Google 4.8 stars, 1-hour queue… You need to Chill about this Tangerang sushi spot
qponx
2026-02-25
This Tangerang sushi spot boasts a 4.8-star rating and massive queues, but is it worth the hype? Discover Sushi Mentai, a Malaysian chain offering incredibly cheap conveyor belt sushi. While the atmosphere is chaotic and the sushi is a "you get what you pay for" experience, it's a paradise for budget-eaters. This review breaks down the polarizing tastes, the surprisingly good side dishes, and essential tips to navigate the crowds for this super affordable, no-frills meal.
Friends, who gets it! I passed by Alam Sutera over the weekend and saw the line at this Sushi Mentai place was insanely long. I checked on Google and it surprisingly has a 4.8-star rating, so I was thinking, what kind of amazing place is this? I had to go for it! The result... Anjay, how should I put it, my feelings are a bit complicated. 😂
Fast Food Sushi That's Like a Wet Market 🍣
Once inside, the place is really big with lots of seating, but the scene was so noisy and chaotic, I thought I had walked into a Pasar Malam (night market), definitely not a place where you can quietly nongkrong[1]. The sushi plates on the conveyor belt are priced by color, and the cheapest ones are only 10,000 IDR per plate[2]. The price is truly mantap!
I was eagerly waiting for their signature Salmon Mentai Sushi[3], but after waiting for three full rotations, there was still no sign of it... Later I found out you have to order it separately by scanning a QR code. The sushi pieces are generally on the small side[4], which is convenient for eating in one bite, but some of the rice balls were packed way too big, with just a thin slice of fish on top, kind of getting their priorities wrong, haha.
As for the taste, it's really polarizing. The Fried Garlic Rice[5] and Agedashi Tofu[6] that my friend ordered were surprisingly not bad; the price is cheap and the taste is decent. But the sushi itself... emmm, the sushi rice lacks any soul when you eat it, it feels like you're just eating plain rice[7], which, to be fair, matches the price.
So, is it actually worth it? 🤔
Honestly, if you're looking for authentic Japanese cuisine that's super fresh with an amazing texture, then you can just steer clear of this place. It's a chain brand from Malaysia[8] that focuses on the "get full on a small budget" concept, a pure "you get what you paid for"[9] experience. Don't have high expectations, and you won't be too disappointed.
Tips to avoid pitfalls / TL;DR guide here! 👇
Overall, this place is very suitable for families with kids, students on a budget, or friends who want a quick meal. But if you're looking for a place to properly chill and savor delicious food, then we'd better spend our money elsewhere
- Go during off-peak hours! There's always a long line during lunch and dinner[10], so if you don't want to wait, go in the afternoon and have it as a snack.
- Snag a front-row seat! Make sure to sit close to the conveyor belt[11], otherwise all the good stuff will be taken by the people in front of you.
- Don't just wait, order directly! Popular items like the Mentai sushi are rare guests on the belt, so just scan the QR code or ask a server to order[12], don't be shy!
- A note for drivers: Although there are many parking spots, finding one during peak hours can also take some time[13].
- Just 10k for a plate of sushi[1]—crazy cheap for Jakarta! At this price, you have to devour ten plates.
- The Garlic Fried Rice[2] is the unexpected star. Who gets blown away by fried rice at a sushi joint?! A true hidden gem.
- The vibe is pure night market[3]: loud, bustling, and buzzing with energy. A super fun and authentic local experience
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