4.9 stars? This Jakarta buffet is delicious, but also a total trap.
qponx
2026-01-24
This popular Jakarta buffet boasts a 4.9-star rating, but is it worth the hype and long queues? This review dives into Shaburi & Kintan, praising its high-quality meats like Karubi Black Pepper and surprising buffet gems like Carbonara Udon and Truffle Soup. However, it also serves a major heads-up about the inconsistent service and high price. Get the full scoop and some essential survival tips before you decide to brave the line for this all-you-can-eat experience.
Every time I pass by this Shaburi & Kintan at Gandaria City, there's always a long line at the entrance. It has a 4.9 rating from over 9000+ reviews on Google Maps, which is insane. Honestly, if my friend hadn't dragged me here, just seeing the queue and hearing the occasional complaints about the service would have put me off long ago.
We arrived on a weekend afternoon, and sure enough, no one at the entrance paid us any attention. We walked up to the cashier, and the girl there was just busy with her own stuff, not even thinking about getting someone to greet us. Anjay, that service attitude, I almost wanted to turn around and leave, okay? I thought to myself, I have to see what kind of heavenly flavor could make people endure such hardship. 🙄
Alright, alright, the meat is seriously good
Once we sat down and started eating, the hot pot and barbecue came together, curing my indecisiveness instantly. I have to say, the Boga Group really knows what they're doing with quality control. Their meat is really good—tender, juicy, and marinated to perfection[1]. Especially the Karubi Black Pepper[2], sizzling on the grill, paired with the sauce, one bite is just Mantap!
I thought this was just a place for meat, but it turns out the buffet station is full of hidden gems! That Carbonara Udon[3] everyone raves about is rich and creamy, a total calorie bomb but brings endless joy. And there's another hidden champion—the Truffle Soup[4]! Who serves truffle soup at a buffet? It's so luxurious, and the taste is actually pretty legit. Just these two items alone made me feel like this meal was getting interesting.
Let's Be Real: Is It Worth It?
To be honest, it's not cheap. The four of us spent around 1.2 million IDR for a 90-minute all-you-can-eat session. The quality of the meat justifies the price, but the service is really like opening a mystery box, sometimes good, sometimes bad[5]. Sometimes the waiters are super enthusiastic and help create a great atmosphere for birthday celebrations; and other times... you know, they're just indifferent the whole time.
So, is it worth it? If you're a pure carnivore with high standards for food quality, then go for it. But if you really value the service experience, you might need to go in with a good mood, otherwise you might get annoyed. 🤷♀️
Survival Guide, You're Welcome
Finally, for the girls who want to go Nongkrong, here are a few 'lifesaving' tips:
- Go on a weekday if you want to save money, the prices are much cheaper than on weekends.
- Definitely avoid peak dining hours! After work and during lunch/dinner times on weekends, the queue can be so long you'll question your existence[6].
- Want a birthday freebie? You must book at least one day in advance! Showing up on the day won't work, don't ask me how I know[7].
- Don't waste food! Piling up your plate just to"get your money's worth" will actually get you fined if you can't finish it[8]!
- It's best to double-check before you go, I heard it might be under renovation recently, so you don't make a wasted trip[9].
- 9000+ reviews, 4.9 stars [1] on Google Maps, constant queues. What's the magic that draws crowds?
- Sizzling Karubi Black Pepper [2], dripping oil. Sauce-drenched, it's pure Mantap. Meat lovers, go! [3]
- Buffet's a hidden gem: luxurious Truffle Soup [4] and creamy Carbonara Udon [5]! Calorie bomb, but pure bliss.
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