Chain stores are foolproof? This Chatime in Makassar was a real eye-opener.
qponx
2026-03-06
Not all chain stores are created equal! This article details a shocking experience at a Chatime in Makassar's Trans Studio Mall. From a bizarrely sticky taro milk tea with a strange blue object to a cappuccino that tasted like plain milk, the drink quality was a complete disaster. The review also warns of unfriendly staff and potential payment glitches. Read on for the full story and get some pro tips on how to avoid a similar beverage blunder on your next visit.
To be honest, when I'm tired from walking around in Indonesia and want to find a place to chill, chain milk tea shops are usually my no-brainer choice. After all, they have SOPs, so how bad can it be, right? But... Anjay! The Chatime at Trans Studio Mall in Makassar today really taught me a lesson. 🤯
Has quality control left the building?
This shop is located upstairs in the mall, next to the cinema[1]. It's super convenient to come here to nongkrong when you're tired from shopping or waiting for a movie to start. The space isn't big, with only a few seats, so you have to wait when it gets crowded[2]. I saw many reviews saying the taste is no different from other branches[3], so I went for it without any worries.
The result... I took one sip of the taro milk tea[4] I ordered, and the texture... how do I describe it? It had this indescribably thick and sticky feeling, not at all what taro paste should be like. By the end, I even saw a strange, unidentified blue object at the bottom of the cup... I almost threw up on the spot and just tossed it.
My friend's hot cappuccino[5] was even more ridiculous. He said it tasted just like a cup of hot milk, without a hint of coffee flavor! I seriously suspect the staff forgot to add the coffee syrup, hello?! This quality control is truly Mantap, a real eye-opener.
It's not just about the taste...
Honestly, I can tolerate a taste disaster, but the whole experience was bad. The staff had poker faces the whole time and seemed unfriendly[6], which made even ordering stressful.
What's worse is the payment issue. I saw someone complain before about a bug where the card machine showed the transaction failed, but the money was still deducted[7]. Although it didn't happen to me this time, everyone should really keep an eye out when paying. It would be a real shame to lose money like that.
How to Avoid Disasters & Save Money 📝
Although there are tons of complaints, if you're really thirsty and happen to be passing by, keep these pro tips in mind:
- 1. Check your order on the spot! It's best to take a sip to check your drink as soon as you get it, especially if you order something that's not made often. If there's a problem, speak up immediately!
- 2. Pay attention during payment: After paying with a bank card or e-wallet, be sure to check your transaction history right away to avoid being overcharged.
- 3. Money-saving tip: Paying with e-wallets like OVO sometimes gives you cashback[8]. Every little bit saved counts.
- 4. Toppings cost extra: The toppings here are charged separately[9], so don't forget to ask clearly when you order.
- My taro milk tea from Chatime (Trans Studio Mall) had a mysterious blue object at the bottom. A truly bizarre find. [1]
- My friend's hot cappuccino was basically a cup of hot milk with zero coffee flavor. So baffling. [2]
- Staff had a constant poker face, like we owed them money. Come here if you want to feel the stress of being "served." [3]
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