Can unlimited refills make it god-tier? Is this Surabaya University canteen's C-spot really still worth N revisits?
qponx
2026-02-01
Revisiting a legendary Ayam Geprek spot near Surabaya's ITS University, famous for its unlimited rice and iced tea. Is it still the "god-tier" student canteen it once was? This review dives into the still-crispy chicken, the famously intense spice levels (be warned!), and the now-bland soup. While prices have crept up, the promise of all-you-can-eat rice makes it a nostalgic and filling meal. Find out if the value is still there for this old favorite.
Every time I return to Surabaya, my DNA automatically navigates me to this chopped chicken rice place next to ITS University. For no other reason than that grand promise from back in the day:"Nasi sepuasnya" (all-you-can-eat rice)! No matter how long it's been since graduation, my stomach always saves a spot for it. But coming back this time, my feelings are a bit mixed...
The usual, one signature Ayam Geprek. The guy taking my order asked how many cabe (chilies) I wanted, and I, who used to be so bold, instantly chickened out and said"satu aja mas" (just one, bro 😂). Don't laugh, but one chili here, for health-conscious people like us, is already testing the limits of breathing fire [1]. The chicken still tastes the same, the skin is fried crispy, and the meat is tender [2]. But to be honest, that once delicious soup now tastes as bland as plain water [3], which is a bit disappointing.
Luckily, the rice and iced tea are still refillable [4], that's the main event! A bite of rice, a bite of chicken, when it gets too spicy, quickly chug some of their milk drink [5], instant HP recovery! Anjay, this combo is simply Mantap!
But honestly, even though it boasts a 4.8-star rating on Google [6], the price is definitely not as"student-friendly" as it used to be. You can feel it getting more expensive year by year, the value for money isn't as good anymore. My wallet feels the tears of time... 🥲
Lazy Person's Guide (Must Save!)
Alright, here are the key points for my friends who want to reminisce/take on the challenge:
- Regarding Spice Level: Don't be a hero! If you can't handle spice, start with 1 chili, otherwise, you'll really be crying for your mom. Spice lovers, feel free to go wild, the limit is 15 chilies waiting for you to challenge [7].
- Must-Know for Rice Eaters: The rice 🍚 and iced tea 🧊 are unlimited refills! Don't be shy, just go and get more, eating until you're full is the greatest respect you can show it [8].
- Cool-Down Strategy: The place can get a bit stuffy [9] due to its popularity and the hot, spicy food, so dress lightly! Ordering an iced milk drink [10] is a smart choice, it's a chili-relief magic weapon.
- Honest Talk: Don't have high expectations for the soup, just focus on the chicken and rice. Although the price has gone up, as a meal that can truly fill you up, it's still a solid option in the student area.
- Extreme spice challenge! 1 chili sets your mouth on fire. Spice fanatics, 15-chili ultimate challenge awaits! [1]
- Unlimited rice and iced tea refills! Eat your fill, that's ultimate respect. A must-try for big eaters! [2]
- Signature chicken: crispy, tender, with an iced milk drink? Instant spice relief, pure Mantap! [3][4]
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