Shangri-La SATOO: Fallen from grace or still a legend?
qponx
2026-01-23
Once the king of Jakarta buffets, has SATOO at Shangri-La lost its crown? This honest review explores the current experience, from the chaotic crowds and disappointing Japanese food to its saving graces. The authentic Indian food station is a flavor-packed highlight, and the traditional Jamu cart offers a truly unique touch. Find out if this legendary buffet is still worth the hype and get tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Whenever friends visit Jakarta and ask me which 5-star hotel buffet is the best, the name SATOO always comes up. Back in the day, it was the benchmark for buffets[1]. This time, since a friend was visiting, I went back to relive the experience, and the result... well, I have mixed feelings.
As soon as I walked in, whoa, it was so crowded on a weekend night it felt like a Pasar (wet market). There were long lines to get food, and I instantly felt like I'd been transported from a 5-star hotel to a fast-food joint[2]. It seems like that quiet, comfortable atmosphere of the past is gone for good.
I headed straight for my favorite section, the Japanese food, but I was a bit dumbfounded. The salmon sashimi[3] was restocked so slowly, and when I finally got to the front of the line, they only gave each person a few thin slices. The freshness also seemed hit-or-miss, Anjay! The sushi rice was a bit dry, completely lacking that moist, slightly tangy soul[4]. I turned to the Chinese food section, only to find that the roasted duck I used to crave was gone. I was a little disappointed.
Just when I was about to give up hope, a savior appeared! The Indian food station was the highlight of the entire place! ✨ The curries were rich, the naan was freshly baked, and the flavors were so authentic[5], Mantap! One bite and I felt my soul return. There was also something super uniquely Indonesian, the Jamu lady with her cart[6]! She can mix a herbal drink for you based on your preferences, and the experience was top-notch. I had to get a glass of Kunyit Asam, which was sweet, sour, and appetizing. The dessert section looked great, with so many options it was hard to choose, but the taste was just average[7].
To be honest, at its current price, it's not really a great value for money if there's no discount[8]. For old fans like us who experienced it in its prime, it feels like the quality has slipped a bit, which is hard to accept.
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
- Going for the value? Check your bank cards first! Be sure to check for recent credit card promotions, for example, BCA often has deals like 'buy two, get four'[9], it only feels worth the price with a discount.
- Adjust your expectations and focus on the highlights. Don't get your hopes up for the Japanese food and seafood. Concentrate your main firepower on the Indian food[10] and Jamu[11], and you definitely won't be disappointed.
- Choose the right time to double your experience. Try to avoid peak times on weekends and holidays, otherwise, the queuing will really test your patience.
- A note on drinks! The dinner buffet doesn't include free coffee or tea, so you'll have to pay extra for hot drinks.
- Book in advance! Even if you've booked online, it's best to call and confirm before you go. Sometimes their internal communication can be a bit confusing[12], to avoid ruining your mood.
- The highlight! **Freshly baked naan** with rich curry [1]. One bite, and you're in India, taste buds awakened!
- Jakarta exclusive! **Jamu Auntie** [2] mixes **herbal drinks** from her cart. Sweet-sour Kunyit Asam for instant Indonesian vibes.
- Jakarta's former buffet **benchmark SATOO** [3] is now a **wet market** [4] on weekend nights. Gem or minefield?
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