Blindly Trust a 5.0 Google Rating? I Tested This 5-Star Hotel's Chinese Restaurant For You.
qponx
2026-03-04
Ever wondered if a restaurant with a perfect 5.0 Google rating is too good to be true? This review puts LIN 林, a hyped Chinese restaurant in a five-star hotel, to the test. Discover its elegant ambiance, perfect for special occasions, and find out which dishes are absolute must-tries, like the Crispy Pork Belly and a divine Fried Durian Tempura. Get the honest scoop on whether this spot truly lives up to its flawless reputation, including a few minor service flaws.
To be honest, when I saw the wall of 5.0 perfect scores on Google, I was skeptical at first. Over 1700 reviews, girls, with zero bad reviews? Anjay! How divine can this place be? 🤔
This restaurant, 「LIN 林」, located in the new five-star Hotel Tentrem in Alam Sutera, Tangerang, is super hyped, focusing on a high-end, elegant vibe. A friend happened to ask me out for a meal, so I rushed right over to check it out for everyone!
The Vibe is On Point, Great for Impressing Guests
The moment you walk in, you're hit with this upscale Chinese vibe. It's not that tacky, nouveau-riche gold, but an elegant feel with traditional calligraphy paintings and exquisite furniture. The whole space is huge, the lighting is warm, and the background music is very Chill, it's truly a place suitable for sitting down for a good meal and a chat[1].
It's also completely stress-free for family gatherings with kids; the place is spacious, with more than enough room to push a stroller in.
The few dishes we ordered were mostly on point, let me report back to you all:
- 脆皮烧肉 (Crispy Pork Belly)[2]: One crunchy bite, the skin is truly crispy, the meat is so fragrant, dip it in a little sugar, Mantap! No wonder it's a must-order at every table.
- 咸蛋黄炸鱿鱼 (Deep Fried Squid with Salted Egg-yolk)[3]: This one was a pleasant surprise, the outer layer was crispy but not greasy, and the squid was very fresh and chewy.
- 蜜椒夏威夷果鸡丁 (Sauteed Chicken Cube)[4]: The chicken was very tender, the flavors of pepper and honey were perfectly balanced, it wasn't one of those overly sweet sauces, perfect with rice.
- 炸榴莲天妇罗配榴莲冰淇淋 (Fried Durian Tempura with Durian Ice Cream)[5]: The best of the night! I'm usually not a big fan of durian desserts, but this one was absolutely divine. Hot on the outside, cold on the inside, the durian flavor was rich but not overpowering, a sensation of ice and fire, love it, love it!
Let's Be Real, Are There Any Downsides?
Of course there are! Nothing is perfect.
First, there were some minor flaws in the service. The waiters were a bit too eager to clear the plates; we were still eating, and their hands were already reaching over, our conversation kept getting interrupted... Also, after several dishes, our cutlery was never changed[6], which for a five-star hotel restaurant, is a detail that's a bit lacking.
Next is the taste and value for money. Although the few dishes I had this time were pretty good, I've also seen some people complain that the taste doesn't justify the price[7]. This is really a matter of personal opinion; after all, it's in a five-star hotel, so the prices are set, and expectations are naturally higher. The portion size is also a mystery; some say it's small, some say it's large[8]. I felt that ordering half portions was just enough for two people. If you have more people, just go for the full portion.
Editor's Key Takeaways (get your notebooks ready 📝)
Alright, that's all for today's honest review. Have any of you been there? Come chat in the comments about what you ordered! 👇
- Who should go?: Best for family dinners, celebrating an elder's birthday, or important business dinners. The atmosphere is grand and impressive, and the dishes are suitable for all ages.
- Must-orders: Not sure what to order on your first visit? Just go for the Crispy Pork Belly and the Fried Durian Dessert without a second thought, you basically can't go wrong.
- Money-saving/Perk Tip: If you're there for a birthday, be sure to tell the restaurant in advance! You might get a complimentary birthday noodle or a small cake[9], you have to take advantage of this perk!
- Heads-up: There might be some minor service flaws, which is understandable during peak hours. If you don't like being disturbed, you can tell the waiter beforehand not to be in such a hurry to clear the plates. When you're dining out, the Nongkrong mood is the most important thing after all!
- A perfect 5.0 Google score from 1700+ reviews with zero bad ratings. Find out why.
- Fried Durian Tempura with Durian Ice Cream: a hot & cold sensation. Rich, smooth durian flavor that redefines the dessert. [1]
- An elegant dining environment with upscale Chinese decor, art, and calligraphy. Ideal for family meals or business dinners. [2]
Similar Articles
Who says BSD has no good sushi? This spot with crazy lines serves portions that crush the chains, but the vibe is a bit Anjay…
Think BSD lacks good sushi? Sushi Matsuki might change your mind. This no-frills spot draws huge crowds, and for good reason: the food is phenomenal. Brave the long queue for exceptionally thick, fresh sashimi and generous portions that put chain restaurants to shame. While the cramped ambiance and spotty service are part of the experience, the melt-in-your-mouth salmon belly makes it a must-try for serious sushi lovers seeking incredible value.
Bintaro's Under-40k Halal Ramen: Is the Ambiance More Stunning Than the Taste?
Discover a slice of Kyoto in Bintaro at this super affordable halal ramen spot! With prices under 40k, it's a budget-friendly dream. The main draw is the stunning "Little Tokyo" ambiance, perfect for snapping photos and hanging out with friends. While the vibe is a perfect 10, the article questions if the ramen's taste truly matches the incredible decor, noting the broth might be a bit light for some. It's a fantastic choice for a stylish, wallet-friendly hangout.
A dim sum spot born for photo-ops! But foodies, enter with caution…
Discover Come-Xia, a stunning Halal dim sum spot in Alam Sutera with a Japanese zen-style ambiance perfect for your social media feed. While the wabi-sabi decor is a guaranteed hit, the food can be a mixed bag. This review guides you on what to order (like the amazing Baked Char Siu Bao) and what to avoid. It's the ideal place for a stylish hangout, but foodies should enter with caution—the vibe might just outshine the bites.
A 4.9-star Japanese 'myth' on Google, boosted by free dessert?
Sushi Hiro's near-perfect 4.9-star Google rating attracts long lines, but is it worth the hype? This review uncovers a mixed experience. While the photo-worthy ambiance, rich Truffle Gyu Don, and crispy Chicken Nanban are major highlights, there are significant letdowns. Be prepared for potentially slow service and surprisingly mushy sushi rice. The article also reveals the secret behind the stellar rating: a free dessert in exchange for a five-star review, helping you decide if it's worth visiting.