I went to Kempinski for king crab... and the smell is stuck on my hands.
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking about the Signatures buffet at Kempinski Jakarta? This honest review gives you a heads-up on what to expect. While the legendary Bubur Ayam HI and crispy pork knuckle are definite must-tries, the highly anticipated seafood section, especially the king crab, was a major disappointment. Learn why weekdays might not be worth the price and discover the essential BCA credit card promo that offers a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" deal, making the experience much more valuable.
Girls, take my advice, don't set your expectations too high! Drawn by the big name of the Signatures buffet at Kempinski Jakarta, especially after hearing they had king crab, I came full of excitement. The result? Anjay, this experience was a mix of feelings, hard to put into words…
My Honest Experience
Let's start with the good stuff. The ambiance definitely has the foundation of a five-star hotel—spacious and bright, but to be honest, the decor style looks a bit dated[1], lacking any wow factor. The best dish of the night has to go to the legendary Indonesian chicken congee, Bubur Ayam HI[2]! The flavor was rich, the toppings were plentiful, it truly lives up to its reputation as a signature dish, absolutely Mantap! Also, the Pork Knuckle[3] from the pork section was pretty good too. The skin was roasted to a perfect crisp, and the meat inside was quite juicy, worth a try.
Alright, praise is over, time for the complaints. The main event, the seafood section, was a complete disaster[4]. The king crab I had been dreaming of not only tasted unfresh but also had a weird smell. Even after washing my hands with soap, the smell lingered[5]… Help 🆘! The oysters were the same, with no fresh, sweet taste at all. The variety of dishes in the entire buffet, especially on a weekday, was pitifully small. It felt totally not worth the price.
How Much Damage to the Wallet?
To be honest, a meal for two easily costs over a million Indonesian Rupiah, and for this quality of food, the value for money is really low. The service was also hit-or-miss. During peak hours, the staff seemed overwhelmed, and you might not even get an answer when calling to make a reservation[6], which really dampened the experience.
Tips to Avoid Disappointment / Save Money
If you don't want to waste your money, take note of these tips:
- Go on the weekend! The variety of dishes on weekdays is very limited[7], making the experience a whole lot worse.
- You MUST book in advance![8] Especially on weekends, don't even think about just walking in, or you'll likely have made a wasted trip.
- 【The Ultimate Money-Saving Tip】 Here's the most important part! Before paying, always ask about credit card promotions. For those of you with a BCA credit card, you're in for a treat—they often have a"Buy 1 Get 1 Free" deal[9]. Using this promo is the only way it feels worth the price!
- Ordering Guide: When you get there, head straight for the Bubur Ayam and the crispy pork knuckle. As for the seafood… emmm… you can decide for yourselves, but I'm scarred.
- Even at a 5-star buffet, the legendary Bubur Ayam HI[1] (Indonesian chicken porridge) is the star – unforgettably rich!
- The pork section's crispy Pork Knuckle[2]? Crackling skin, juicy meat – you'll crave more!
- Biggest shocker? The famed king crab[3] was so fishy, the smell lingered. Total flop or just bad luck?
Similar Articles
Calling all Jakarta pork lovers! I'm giving the crispy pork at this heritage cafe a 10/10.
Tucked away in Menteng, this heritage cafe offers a stunning retro vibe in a converted old house. It’s a photogenic paradise with amazing coffee, but the main event is the pork. The signature Pork Porchetta is a must-try, boasting perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat that earns rave reviews. While it's on the pricier side and has some dining limitations, the incredible ambiance and unforgettable crispy pork make it a worthwhile visit for Jakarta's foodies.
Need to impress at a business dinner? This hidden Indian gem in a hotel has you covered.
Discover Handi Restaurant, a hidden Indian gem inside Jakarta's Le Méridien hotel, perfect for impressing at a business dinner or celebrating a special occasion. This spot boasts elegant, palace-style decor and a private atmosphere ideal for important conversations. Indulge in refined signature dishes like the show-stopping Hyderabad Dum Ki Biryani and rich Chooza Makhani. While a fine dining experience, its top-notch service and incredible flavors make it the perfect choice when you need to make a lasting impression.
Dubbed the best macarons in Jakarta, but it's just a mall counter?
Curious about the "best macarons in Jakarta"? This review dives into La Maison, a popular kiosk in Grand Indonesia. Discover if its legendary flavors, from the must-try Salted Popcorn to the adventurous Nasi Uduk, are worth the hype and high price tag. While the macarons are delicious and beautiful, the article gives you the real scoop on its grab-and-go setup and sometimes chilly service, helping you decide if this viral dessert spot is for you.
Calling all introverts! I'm only telling you about this 'basement cafe' in Jakarta.
Looking for a quiet escape in Jakarta? Tucked away in an apartment basement, this super-hidden cafe is an introvert's dream. It boasts a cozy, Korean-inspired vibe with a K-pop playlist, perfect for zoning out. The main attraction is the incredible handmade desserts—don't miss the melt-in-your-mouth Basque Burnt Cheesecake or the rich Tiramisu. This tiny spot is the ultimate hideaway for a solo afternoon or a quiet chat with a bestie.