4.9 stars on Google? Think twice before rushing to this Japanese buffet in Medan
qponx
2026-03-06
A Japanese AYCE in Pematang Siantar boasts a near-perfect 4.9-star rating, but is it too good to be true? This review uncovers the reality behind the hype. From an "all you can eat" system that feels more like rationing to uncomfortable service, find out what the experience is really like. The article also reveals the secret to its high rating—a discount for good reviews—and offers essential tips for anyone who still dares to visit.
Girls, I'm in Pematang Siantar, and I just tried out the only Japanese BBQ AYCE here. Honestly, before I went, I saw its 4.9-star rating and 1600+ reviews on Google Maps, and my expectations were through the roof. I thought, this has got to be super Mantap, right? Turns out... Anjay, this meal put my mood on a rollercoaster ride🎢.
A Fake Buffet, or a Real Rationing System?
Let's talk about the most important thing first—the meat! It's advertised as All You Can Eat, but the meat is served portion by portion. When you want to order more, the waiter either looks reluctant or says 'iya iya' while very obviously slacking off, just waiting for your 90-minute dining time to run out[1]. The Super Premium Beef[2] I ordered was okay, but the other meats were hit-or-miss, sometimes so fatty it felt like I was just grilling oil[3]. The Shabu-shabu broth was also quite bland, with nothing memorable about it.
The atmosphere was also a whole other story. The tables are super close together, you could almost hold hands with the people at the next table. It felt like I was constantly 'Nongkrong' with strangers. The worst part is, the staff just stands right next to you, staring. It feels less like service and more like surveillance... It completely killed the mood for eating, and I just wanted to get out of there quickly.
The Secret to the 4.9-Star Rating? 🤫
At this point, you must be wondering why the rating is so high. When I was paying the bill (two people for the premium package cost around 352k[4]), I casually asked, and it turns out you get a discount for leaving a good review[5]... If you know, you know. Not to say it's completely worthless—some regulars say their Sambal chili sauce is the soul of the place[6]—but based on my experience this time, this practice really leaves a bad impression.
A Guide to Avoid Disappointment, You're Welcome!
If you're stubborn and still want to go, take some advice from me:
Overall, as the only option in town, it doesn't have to worry about attracting customers. But if you want to experience true AYCE freedom, this place might disappoint you. I hope the owner reads the bad reviews and makes some improvements! Otherwise, it's really hard to Chill
- Choosing your seat is an art: Whatever you do, don't sit on the second floor! You have to run up and down the stairs to get your food, and it's exhausting[7].
- Focus on the BBQ: The Shabu-shabu is pretty average, so you're better off concentrating on the BBQ[8].
- Time it right: You can't order more meat in the last 20 minutes of your dining time[9], so don't fill up on side dishes at the beginning.
- Budget reference: The package prices are around 99k-169k Indonesian Rupiah[10], and you have to add service tax on top of that.
- 352k IDR for Medan's only J-BBQ buffet, but meat is served by portion. A true "fake buffet, real rationing" experience[1].
- How good is the legendary Sambal chili sauce? Regulars call it the soul of the dish[2]. See if the hype is real.
- A 4.9 rating... is it thanks to a "good review discount"[3]? Is the quality legit or just fake hype? You be the judge.
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