4.9-rated Sundanese food? That's it? The music was more authentic than the dishes?
qponx
2026-03-05
Does a 4.9-star rating guarantee a great meal? This review of SAUNG SUNDA suggests otherwise. While the restaurant offers a clean, air-conditioned space perfect for gatherings, it lacks an authentic Sundanese atmosphere. The food is a true hit-or-miss experience: the Sayur Asem soup is a standout, but the signature Nasi Liwet is a salty disappointment. Discover what to order and what to avoid at this affordable spot where the food quality can be a gamble.
To be honest, before coming to Banjarmasin, I even did my homework and saw that this place, SAUNG SUNDA, had a high score of 4.9 on Google. I thought, "This is a sure thing, I have to go!" But the result... Anjay, how should I put it, I have mixed feelings. 😅
High Hopes, Harsh Reality
I was originally expecting something like the Ampera style in Bandung, where you help yourself to rows of small dishes, with mountains of free Lalapan (raw vegetables) and Sambal (chili sauce)... But as soon as I walked in, the AC was blasting, which was really nice and cool, but the Sundanese vibe was completely reliant on the background music[1]. The environment was clean, with non-smoking areas and VIP rooms, but it just felt like it was missing that lively, bustling atmosphere.
Sat down to order, opened the menu, and huh? It felt pretty much the same as a regular Lalapan shop, and a few things I wanted to eat were unavailable, as they told me they were "habis" (sold out).
But when the food arrived, there was a pleasant surprise! That bowl of Sayur Asem[2] sour vegetable soup was truly Mantap! It was sour, refreshing, and appetizing, very fresh. Even though the only ingredients were peanuts and corn, the flavor was on point, and I could have finished a whole pot by myself. 👍
But! The main event, the Nasi Liwet[3], was a huge letdown. Oh my god, it was way too salty! The rice itself was already seasoned, and on top, they sprinkled a ton of fried anchovies. Every bite was just salt, salt, salt... It felt like the chef accidentally knocked over the salt shaker. The fried catfish my friend ordered was also a bit undercooked, with some blood still visible inside, which was a bit of a turn-off.
A Quick Rant
The food is hit-or-miss, like opening a blind box. The Sundanese ambiance is basically zero, relying entirely on the playlist. However, the prices aren't expensive. For the three of us, the bill felt very OK[4], and the service was quite efficient.
The usual drill, your guide to avoiding the pitfalls
- Keep your expectations in check: Don't think of it as an authentic Sundanese buffet; it's just an Indonesian homestyle restaurant with a nice environment.
- Ordering tips: You can't go wrong with the Sayur Asem[5]. If you're a fan of strong flavors, you can challenge yourself with the Nasi Liwet[6], otherwise, it's best to tell the waiter "kurang asin ya" (less salt). It's also a good idea to ask what's available before ordering, as some items on the menu might not be available[7].
- Seating suggestion: If you're sensitive to smoke, make sure to request the non-smoking area when booking[8], otherwise you might get a whiff of secondhand smoke drifting over.
- Good for gatherings: It's still a decent choice for family dinners or a small Nongkrong with friends, since it has air conditioning and private rooms. You can also pre-order their super photogenic Tumpeng cone-shaped rice[9], which would look great for events or birthdays
- Unexpectedly delicious! The Sayur Asem is so tangy and fresh, you could drink the whole pot alone [1].
- Comfy vibe with AC/non-smoking areas [2], great for groups. Pre-order the photogenic Tumpeng [3] for a party showstopper.
- So affordable! We ate till we were stuffed and it was still great value [4]. Order everything without worry
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