This 4.8-Star 'God-Tier' Shop on Google Snatches Phones for Fake Reviews?
qponx
2026-03-05
A Banjarmasin cafe with a near-perfect 4.8-star Google rating seems like a must-visit. Kordinat Cafe boasts a fantastic atmosphere and solid food, but this review uncovers a shocking secret behind its stellar reputation. Staff are allegedly taking customers’ phones, under the guise of helping with Wi-Fi, to secretly post fake five-star reviews. This article weighs the trendy spot's great vibe against its unbelievable and dishonest trickery, warning diners to be cautious.
Just arrived in Banjarmasin for a business trip and decided to check out the only mall here (Duta Mall). I found this place called Kordinat Cafe, saw it had nearly 2000 reviews on Google with a super high score of 4.8, and the photos showed an amazing atmosphere. I thought I'd hit the jackpot...
The result? Heh, the experience was really a mixed bag, especially with one shady move that almost made me pull the confused-old-man-staring-at-his-phone face.jpg 🤨
Let's start with the good: The ambiance is definitely solid
The moment you walk in, you have to admit the environment is really nice. The space is huge, with an outdoor area for smokers and a well-air-conditioned indoor section. The sofas are so soft you could sink into them, making it a perfect spot to Nongkrong with friends for an afternoon and just Chill[1]. Sometimes they even have live music at night, so they've totally nailed the atmosphere.
As for the food, the overall taste is on point, and the ingredients are pretty fresh[2]. The chances of ordering something bad are low, and a few items were a pleasant surprise:
BUT! My friend's grilled salmon actually came without the skin[3]… Anjay, chef, come out here, we need to talk. Where's the soul of the salmon—that crispy, fragrant, grilled skin? I really don't get this move.
- Tahu Bakso[4]: A must-order! It's an Indonesian fried tofu stuffed with meatballs, but their version is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with the sauce, it's super appetizing. Mantap!
- Piccolo[5]: An off-menu secret item. Coffee lovers can order it directly from the staff, and it's pretty good.
Now for the cons: There are quite a few things to complain about
First, the price. For a place like Banjarmasin, it's definitely on the mid-to-high end[6], so it'll hurt your wallet a bit. Also, when it gets crowded during meal times, the serving speed becomes completely random[7]. If you go there starving, you might run out of patience.
The waiters and waitresses are quite friendly[8], but! That can't cover up for the massive bombshell that's coming next!
⚠️ Major Warning: Guard your phone!
Alright, here comes the most important part of the whole review, so take notes, everyone!
The shadiest move this place pulls is: A staff member will offer to help you connect to the Wi-Fi, take your phone to the cashier, and then... secretly open your Google Maps to give themselves a five-star review![9]
What the heck, is the competition for good reviews that intense now? Although I didn't fall for it, my good impression of them dropped to zero the moment I saw someone else complaining about this in the comments. No matter how good the food or how beautiful the environment is, pulling a stunt like this is just so low, right?
So, a heads-up for all the friends planning to check this place out:
All in all, a place that could have gotten a 7 out of 10 from me completely fails in my book because of this shady review-farming trick. Have you guys been there? Or have you encountered something like this elsewhere? Let's talk about it in the comments
- 1. Never let your phone out of your sight! Ask for the Wi-Fi password yourself, don't let them do it for you.
- 2. It gets super crowded during the dinner rush[10], so I suggest going early to get a seat.
- 3. When you pay, don't forget to ask if there are any credit card discounts[11]. Every little bit saved helps.
- Tahu Bakso is a must! Crispy fried tofu stuffed with meatballs, with a zesty sauce. Pure Mantap! [1]
- Coffee lovers: ask for the secret off-menu Piccolo. Order direct from staff—their brew won't disappoint.
- Huge space, comfy sofas, and occasional live music for great vibes. Perfect for an afternoon to Nongkrong with friends and Chill out. [2]
Similar Articles
I Ate a 'Blind Box' Indonesian Meal at Duta Mall, Banjarmasin
Curious about the hyped-up Rona Nona in Duta Mall? This Indonesian restaurant is a real 'blind box' with wildly mixed reviews. This honest review dives into their menu, highlighting the must-try Spiced Fried Duck and the risky, hit-or-miss Signature Fried Rice. Get the full scoop on the lively open-atrium setting, the mid-to-high pricing, and some crucial heads-ups on potential pitfalls like portion size and hygiene before you decide to visit this controversial spot.
This 4.8-star gem in Banjarmasin… I'm warning you, don't bring your friends
This viral Banjarmasin restaurant boasts a 4.8-star rating and a stunning, all-white interior perfect for photos. The article raves about its signature smoked fried rice but warns of a major catch: the service is notoriously slow and frustrating. Before you gather your friends for a visit, read this honest review to see if the Instagrammable vibe and standout dish are enough to overcome the significant downsides of dining at this popular but flawed spot.
Calling all Bancun social butterflies! This giant restaurant was literally made for Nongkrong
Discover Banjarmasin's ultimate hangout destination, Warung Wakaka! This massive restaurant is practically a mini food court, perfect for "Nongkrong" with your entire crew. Choose between indoor, garden, or private seating and soak in the vibrant, photogenic atmosphere, especially at night. While the food can be hit-or-miss, the Sate Taichan is a definite must-try. It's the ideal spot where the ambiance is the main attraction, drawing in all the city's coolest social butterflies for a great time.
Eat till you're stuffed for 10k, but the owner will yell at you… Dare to try this legendary spot in Banjarmasin?
Discover Warung Berkat, a legendary canteen in Banjarmasin offering an unbeatable deal: eat until you're full for just 10,000 IDR! This no-frills spot serves buffet-style, home-cooked meals where you can take as much rice and veggies as you like. The catch? Be prepared for the famously loud and "hardcore" owner who might yell at you. It's a truly unique local dining experience for those seeking great value and a bit of a thrill. Dare to try it?