Calling all K-Pop heads and fried chicken addicts! The vibe is Mantap, but there's one fatal flaw…
qponx
2026-01-25
Craving authentic Korean fried chicken? 88 Korean Kitchen in South Jakarta serves up "God-Tier" Soy Garlic Fried Chicken in a lively K-Pop atmosphere perfect for groups. While the Chi-Mek (chicken and beer) is a must-try, be prepared for a smoky indoor environment and less-than-attentive service. This spot is all about the amazing food and casual vibes, so book ahead and get ready to chill with your crew for a true taste of Seoul.
The moment I stepped into 88 Korean Kitchen in South Jakarta, the familiar noise and K-Pop blasting instantly transported me back to the streets of Seoul. The air was a mix of the aroma of fried chicken and... you guessed it, thick secondhand smoke 🚬. That's right, smoking is allowed indoors, so non-smoker friends, please be mentally prepared, or you might find yourself choking and questioning your life choices[1]!
The Fried Chicken is God-Tier, but the Servers are a 'God'damn Pain
Gotta be honest, the Soy Garlic Fried Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken)[2] here is definitely the MVP of the whole place! They're super generous with the sauce, but the skin somehow stays incredibly crispy! Anjay, this is what authentic Chi-Mek (fried chicken and beer) is supposed to be like! It's no wonder that almost every table orders it.
We also ordered the Tteokbokki[3] and Flying Fish Roe Rice Balls (Rice Ball)[4], and they were both pretty on point. The sesame oil aroma from the rice balls was amazing. The portions are generally very generous, making it perfect for gathering a bunch of friends to Nongkrong.
But! After all the praise, let's get to the complaints. The service here is truly... hard to describe 🙄. Getting a server's attention is basically a matter of luck and shouting, and sometimes their attitude can be quite aggressive[5]. So... don't expect five-star service. You come here mainly to Chill and for the food, so just keep your expectations in check.
Menu Do's and Don'ts: Avoid These Traps!
Take my advice: when you come here, just go all-in on the fried chicken and the classic snacks!
Don't get curious and try other things, like the Bulgogi and seafood soup my friend ordered last time. The meat was so tough it was like chewing on rubber, and the soup had a fishy smell[6]. The whole experience just plummeted.
Also, for the brave souls who love spicy food, you can challenge their Spicy Chicken (Buldak), but a friendly reminder, Level 2 is enough to make you question your existence[7]. I suggest starting from the lowest spice level, otherwise, I'm not responsible for your suffering butt the next day! 🌶️
【Pro Tips】Take It, You're Welcome
Overall, if you're looking for the most authentic fried chicken and beer, and a place to chat loudly and sing with friends, then this place is definitely worth a visit. But if you have high standards for the environment and service, or if you hate the smell of smoke, then you might want to think twice
- KTV Rooms: There are KTV rooms upstairs, perfect for birthday parties or team-building events. However, there's a minimum charge; the large rooms start at around 3 million IDR[8], and the policy seems to change often, so it's best to call and confirm before you go.
- Reservations! Reservations! Reservations!: I'm saying it three times because it's important. It gets super crowded on weekends and evenings, so if you don't want to be stuck in a long line smelling the food from the entrance, you must book in advance[9]!
- Getting There: Parking is very limited[10], and finding a spot during peak hours will make you sweat. I recommend just taking a taxi or ride-share to save yourself the hassle.
- Price: The average cost per person is around 100k-150k IDR, which is a pretty good value if you're just having fried chicken and beer.
- Their soy garlic fried chicken [1]: super crispy despite rich sauce, pure Chi-Mek, Seoul street vibes!
- Step in: K-Pop and fried chicken aroma whisk you to Seoul. The noisy, indoor smoking allowed [2] creates an authentic street vibe!
- Dare their spicy chicken [3]! Warning: Level 2 will make you doubt life. Warriors, start low!
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