Rp 80k for a bowl of rice? Why is this Jakarta container Japanese joint so gutsy?
qponx
2026-01-24
Don't be fooled by its shipping container exterior in a Blok M parking lot! This hidden Japanese spot reveals a surprisingly sophisticated interior with a blazing charcoal grill. It’s famous for premium yakitori and exceptionally fresh sashimi. While the quality is top-notch, be prepared for steep prices and small portions—this review dives into whether the gutsy pricing is justified, sharing must-try dishes and crucial tips for your visit, from tricky reservations to inconsistent service.
For real, I followed the GPS and circled the crappy parking lot behind Blok M three times, I almost thought my friend was messing with me. All I saw was a pitch-black shipping container. You can eat in a place like this? I had a million questions in my head❓
Pushing open that inconspicuous door, Anjay! It was like being instantly transported. It was a completely different world inside, the lighting was dim yet sophisticated, the charcoal fire in the open kitchen was blazing, and the air was filled with that comforting smoky aroma and the smell of high-end ingredients. The contrast was just off the charts!
So, let's get to it, is the food any good?
After sitting down, I got straight to the point. Their specialty is"Charcoal and Rice."
Charcoal Skewers (Yakitori)[1] were definitely the star of the show! I won't even get into the standard stuff like chicken hearts and skin, they even have rare parts like chicken knees and necks, grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a full-on charcoal aroma. This is what proper yakitori should be like, Mantap! 👍
The freshness of the Sashimi[2] was also impeccable. The fatty aroma of the Toro that melts in your mouth, paired with wasabi freshly grated by the staff at your table, that sharp, refreshing spiciness hits you right in the head. In one word: Fresh! Girls who love raw food, just go for it.
If you have the budget, you can go straight for the A5 Wagyu[3], the quality is truly top-notch, every bite smells like money…💸
Alright, let me give you some real talk…
While the food quality is on point, let's be real. Your wallet will definitely feel the pain… The average cost per person is around 650,000 IDR[4], and the portions are generally small[5], it's not the kind of place where you can eat your fill and Nongkrong. Especially that bowl of rice priced at 80,000 IDR[6], I'm just... speechless. I mean, that's a bit ridiculous.
Some other dishes, like the fried chicken and crab croquettes, felt a bit underwhelming, not as amazing as the skewers and sashimi[7], you could save your money and order a few more yakitori skewers instead.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Quick Tips
For the girls who want to check this place out, you have to listen to this heartfelt advice!
- Reservations are a huge pain! Their reservation system is a bit of a mystery. I heard someone's private room, booked a month in advance, was canceled for no reason[8]. So before you go, promise me, call them repeatedly to confirm!
- IG is a scam! Important note! Their Instagram account was hacked before, DO NOT make reservations or transfer money through IG! A lesson learned the hard way, girls[9]!
- Transportation & Location: The place is super hard to find, it's in the parking lot behind Blok M mall. If it's your first time, be prepared to be lost for half an hour, and parking spots are pitifully scarce, just getting a ride-hail is the easiest way[10].
- Service is a gamble: Reviews on the service are very polarized. You might get an angelic server, or you might get one who makes you unhappy the whole time…[11] Good luck
- Push the black container door: boom! High-end Japanese space with charcoal smoke. The contrast is wild! [1]
- Charcoal skewers [2] are a must! Chicken knee, chicken neck grilled crispy, tender, smoky. Pure yakitori bliss!
- Toro melts in your mouth with freshly ground wasabi [3]. Expect a clean, spicy kick and pure umami!
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