4.7 stars on Google, 10k all-you-can-eat, but the flies at this Javanese buffet were more enthusiastic than me.
qponx
2026-03-05
This Javanese buffet in Purwokerto boasts a 4.7-star rating and an unbeatable all-you-can-eat deal for just 10k IDR. Feast on authentic Lodeh and freshly fried river fish. But is it too good to be true? This honest review dives into the delicious food and the shocking hygiene issues—from buzzing flies to dusty tables. Find out if this budget-friendly spot is a hidden gem or a place you should avoid.
As soon as I arrived in Purwokerto, a friend insisted I check out this amazing spot called Lodeh Iwak Kali, saying it's a hidden gem eatery for the locals. It has a 4.7 rating on Google, specializing in authentic Javanese home-style cooking. From a distance, I saw its huge traditional Joglo roof, and I thought to myself, "Mantap! This is the right vibe!"
But when I walked in, I was stunned…
The food is seriously delicious, and the price is seriously unbeatable
Let's talk about the good stuff first, otherwise I'll sound like a hater 😂. The variety of dishes here is truly extensive, with a long row of Prasmanan (buffet style) that's dazzling to look at. You have to get a few scoops of their signature Aneka Lodeh[1] (vegetable soup with coconut milk). They have jackfruit and bamboo shoot versions, and the coconut milk flavor is rich and fragrant, perfect for mixing with rice!
Another major highlight is the variety of Iwak Kali (river fish)[2], all fresh. You pick your own, and they weigh it to calculate the price. The best part is you can ask them to re-fry it for you, so it arrives at your table hot, super crispy, and fragrant! But my absolute favorite of all was the Mangut[3]! That rich sauce is absolutely divine, so delicious you'll want to lick the plate clean, an absolute rice killer.
The most insane part is the price. You can take as much rice (choice of white rice or corn rice) and all the vegetables as you want, for only 8k-10k Indonesian Rupiah[4] per person. It's literally a paradise for big eaters, right?!
But… I really have to get some complaints off my chest
BUT! Friends, here comes the plot twist. After all that praise, I have to be honest. The hygiene situation here... is honestly a bit Anjay. The table I sat at was covered in a thick layer of dust; it felt like the dust was here to Nongkrong, not me. Flies were buzzing all over the place, more eager to try my food than I was[5].
Although I didn't experience this myself, I overheard the next table complaining that their rice was spoiled[6]. That's a huge no-no in the food business, and my heart sank instantly. The fried chicken I ordered also tasted a bit bland, like it wasn't marinated properly. Overall, the quality of the food seems inconsistent.
Tips to avoid pitfalls / save money, you're welcome
Alright, complaints aside, let's get to some solid tips for the "warriors" who still want to give it a try:
- Ordering Process: Go in, grab a plate, and help yourself to rice and vegetables. After choosing your main course (fish, chicken), take it to the cashier to be weighed. Tell the staff your table number, and they will re-fry/reheat it and bring it to you[7]. You might be a bit confused on your first visit, but just be bold and ask.
- Best Time to Go: Definitely go early! It gets super crowded during the lunch rush, making it hard to even find a seat[8]. But don't go too late either, as many dishes run out after 2 or 3 PM, and what's left might be cold.
- Who Should Go: If you're the type who values ambiance and hygiene, run and don't look back! But if you're a backpacker or student on a budget who wants to experience authentic Javanese flavors and isn't picky about the environment, then the value for money here is truly unbeatable. It's great for a large group of friends to eat together; it's more lively with more people.
- Mental Prep: During peak hours, the staff might be crazy busy, and their attitude might be a bit "raw"[9], so don't take it to heart. Just think of it as experiencing the most local Javanese life, Chill～
- Get the Coconut Veggie Soup (Aneka Lodeh): a rich, fragrant broth with jackfruit and bamboo, perfect over rice! [1]
- Pick your own fresh River Fish (Iwak Kali), fried hot and crispy. The flavor is incredible!
- Unlimited rice and veggies! For just 8k-10k IDR per person[2], it's a big eater's heaven
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