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]
Similar Articles
This Indonesian food is 4.9 stars on Google, but what the server did completely baffled me…
Pak Tjomot boasts a near-perfect 4.9-star rating, but is it worth the hype? This review explores the Indonesian restaurant's god-tier food, highlighting must-try dishes like the tender Nasi Goreng Iga Bakar. While the clean, retro ambiance is perfect for gatherings, the experience is complicated by some truly bizarre service quirks. Get the full scoop on the delicious food and the baffling staff behavior that might leave you scratching your head.
Google's 4.7-Star Rating, but I Got Served Raw Chicken? Sushi Tei's Quality Control is a Mystery
Thinking a 4.7-star rated Sushi Tei is a safe bet? Think again. This review dives into a rollercoaster experience at one branch, where a great atmosphere and a delicious salad were overshadowed by a shocking discovery: undercooked chicken. The article explores the "blind box" nature of the food quality and service, questioning if the high rating is truly deserved. It's a cautionary tale for diners, complete with tips on how to navigate a visit and snag a birthday deal.
This top-tier seafood in Makassar has no prices on the menu?
Discover Makassar's "Seafood God," a restaurant where flavor is king. Don't let the noisy, basic setting or the menu with no prices scare you away. This spot serves incredibly fresh, top-tier seafood with huge portions and amazing value. Must-try dishes include the soul-warming Pallumara Fish Soup, champion Salted Egg Yolk Squid, and unique Ikan Kudu-kudu. It's an authentic dining experience for true seafood lovers who prioritize taste above all else.
Makassar's Worker Paradise! Endless Sockets, 25k Combos, But I've Got One Rant.
Discover MyCoffee, Makassar's hidden gem for digital nomads and coffee lovers! This spot is a worker's paradise with power outlets at every seat and a quiet, spacious atmosphere. Enjoy high-quality pour-over coffee and tasty snacks with incredibly wallet-friendly combo deals starting from just 25k Rupiah. While the Wi-Fi can be spotty during peak hours, its unbeatable prices and comfortable vibe make it a must-visit for a productive afternoon or a quiet hangout with friends.