten, clearly it had been sitting for a while. What's most frustrating is that popular dishes are often empty, and the speed of refilling is comparable to a sloth. If you want to eat something good, you have to snatch it, directly reducing the experience by 50%[4].
Complaint Central, Beware!
OK, now that we've talked about the food, let's chat about the environment. If the food was a mixed bag, then the environment was purely a complaint fest. First, the air conditioning cooling effect was almost non-existent[5]. What does it mean to eat BBQ in the tropics without AC? Sweat was dripping all over, it felt like being in a sauna. Secondly, the background music was ridiculously loud; communicating with friends across the table basically required shouting. Finally, there's the hygiene issue. The floor felt sticky when walking, and the cups and plates we got even had a greasy feel... Anjay, this is really a bit off-putting.
Pitfall Avoidance Guide & Summary
After all this, I'm not telling everyone to completely avoid it. After all, the price is there. For students or friends who just want to find a place to Nongkrong casually, it's still good value for money. But before you go, you must know these things:
Overall, if your requirements for environment and service aren't high, and you purely want to fill your stomach at the lowest price, then you can give it a try. However, if you have even a slight pursuit of dining experience, I advise you to think twice. 🤷♀️
- Pay first, then eat, dining time is limited, about 90-120 minutes[6], don't just focus on chatting.
- Absolutely no waste! The fine for not finishing your food is super strict, I heard it's 60,000 IDR per gram[7]. Take only what you can eat!
- Ultimate tip: Before going in, take a stroll around and see how much food is left on the buffet counter. Don't be fooled by the fancy facade, only to find nothing to eat once you're inside[8].
- Other TIPS: There's an underground parking lot, but it costs 5k. Also, from the parking lot to the restaurant, you have to climb stairs, which is not wheelchair-friendly[9].
- Surabaya's Google 4.8 Korean AYCE! Just 120-150k IDR per person to stuff yourself silly. Unbeatable value! [1]
- Their grilled chicken is amazing! Perfectly marinated, crispy-tender. Pure Mantap in one bite! [ref:1"]
- Warning: don't waste! Leftovers are fined 60,000 IDR per gram – Indonesia's highest BBQ penalty! [2]
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