Spent 99k in Kelapa Gading on a bellyful of flour. I can't even.
qponx
2026-01-24
Drawn in by its stunning decor and a 99k All-You-Can-Eat deal, Pempek Sari Belido in Kelapa Gading seems like a dream. However, this review reveals a major catch: the AYCE pempek is a flavorless disappointment. Learn why you should skip the buffet and order from the à la carte menu instead. Discover the must-try dishes, like the fragrant Lenggang Panggang, to enjoy the beautiful ambiance without falling into the foodie trap.
Girls, I'm rarely this speechless about a restaurant...
I was just strolling around Kelapa Gading when I was immediately drawn to the storefront of this place, Pempek Sari Belido. Oh my god, a Pempek shop decorated like a high-end cafe, exquisite and spacious, and the AC is super strong. I was instantly sold! Then I saw the sign at the entrance that said “All You Can Eat Pempek CUMA 99K”[1], who could resist that? I decided right then and there to go in and Nongkrong for a bit.
The higher the expectation, the greater the disappointment
Once inside, the ambiance was truly impeccable, definitely top-tier in the Jakarta Pempek scene[2], and perfect for family or friend gatherings. But I excitedly chose the AYCE, and that's when the nightmare began.
First off, the AYCE area is on the second floor, and there's no elevator, which isn't very friendly for some people[3]. The first plate of Pempek I got after sitting down... the moment I took a bite, I was dumbfounded... Are you sure this is a fishcake? There was basically zero fish flavor, and the texture was hard and dense. It felt like I was just eating a lump of dough[4]. That Cuko sauce was also sickeningly sweet, like dipping my food in sugar water[5]. Anjay, spending this 99k gave me a heart attack!
Not wanting to give up, I decided to pay extra and order something from the à la carte menu to test the waters. And when the à la carte Lenggang Panggang[6] arrived, hmm? The aroma was right! The grilled fishcake, coated in egg, had a lovely charred aroma, was full of fish flavor, and had a soft, tender texture. Now *this* is the standard Palembang food should have! Mantap! Also, the Pempek Telor Asin[7] is worth a try, the molten salted egg yolk center is amazing.
Some real talk…
So, the problem is obvious: the quality of the AYCE and the à la carte items are completely different things! I'd give the ambiance five stars, but the AYCE food gets only one star, no more than that.
And the service here... it's hard to describe. You wait forever for your food to arrive, and getting a waiter's attention is basically up to fate[8]. Although the à la carte dishes are delicious, the portions are pitifully small[9], which makes the value for money instantly not so great.
Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls & The Right Way to Do It
Alright, I'm highlighting the key points for you, get your notebooks ready:
In short, it's a place with extremely prominent pros and cons. Go for the ambiance, but for the AYCE… run! 🏃♀️
- 1. Definitely don't go for the AYCE! If you're after good flavor, this 99k buffet is a trap. Don't pay to suffer.
- 2. If you want good food, just sit on the first floor and order à la carte. Just treat it as a Palembang restaurant with a nice ambiance. My top recommendation is the Lenggang Panggang[10], trust me, you can't go wrong!
- 3. Keep a chill mindset. Be mentally prepared for slow service. Don't go when you're starving, or you'll go crazy waiting.
- 4. Be aware of the weird rules. There's a fine for not finishing your AYCE food, even if it's just one piece of tofu skin left... It's also not friendly to people with disabilities. If you want AYCE but can't go upstairs, the manager won't be sympathetic[11].
- This Pempek spot is Jakarta's ultimate, with a fancy cafe vibe. Totally insta-worthy! [1]
- Sign outside: 99K for All You Can Eat Pempek [2]! Tempting, but a huge catch.
- Don't miss à la carte Lenggang Panggang [3]! Grilled, eggy, super fishy, tender – Palembang Pempek's soul!
Similar Articles
Jakarta BBQ Warning! Did the staff at this Gyu-Kaku branch go on strike?
Thinking of visiting Gyu-Kaku in Jakarta? You might want to read this first! This review exposes a disastrous dining experience at the MKG branch, calling out everything from inattentive service and low-quality meat to faulty equipment. Despite the overall letdown, there was one surprising star: a divine milk pudding. Discover why you should avoid this specific location unless you're only going for the dessert, and learn which other branches are recommended for a much better Japanese BBQ experience.
This aesthetic spot in Blok M: My advice? Don't get your hopes up for the food.
Discover a photogenic new spot in Blok M with an incredibly aesthetic, Insta-worthy vibe perfect for an afternoon hangout. While the friendly service gets high praise, this review warns that the food might not live up to the hype. The signature "Gabin" snack is described as oily and underwhelming. This is a place where the cozy ambiance and picture-perfect setting are the main attractions, so it's best to visit for the vibes, not the bites.
Who says North Jakarta has no good places? This rooftop pizzeria is the first to disagree
Think North Jakarta lacks cool spots? Stella di Napoli, a hidden rooftop pizzeria, might change your mind. It offers a romantic, Italian-movie atmosphere perfect for sunset views. While the sourdough pizza and a standout pistachio tiramisu are major draws, this honest review also covers the downsides, like slow service and inconsistent food. Get all the essential tips on what to order, when to go, and how to get there for the best experience at this atmospheric gem.
This 4.9-star pho in Jakarta has a Mantap broth! But I found the pitfalls so you don't have to.
Curious about a 4.9-star pho spot in a Pluit mall? This Jakarta restaurant is praised for its rich, authentic beef broth and tender meat. A must-try hack is dipping their cakwe (fried dough sticks) into the soup! While the signature pho is a star, not everything hits the mark. This guide reveals the perfect order, what to skip (like the spring rolls), and other perks like unlimited iced tea refills to ensure a flawless visit.