Who said 5-star hotel buffets can't be a disaster? Jakarta's Table8... I'm so done…
qponx
2026-01-24
Thinking of dining at Table8 in Jakarta's Mulia Hotel? This review gives you the full scoop. While the stunning Chinese palace decor is a feast for the eyes, the food is a hit-or-miss affair. Discover which dishes are heavenly, like the crispy roast pork and boozy ice cream, and which might disappoint. Get the lowdown on the inconsistent quality, high prices, and essential tips before you book your table at this visually impressive but culinarily divisive buffet.
Girls, I just left Table8 at the Mulia Hotel so full I could barely walk, and I have some mixed feelings. I have to break it all down for you.
The moment I stepped inside, I was blown away. The decor is so splendid and magnificent, with ornate carvings and painted beams[1]. You'd think you'd accidentally stumbled into a Chinese palace; the ambiance is absolutely top-notch. It's super photogenic; every corner has a high-quality feel. If you're planning a family gathering or celebrating an anniversary, this place will definitely make a great impression.
The Food: A Constant Jump Between Heaven and Hell
Once seated, I got straight to the point. Their Chinese buffet has a huge variety of dishes, specializing in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine.
First, the part that made me shout Mantap:
Meat lovers, take my advice and head straight for the roast meat section! That crispy roasted pork[2] is to die for. The skin is super crispy, with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat. It's so satisfying with every bite. Also, their dessert section is a wonderful surprise! Especially the Baileys and Rum & Raisin ice cream[3], it's so good I think I'd come back just for the ice cream, haha! 🍦
And now, for the part that made me frown:
The dim sum[4], one of their specialties, was a bit hard to describe. The online reviews are very polarized, and my experience was just average, even a bit disappointing. Both the filling and the wrapper were lacking something. Plus, some of the dishes from the buffet counter were cold when I got them[5], which instantly ruined half the experience, Anjay…
Some Honest Thoughts
Overall, this is a place with very distinct pros and cons. The ambiance and service are definitely five-star (though the service can sometimes be like opening a blind box[6], you get good and bad), but the food quality is really inconsistent.
As for the price, it's not cheap. The average cost per person is between 250k and 700k Rupiah. And! Here's the important part: the buffet price does not include drinks, which you have to pay for separately[7]. So by the end of the meal, your wallet will really be hurting a bit. 😭
TL;DR & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Okay, complaints aside, for those of you who want to check it out, take notes:
- Reservations! Reservations! Especially on weekends and holidays, you must book in advance[8], or you'll likely have made the trip for nothing.
- Ordering Strategy: Focus on the roast meat section and the made-to-order dishes. Don't miss the ice cream in the dessert section. The dishes on the buffet counter are a game of chance, and try the dim sum with caution.
- Look Out for Promos: They occasionally have promotions like"buy four get four free". Going then offers the best value for money, so be sure to check their info frequently.
- Timing: The lunch session only runs until 2:30 PM[9], so don't go too late, or they'll start clearing up right after you've started eating.
- Parking Tip: For those who are driving, consider parking on level P6[10]; it's much more convenient.
- Table8 at Mulia: glorious decor [1] stuns like a palace, every shot Instagram-ready!
- Meat lovers: crispy roast pork [2] is pure bliss! Crackling skin, perfect fat-lean. One bite, Mantap!
- Dessert's a must! Baileys and Rum Raisin ice cream [3] is so good, worth a special trip!
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