Is the 'God of Cookery' Viral Spot in Batam Worth the Hype?
qponx
2026-03-06
Thinking of visiting the hyped-up SOI BY NICK in Batam, helmed by a MasterChef US finalist? This honest review spills the tea. While the photogenic spot draws crowds, the main courses may fall short of expectations, with complaints of overly rich pasta and inconsistent cooking. The real star? The dessert! The incredible cheesecake is hailed as a must-try, making this a perfect destination for an afternoon sweet treat rather than a full-blown dinner.
Girls, this time in Batam, I made a special trip to check out the super-hyped SOI BY NICK. The head chef is the second runner-up of MasterChef US Season 11! The hype was absolutely maxed out, so I rushed over with super high expectations[1].
As soon as I walked in, the atmosphere was indeed quite cozy, clean and tidy, and great for photos[2]. But to be honest, the space is a bit small, the tables are packed super close together, and when it gets crowded during meal times, you basically have to shout to have a conversation… The music is also cranked up really loud, making it hard to just quietly chill.
As for the food… it was truly a bit Anjay
I mean, the higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment, perhaps…
We ordered a few signature dishes, and first up was the Miso & Truffle Pasta[3]. When it first arrived, the truffle aroma was overwhelming, Mantap! But as I ate more, the creaminess became too heavy, and it was just too rich. Plus, the portion was huge; it felt like it was made for three big guys, and two of us girls couldn't finish it at all[4]…
My friend's Crab Pasta[5] was also hard to describe. She said they were generous with the crab meat, but the pasta was too soft and mushy and had a slight fishy smell, which instantly ruined half the experience.
The most outrageous thing was, I overheard the table next to us complaining that the medium steak they ordered came out well-done[6]… It feels like the chef's performance is very inconsistent, kind of letting down the "MasterChef" title.
BUT! Just when I was about to give up, the dessert saved the day! Their Cheesecake[7] is absolutely amazing, especially the Cremé Brûlée Cheesecake. It melts in your mouth, is sweet but not cloying, and so delicious I'd come back just for it!
Heart-to-Heart Time & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
The prices are mid-to-high range. If you're going for the main courses, I personally think the value for money is just average. But if you're a dessert lover, then go for it!
Here are some quick tips I've put together for you:
- Order Smart: Just skip the main courses! Come here for afternoon tea, order a slice of cake with a drink, and have a perfect afternoon Nongkrong[8].
- Portion Warning: The pasta portions are huge. Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach; one serving is enough for 2-3 girls to share.
- Service Experience: The staff are all super nice, but they're understaffed during peak hours, so the food can be very slow to come out. Just be patient[9].
- Stingy Detail: The restaurant doesn't provide free water. You have to buy bottled water if you want a drink[10].
- Allergy Alert: The menu doesn't list allergens. If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure to grab a staff member and ask them clearly[11]
- Run by a MasterChef 2nd runner-up. With all the hype, I had to test the chef's skills. [1]
- Mains might disappoint, but the Cremé Brûlée Cheesecake is a total savior. So good, it's worth a return trip alone. [2]
- Great for afternoon tea. Skip the mains—just get cake and a drink to Nongkrong all afternoon in Batam. [3]
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