1.5 Million for a Meal? Why is This Jakarta Chinese Restaurant So Expensive?
qponx
2026-02-25
Curious about the 1.5 million IDR price tag at Jakarta's Hay Thien? This review dives into the hyped Chinese restaurant to see if it's worth the splurge. While known for its comforting Shabu-shabu and must-try Pork Satay, the experience isn't flawless. The article weighs the delicious, homestyle food and spacious, family-friendly setting against inconsistent service and high costs. Get the full scoop on whether the taste truly justifies the price before you go.
There's been a lot of hype recently about this place in West Jakarta, Hay Thien, with people saying a meal there can cost you 1.5 million IDR[1]… Anjay, isn't that a rip-off? With an "I have to see what the fuss is all about" attitude, I went straight there.
I was a bit surprised when I walked in. It didn't have that typical over-the-top influencer vibe, just a very clean and bright Chinese restaurant. The space is ridiculously large, so even when it's crowded during lunch, it doesn't feel cramped[2], making it super family-friendly. Booking a private room for a small get-together with friends or a family dinner is definitely a safe bet.
The star of the show is, of course, the Shabu-shabu[3]. It has a warm, homestyle flavor that's very comforting to eat. The absolute best part is how you eat it: drizzle the sesame sauce over your rice, then pair it with the freshly cooked meat... Who understands the joy of a carb bomb! But what really got me hooked was the Pork Satay[4]. It's sweet and savory, the meat is tender and juicy, and one bite is truly Mantap! And that Sambal Bawang[5], with its rich garlic flavor that isn't harsh on the stomach, tastes good with everything.
Okay, enough praise, let's get real. The price is definitely not cheap; it'll hurt your wallet a bit. The service is also pretty hit or miss. Sometimes it's super fast, but in our VIP room, getting a waiter's attention was a real struggle[6], basically up to fate. There was another small issue: the skewers we ordered arrived lukewarm[7], which kind of affected the texture.
Pro Tips, You're Welcome!
Overall, the food is on point and the atmosphere is comfortable, making it suitable for a proper family dinner. As for whether it's worth the price, that depends on whether you value taste or service more~😉
- Don't go during peak hours! The line during the dinner rush will make you question your existence. If you want to eat comfortably, it's best to arrive before 6 PM[8].
- First choice for family gatherings. The place is big and has private rooms, so you can bring a large family and not worry about seating[9]. It's great for Nongkrong.
- What to do if your skewers aren't hot? Don't hesitate, just tell the waiter and ask them to reheat it for you[10].
- Cozy shabu-shabu, but the star is the sesame sauce mixed rice. Top with fresh meat for the ultimate carb-bomb high!
- The pork satay[1] is addictive. Sweet & savory, tender, juicy. One bite is pure Mantap!
- Ridiculously huge space never feels crowded, even at peak lunch[2]. Very kid-friendly, and a private room for family is a safe bet.
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