This 4.8-star Google-rated sushi train has service like *this*? Balikpapan girls, don't rush over
qponx
2026-03-05
This 4.8-star sushi train in Balikpapan might not be what it seems. While the sushi is decent, the real stars are the surprisingly amazing hot dishes, like the must-try Grilled Salmon Head and rich ramen. However, a heads-up is needed for the incredibly slow service, rude staff, and chaotic kitchen atmosphere. Is the delicious hot food worth the frustrating wait? This review breaks down what to expect before you decide to join the long queue.
I'd heard for a while that Balikpapan opened its first conveyor belt sushi place, and every time I passed by Pentacity, I saw people waiting for a table[1]. I checked the Google rating, and wow, 4.8 stars, with the comment section full of praise. I thought, I have to give this a try, right? The result… Anjay, this meal left me with mixed feelings.
The Sushi is Okay, But the Hot Food is King!
After sitting down and ordering via QR code, the small plates on the conveyor belt slowly came around. At 15,000 IDR per plate[2], they looked quite tempting. The salmon sushi was reasonably fresh[3], and the rice was shaped okay, but… the portion size was so mini! I feel like I could eat three in one bite. If you want to get full, you'd probably need to spend around 120,000 IDR per person.
BUT! Here comes the main point! Their hot food was surprisingly more amazing than the sushi! That Grilled Salmon Head (Salmon Kabuto Yaki)[4], promise me you'll order it! The skin was grilled to a fragrant crisp, and with a poke of the chopsticks, the meat inside was so tender it was juicy. Absolutely incredible! 🤤 I also tried a bite of the Ramen[5] my friend ordered. The broth was rich, savory with a hint of spice, better than many dedicated ramen shops. You can also get unlimited refills on Ocha, which is a plus.
Okay, Praise is Over, Time to Complain...
Honestly, the service at this place... I really can't compliment it. The food came out so slowly it made me question my life. We waited half an hour for sushi, and they even missed an item on our order[6]. When we followed up on the order, the waitress looked at us like we owed her money. What's even more ridiculous is that while we were eating, we could hear the chefs in the back kitchen yelling at each other... Bros, we're trying to eat out here, the vibe instantly stopped being chill[7].
Tips to Avoid Disappointment & Save Money 📝
- Be Zen About Waiting: Be mentally prepared, the service can be very slow. Don't go when you're starving, or you'll go crazy.
- Focus on the Hot Food: Don't just eat the sushi. Go for the ramen and grilled fish head, that's where the real magic is. The sushi can be an appetizer.
- Solo-Diner Friendly: It's totally fine to go alone. There are plenty of single seats, perfect for enjoying some me time[8].
- Look for Promos: They often have "Buy 5 Get 1 Free"[9] or similar promotions on their IG. Check it before you go to see if you can score a deal.
- Be Patient When Ordering: The QR code ordering system can be a bit slow sometimes[10]. Wait patiently after you've ordered, and don't keep tapping or you might place a duplicate order.
- Grilled Salmon Head: Crispy charred skin, super tender juicy meat. Absolutely heavenly! 🤤 [1]
- Hot food outshines the sushi! Their ramen has a rich, savory, slightly spicy broth that's better than dedicated ramen shops. [2]
- Perfect for me-time! Plenty of single seats for a quiet meal alone. Super solo-diner friendly. [3]
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