Shao Kao: Gading Serpong Late Night BBQ & Skewers | Qpon X

Friends in Tangerang, stop complaining that there's nowhere to go in Gading Serpong at night! Last night, my friends and I went on a whim and rushed over to this super hyped-up Chinese BBQ spot, Shao Kao, and the result was... Anjay, it totally hit the spot!

I was almost turned off by the crowd as soon as I walked in. The first floor is really not that big[1], with tables packed close together, full of that lively, bustling vibe. The air was filled with the aroma of cumin and grilled meat, and I instantly felt hungry. To be honest, this is exactly the vibe you want for a late-night Nongkrong with friends!

Flavor is what really matters

Let's get straight to the food. It's a chain restaurant, so the quality is very consistent. The refrigerators are fully stocked with all kinds of skewers (Shao Kao)[2], from chicken skin and meatballs to various vegetables—you just grab what you want. I absolutely love their sauce. One bite, and you get a savory flavor with a hint of numbing spice. It instantly felt like I was back at a BBQ stall in China[3], the taste is super Mantap!

Oh, and don't miss the grilled corn[4]. It's sweet and crunchy, perfect for balancing out the heavy flavors of the skewers. We also ordered beer—a bite of meat and a sip of beer, who knows this feeling! As for the ambiance, although the first floor is crowded, the air conditioning is quite strong. If you don't like crowds, you can go to the second floor, which is more spacious and has a smoking area[5]. Some people say you'll smell like BBQ after eating, but I thought it was fine. Maybe the ventilation was just working really well the day I went?

Before I praise it too much, let's get real

OK, as usual, let's talk about what to watch out for.

First, the portion size of each skewer isn't exactly big[6], especially for the price. If you're ordering by the skewer, guys with big appetites should be prepared for their wallets to take a small hit.

Second, the service... is a bit hit or miss. It was fine when I went, but I've heard from some friends that they've experienced missed orders or staff who seemed a bit clueless[7]. So, just be a little more patient when it's crowded.

Third, the flavors are generally on the heavy and salty side[8]. For a heavy-flavor lover like me, it was just right, but friends who prefer lighter tastes should remember to order a few extra drinks.

Editor's Highlights: Money-Saving/Pitfall-Avoiding Guide

For all you girls who want to go all out, take note of these tips:

📍 Shao Kao gading serpong

Jl. Gading Serpong Boulevard No.24, Pakulonan Barat, Kecamatan Kelapa Dua, Kabupaten Tangerang

Timing: It starts getting packed after 8 PM[9]. If you don't want to wait in line, I suggest going earlier, or just go after 10 PM for a purely late-night snack session.
The Ultimate Money-Saving Trick: Key point! There's an All You Can Eat buffet on Tuesdays and Thursdays![10] Big eaters, don't hesitate, go straight for this. For around 100k Rupiah per person, you can eat until you can't walk straight[11]. The value for money is maxed out!
Note for those with kids: The skewer sauce generally has a tiny bit of spice[12], so kids who can't handle spicy food might find it a bit too much.

Flavor is what really matters

Before I praise it too much, let's get real

OK, as usual, let's talk about what to watch out for.

Editor's Highlights: Money-Saving/Pitfall-Avoiding Guide

For all you girls who want to go all out, take note of these tips:

📍 Shao Kao gading serpong

Jl. Gading Serpong Boulevard No.24, Pakulonan Barat, Kecamatan Kelapa Dua, Kabupaten Tangerang

Timing: It starts getting packed after 8 PM[9]. If you don't want to wait in line, I suggest going earlier, or just go after 10 PM for a purely late-night snack session.
The Ultimate Money-Saving Trick: Key point! There's an All You Can Eat buffet on Tuesdays and Thursdays![10] Big eaters, don't hesitate, go straight for this. For around 100k Rupiah per person, you can eat until you can't walk straight[11]. The value for money is maxed out!
Note for those with kids: The skewer sauce generally has a tiny bit of spice[12], so kids who can't handle spicy food might find it a bit too much.

Gading Serpong Late Night BBQ | Packed Spot, Killer Taste—This is the Soul of Nongkrong

Flavor is what really matters

Before I praise it too much, let's get real

Editor's Highlights: Money-Saving/Pitfall-Avoiding Guide