No menu, cash only. How is this Makassar fried chicken spot so viral?
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover the secret behind a viral Makassar fried chicken joint that operates with no menu and a cash-only policy. While the prices might be "devilish," the food is heavenly. This spot is famous for its unique free-range chicken, must-try satay, and a legendary sambal that elevates every bite. Find out if this notoriously quirky restaurant is worth the hype and learn the essential tips for navigating its unusual rules without breaking the bank.
Honestly, before coming to Makassar, countless people recommended this Ibu Tini fried chicken place to me. But when I got here... there were no prices on the menu at all? Anjay! I immediately felt like something was up... A restaurant this willful still exists these days? Feeling nervous, I braced myself and ordered anyway.
The taste is heavenly, the price is devilish
To be honest, their food really has something special. The signature fried chicken (Ayam Goreng)[1] arrived. It's a small piece, made with free-range chicken (Ayam Kampung), so don't expect a huge portion. The skin is brown, but it's not sweet. The texture isn't the crispy American style we're used to either; the flavor is very unique. People who like it will absolutely love it.
But it's the side dishes that really shine! You have to order the chicken satay (Sate Ayam)[2]! The meat chunks are super substantial, and the sweet sauce with peanut sauce is truly Mantap! And then there's the clear chicken soup (Sup Ayam)[3]. It looks ordinary, but one sip and you'll know the skill behind it—it's delicious and warms the stomach. But I have to give the MVP award of the whole meal to the chili paste (Sambal)[4]! It's absolutely amazing; it makes everything taste out of this world! 🌶️
Alright, let's talk about the downsides
Okay, enough with the praise, let's get real. This place is seriously not cheap, and because there's no price list, it's easy to get a "surprise" from the bill when you pay[5]. A casual meal for two can easily cost several hundred thousand rupiah, which really hurts the wallet. The service attitude is also... umm... let's just say it has a lot of character. If you tell the waiter the food is a bit tough, they might just listen with a blank face[6]. Don't expect any Haidilao-style service, okay?
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Save this!)
Want to give it a try without getting ripped off? Listen to my advice and jot this down in your notebook:
- Ask for the price before ordering: Don't be shy. Just point at what you want and ask, "Berapa harganya?" (How much is it?), to avoid being shocked when the bill comes[7].
- Cash only: Bring enough cash! Cash Only! They don't accept any bank cards or electronic payments here. If you ask, you might even get a look[8].
- Go during off-peak hours: It gets super crowded during the lunch rush (12-1 PM). If you want to enjoy your meal properly, I suggest going earlier or later[9].
- Order Nasi Uduk for your rice: Don't just get plain white rice. You have to try their coconut rice[10]; the aroma is on a whole other level!
- Weird takeaway rule: Can't finish your chicken and want to take it to go? Sorry, you have to buy an extra portion of rice to do that...[11] That was a first for me.
- No price list. Ordering is a blind box, and the bill is a surprise[1]. It's all for the thrill!
- Signature fried chicken uses free-range chicken for a unique flavor, not American-style crispy. True fans will be obsessed.
- The Sambal is the real MVP! Insanely good on everything. A must for spice lovers [2]
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