Don't be fooled by the 70s vibe, this Jakarta hotel's oxtail soup buffet is Mantap
qponx
2026-01-24
Step back in time at Sari Pacific Jakarta’s Restoran Fiesta, where a 70s vibe sets the stage for an unexpected culinary star. While the decor is old-school, the oxtail soup (Sop Buntut) is the absolute must-try, boasting a rich broth and fall-off-the-bone meat. Also, don't miss the comforting Martabak and a nostalgic dessert section with a soft-serve machine. Just a heads-up: drinks cost extra, but that phenomenal soup makes the visit completely worthwhile.
Honestly, if my friend hadn't dragged me here, I probably would have wanted to turn right back around the moment I stepped into Restoran Fiesta at the Sari Pacific hotel. 😅
As soon as I walked in, a strong 70s vibe hit me in the face. The lighting, tables, chairs, carpet... everything had this"old-school official" kind of retro feel. It's definitely not the trendy, fancy hotel buffet[1] that's popular now. If you're looking for a super stylish place to take photos for Instagram, this place might disappoint you.
A Twist in Flavor? These Few Items Saved the Day!
Since I was already here, it was time to eat! The variety of dishes was quite impressive; it had the full spread you'd expect from an international buffet, with Indonesian, Western, and Japanese sections all laid out. But to be honest, the taste of most dishes was just so-so, not bad but not good either[2], not enough to make you shout Anjay.
BUT! Here comes the main point! Their Sop Buntut (oxtail soup) was the absolute MVP of the whole meal![3] The broth was rich and just right, the beef was stewed until it was so tender it fell off the bone. One sip and it warms you right up. That's the stuff, Mantap! 👍
The other two surprises were the Martabak[4] and the dessert section. The sweet Indonesian pancake was incredibly comforting, and the desserts not only looked good, but they also tasted pretty great[5]. The funniest part was that they even had a soft-serve ice cream machine you could use yourself 🍦[6], which instantly brought back childhood memories. I made three, would I even admit that?
Don't Rush In Just Yet, You Need to Know About This"Pitfall"
To be fair, I have to point out the downsides. We went for the Eid al-Fitr buffet, which was about 409k Indonesian Rupiah per person. At this price, the buffet actually DOES! NOT! INCLUDE! DRINKS![7] Even plain water had to be ordered separately, and you know how much it costs to order water in a hotel... My wallet hurt a little instantly. 🤣
TL;DR Guide, You're Welcome
Family gatherings, or if you want to introduce foreign friends to Indonesian food but are worried about the hygiene of street stalls, this place is very suitable. The atmosphere is quite chill and spacious, and the service is impeccably good. The waiters and waitresses are super diligent about clearing plates and always greet you with a smile[8].
Don't hesitate, head straight for the Sop Buntut[9] the moment you walk in! Down two bowls! Then, focus on the Martabak[10] and the dessert section. For the other dishes, just pick what looks good, but don't have high expectations, and you won't be disappointed.
Remember, drinks are ordered separately! If you want to save money, you can eat your fill here first, then go somewhere else to nongkrong for drinks. Or, just come for that soup—it's worth it
- Who is it for?
- How to get your money's worth?
- Tip to avoid pitfalls
- Go for Sop Buntut (牛尾汤) [1]! Rich broth, fall-off-the-bone beef. Heartwarming Indonesian MVP!
- Dessert's a blast: gorgeous [2] and a DIY soft-serve ice cream machine [3]! Instant childhood fun – make at least three cups!
- Perfect for family gatherings or hosting foreign friends [4]. Chill, spacious vibe with super friendly, efficient staff.
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