4.7 stars on Google, but service worth a police call? I'm so done with this Shihlin in Banjarmasin.
qponx
2026-03-05
Thinking of visiting the highly-rated Shihlin in Banjarmasin's Duta Mall? You might want to read this first. While the signature XXL Chicken Cutlet is still crispy, the experience is soured by shockingly bad service and ridiculously long waits. This review unpacks the frustrating reality behind the 4.7-star rating, from rude staff to a lack of seating, and offers survival tips for those brave enough to still go for their fried chicken fix.
Friends, who can relate! I shopped 'til I dropped at Duta Mall in Banjarmasin and just wanted to grab some Shihlin to recharge, since it's basically Indonesia's national snack. The result… before I even got to eat the chicken cutlet, I was already full from the server's 'resting bitch face'. Anjay! I was just completely baffled, did their fans inflate this 4.7 high score on Google themselves? 🤔
The chicken cutlet is a good chicken cutlet, but…
Getting back to the food itself, their signature XXL Super Large Chicken Cutlet[1] still has that familiar recipe, served hot and steaming right out of the fryer, with a crispy outer layer. But I don't know if it was just me, I felt like the taste wasn't as Mantap as the one I had in Jakarta? I saw some people in the comments also saying it doesn't taste as good as other branches[2].
The environment is also pretty weird. The space doesn't look small, but there are only a few seats, making it hard to find a place to sit down and properly Nongkrong[3]. Most people just grab their food and go, with no desire to dine in at all.
I can tolerate the wait, but not the attitude
OK, I can put up with the taste and the environment, but the service really made me explode on the spot. 💥
First is the waiting time. Be prepared, even if there's no one in front of you, waiting twenty to thirty minutes is the norm[4]. But what's most infuriating is the service attitude[5]. They have a sour face the whole time, are unresponsive when you're ordering, and when the food is ready, they don't even call you properly, but just point with their chin for you to go get it yourself. Come on, I just want to Chill and eat some fried chicken, not pay to be looked down on, okay?
A Guide to Avoid This Trap, You're Welcome!
Honestly, if you're not specifically craving this, I'd advise you to think twice. But if you absolutely must come, here's a lifesaving guide for you:
All in all, I hope the store can properly train its employees, otherwise even a great brand can't withstand this kind of mistreatment. 🤷♀️
- 1. Go off-peak! Off-peak! Off-peak! Do not come during meal times or weekend peak hours, or you'll be waiting until the end of time.
- 2. Have a Zen attitude: After placing your order, just go wander around nearby. Don't just stand there waiting, you'll drive yourself crazy.
- 3. Pay with Cashless: It's recommended to use electronic payments directly[6]; every second saved helps.
- 4. 【Highlight】Always check your receipt at checkout! I saw some girls complaining that they were charged for a shopping bag without being asked[7]. Even though it's not a lot of money, that move is such a turn-off!
- The XXL extra-large chicken cutlet is a classic. Steaming hot, ultra-crispy crust—that first bite is pure satisfaction! [1]
- 4.7 stars on Google. Is it legit or is there a catch? We're on a high-rated spot investigation. The thrill!
- Be ready for a long wait. The staff just gives a chin-point at your food. This chicken's "surprise" is the service. [2]
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