This viral Japanese restaurant in Banjarmasin: Are we here to eat or have a sauna?
qponx
2026-03-05
This viral Japanese spot in Banjarmasin, Okinawa Sushi, is a stunner with its modern, photo-worthy decor. But is it all style and no substance? This review dives into the mixed experience: while some dishes like the fresh sashimi shine, diners face intense heat (like a sauna!), inconsistent food quality, high prices, and slow service. Get the full scoop on what to order and which seats to avoid before you decide if this trendy restaurant is worth the visit.
For real, girls! I recently scrolled past this place, Okinawa Sushi, in Banjarmasin, and just looking at the pictures, I was totally stunned. The decor is so full of modern vibes, with all the little details maxed out, it feels like any casual shot could be a masterpiece. Definitely a top choice for a date or gathering. 🤩
But that excitement instantly evaporated the moment I sat down at a window seat... Anjay! Why is it so hot! 🥵 Whether it was afternoon or evening, the heatwave was just insane. I felt like I wasn't there to eat, but to experience a free sauna.
The Food: Angel or Devil?
Calming down, let's talk about the food. The dishes at this place are a bit like opening a blind box; it's a mixed bag.
👍 Worth Trying:
👎 A Bit of a Miss:
- Sashimi[1]: I have to give this a thumbs up. It was super fresh, with no fishy smell at all. The texture was Mantap!
- Salmon Crispy Nori[2]: A creative snack with a very rich texture. Crispy nori wrapped around soft rice and salmon—I personally loved it.
- Foie Gras[3]: It was quite a surprise to find foie gras in a place like this. I guess it helps justify its high-end positioning.
- Some dishes were... hard to describe. My friend ordered a Donburi, and said it was so salty it made them question their life[4].
- I ordered the grilled salmon sushi. The fish itself was good, but the cooking wasn't controlled well, and a burnt taste overpowered everything.
- The portion size of the salad was also a bit mini; it didn't feel worth the price.
A Big Test for Your Wallet and Patience
To be fair, the prices at this place are definitely on the high side for Banjarmasin. The four of us just ordered a few things and it was almost 1 million rupiah[5], so for you girls who want to save money or are "mendang-mending," make sure your wallets are ready before you come.
The service is also pretty hit-or-miss... During peak hours, trying to get a waiter's attention is harder than climbing to the sky. Sometimes you'll just be straight-up ignored[6], so you can only wave frantically when they happen to walk by. The experience was definitely a bit of a letdown.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls (Quick, take out your notebook and jot this down!)
Finally, for the girls who want to check this place out, here are a few honest tips:
Overall, if you're looking for a place with gorgeous decor that's perfect for photos, and you have a high tolerance for heat and a sufficient budget, then you can give it a try. But if you're purely looking for great food and a comfortable dining experience, you might want to weigh your options~
- 1. Seat choice is key! Absolutely, positively do not choose a window seat, unless you want to experience eating sushi while drenched in sweat[7]. Especially avoid it in the afternoon and during sunset!
- 2. Ordering Ocha is the best deal! The tea comes with unlimited refills[8], which quenches your thirst and saves you money.
- 3. Minor hygiene issue. I saw flies buzzing around when I was there[9], so friends who are very particular about hygiene should think twice.
- 4. Keep a calm mindset. Don't have high expectations for the service. Be more zen about it, be a bit more proactive yourself, and you'll have a happier meal.
- Sashimi is incredibly fresh, zero fishiness. The texture is pure "Mantap"[1]—you can taste the quality.
- The Salmon Crispy Nori is a textural bomb: crispy seaweed, soft rice, and salmon in one perfect, flavorful bite.
- Finding quality Foie Gras[2] in Banjarmasin is a real surprise. This dish alone elevates the whole place, making it feel high-end.
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