This PIK restaurant visited by the president: Food is Mantap, but the service is Anjay…
qponx
2026-02-25
Thinking of visiting UMAQITA, the presidential-approved Balinese spot in PIK? This review dives into the restaurant's highs and lows. While the photogenic decor and standout dishes like Nasi Kecombrang are major draws, the experience is marred by frustratingly slow service and inconsistent food quality. Discover whether the hype is real and get essential tips for navigating a visit to this place of distinct pros and cons before you decide to go.
Girls, take my advice, don't just see the Google 4.7 rating and the "even the president has visited"[1] halo and rush in without thinking! I'm talking about this Balinese restaurant in PIK, UMAQITA.
I'm one of the "victims" who fell for it 😂. I originally thought I could comfortably Nongkrong for a bit and have an authentic Balinese meal, but... Anjay, the experience was a real rollercoaster.
The Flavor is On Point, but the Service is "Offline"
The moment you walk in, the Balinese-style design is indeed very photogenic, and the atmosphere is maxed out. But after sitting for a while, you'll notice the AC isn't very strong, making it a bit stuffy and hot. There were even mosquitoes[2], and when it gets crowded, it's incredibly noisy.
Back to the food. I have to be fair and give credit to their Nasi Kecombrang[3] (torch ginger rice). The aroma is so unique; it instantly whetted my appetite the moment it arrived. Definitely the best dish of the night! The Sate Lilit[4] (minced meat satay) was also pretty good, a safe bet that can't go wrong.
But! The bad points were just as prominent. My friend ordered the Nasi Campur[5] (Balinese mixed rice); it came with a lot of ingredients, but the taste was... very ordinary, not memorable at all. The grilled chicken I ordered tasted okay, but the portion was pitifully small, felt like more bone than meat[6]. The value for money really isn't great. Plus, the overall flavors were very inconsistent—some dishes were too sweet, others too salty, and even the Sambal Matah didn't seem very fresh[7].
What I Want to Complain About Most: Turtle-Speed Service!
OK, if it were just the inconsistent flavors, I could tolerate it. But the most infuriating thing is their service! Slow, it was just so, so, so slow[8]! You could wait half an hour just for a drink. Trying to get a waiter's attention was like shouting into the void; their eyes would wander everywhere but in your direction. It felt like they were all running around in a chaotic mess. For a moment, I wondered if I had turned invisible…🫠
Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls | Seriously, Remember These Points if You Go
Although I've complained a lot, if you're really set on trying that Nasi Kecombrang or want to have the same dish as the president, it's not a complete no-go. But please, be sure to save this guide:
All in all, it's a place with extremely distinct pros and cons. Do you want to go and Chill, or take a gamble? You decide
- Manage your expectations: Lower your expectations for the service to the absolute minimum. Just think of it as a trip to practice your patience. Don't go on an empty stomach, or you'll seriously go crazy from the wait.
- Ordering strategy: Get straight to the point and order the highly-rated dishes like Nasi Kecombrang and Sate Lilit. If you want to eat chicken or duck, be mentally prepared for the portions to be on the small side.
- Dining with a group: If you're going for a family meal or with a large group of friends, you must make a reservation in advance![9] Otherwise, you most likely won't get a table or will have to wait a long time.
- Check the bill: When it's time to pay, you must! Carefully! Check the bill! I've heard from other netizens that they've been overcharged[10], so it's better to be safe than sorry.
- The aromatic Nasi Kecombrang (torch ginger rice) was the night's best dish [1]—an instant appetite-opener. Wonder if the president ordered it?
- The Balinese design delivers max vibes, like an instant island getaway [2]. Every corner is super photogenic.
- Service can be spotty, but if you're just there for "the presidential experience," it's still a worthwhile visit.
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