4.6 stars on Google, but I'm giving it a bad review? This Makassar AYCE is ridiculous
qponx
2026-03-06
Don't be fooled by the 4.6-star rating! This review dives into the chaotic reality of a popular, budget-friendly AYCE in Makassar. While the price is tempting, the experience is a "food-grabbing war" with constant food shortages, a smoky atmosphere, and overwhelmed service. Find out why this highly-rated spot might not be worth the hype and learn some crucial survival tips if you still decide to brave the long lines for this seemingly great deal.
OK, I have to talk about this spot in Makassar. AUCE Kongkow, with 2000+ reviews and a high score of 4.6 on Google Maps, claims to be the hottest budget AYCE in town. There's always a long line at the door, packed with young people and families, which looks super appealing, right? I was totally fooled by this scene… Anjay, the result is hard to put into words. 🤦♀️
A wave of heat hits you as soon as you walk in. Is the AC even on, or is it just for show? The whole place is filled with smoke, and my eyes could barely stay open while grilling[1]. After the meal, I felt like I had just stepped out of a sauna. It's supposed to be All-You-Can-Eat, but it's more like a "food-grabbing" war. The trays on the buffet counter are constantly empty. The meat slices and side dishes you want are always "being restocked," and you have to wait for half an hour[2]. When a plate of beef slices finally arrived[3], they were paper-thin and disappeared as soon as you grilled them. And don't even get me started on the legendary Wagyu—not even a shadow of it was seen.
The cheese dumplings[4] in the Suki section are legendary—they're gone the second they're put out. If you're slow, you get none. As for the crab mentai sushi[5]... come on, isn't that just imitation crab sticks with some salad dressing squeezed on top? It was so bad I wanted to throw it away after one bite.
Honestly, the price is really cheap. I saw a family package for four people for only around 300,000 IDR[6], which is definitely tempting for students and friends on a budget. But! The problem is, if you spend most of your time waiting for food and can't really eat much, what's the point of this "buffet"? The service can't keep up either. Getting a waiter's attention is harder than climbing to heaven, and it feels like they're so busy they've just given up[7]. This isn't a place to Nongkrong, it's more like coming here to suffer an ordeal.
Know Before You Go! A Guide for Warriors on How to Avoid the Pitfalls
If you still want to take on the challenge, here are a few survival tips to keep in mind:
So, what do you guys think? Is this place Mantap or a total disaster? Let's chat in the comments! 👇
- 1. Don't want to wait in line for an hour? Make sure to book in advance via WhatsApp![8] They have the number on their IG, don't just wait foolishly.
- 2. Go during off-peak hours! Off-peak! Off-peak! Going during meal times is a disaster zone—food vanishes in seconds, and service is non-existent.
- 3. Don't wear your best clothes! You'll come out smelling like BBQ, a scent you can't wash out. Plus, it's super hot inside, so wearing something light is the way to go.
- 4. Watch the time! You only have 90 minutes to dine. Unfinished meat is charged per 100 grams[9], so don't take too much or you'll end up paying extra.
- 5. Check the promotions carefully! Many discounts have conditions, like you have to follow and share their social media content to qualify[10].
- This budget AYCE has a 4.6 rating from 2k+ reviews and a constant line of local youth and families out the door [1].
- Family sets are only ~300k Rupiah [2]! With prices so cheap you'll scream, even students can go all out!
- The legendary cheese dumplings are the Suki section's hidden king. They go fast, so grabbing them is all up to luck [3]
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