Who says all Jakarta shops are Mantap? This Surabaya Wing Heng? I'm seriously impressed.
qponx
2026-02-01
Jakarta's famous 24-hour dim sum, Grand Wing Heng, has landed in Surabaya, but is it worth the hype? This honest review navigates the chaotic experience, from sweltering queues to inconsistent food quality. While the Crispy Pork disappoints, the Shrimp Dumplings and explosive Salted Egg Yolk Buns are absolute must-tries. Discover essential tips on the best times to visit and which dishes to order to make the most of this popular, yet flawed, pork lover's paradise.
Everyone, I finally went to check out the recently incredibly popular Grand Wing Heng! It's that 24-hour Hong Kong dim sum place from Jakarta, dubbed a paradise for pork lovers[1]. My social media was flooded with posts about it, and I thought, I just *had* to go check it out, right? The result... Anjay, this experience was truly a mix of emotions, and I just *have* to share!
A Song of Ice and Fire: The Sauna in the Waiting Area and the Battlefield Upstairs
The moment I arrived at the entrance, I was stunned. The sheer crowd, it truly lives up to its 'influencer hotspot' reputation. The waiting area is on the first floor, with no air conditioning, it was stuffy, hot, and buzzing with mosquitoes, feeling like a free sauna session. After a long wait, we finally got our turn and climbed up to the air-conditioned area on the second floor. But it was as crowded as a wet market inside, and you basically had to shout to talk. Moreover, the stairs are steep and narrow, so friends with mobility issues or those in wheelchairs might want to reconsider directly[2].
Taste Hits and Misses: Heaven and Hell are just one plate apart
We sat down and ordered by scanning a QR code. As for the serving speed... you know, you need enough patience to Nongkrong. However, a few things really caught my eye!
👍 Must-Order Hits:
👎 Avoid-at-All-Costs Misses:
- Shrimp Dumplings (Hakau): This is absolutely the best of the bunch! Thin skin, generous filling, bouncy shrimp, I could finish three baskets by myself[3]!
- Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bun (Bakpao Telur Asin): Girls, be super careful when eating this! The filling is scalding hot, but it's truly delicious with an explosive burst of flavor, the sweet and savory balance is just perfect, Mantap[4]!
- Crispy Pork: The bigger the expectation, the bigger the disappointment. This isn't crispy pork; it's practically 'crispy batter'! The batter was thicker than the meat, and some even had no meat inside, just a lump of fried dough[5]...
- Food Temperature & Quality Control: I don't know if they were too busy, but several dim sum items I ate were lukewarm, completely lacking the fresh-out-of-the-steamer heat. What's even more outrageous is that the table next to us actually got undercooked chicken siomay[6], and they immediately started arguing with the staff. The hygiene situation is also concerning; the tables were greasy, flies were everywhere, and even the cutlery felt unclean[7].
My Honest Opinion & Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
Honestly, this place gives me the feeling of 'the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak'. Despite carrying the halo of a famous Jakarta establishment, it stumbled badly on service and quality control. The servers, both guys and girls, were visibly chaotic from being so busy, and it was common to call for ages and get no response[8].
So, my advice is:
In short, if you want to try something new, go ahead, but please be mentally prepared. If you've been there, come share your experience in the comments section! Did you also have a love-hate relationship with it, just like me?
- 1. Definitely don't go during peak meal times! If you don't want to queue for over an hour, please choose off-peak hours, like afternoon tea or midnight[9].
- 2. Lower your expectations. If you're going for the ambiance and service, you'll definitely be disappointed. Treat it as an affordable (the two of us ate for about 200k[10]), 24-hour street food stall where you can get a few decent dim sum items, and your mindset might be much better.
- 3. Ordering the right things is crucial! Stick to my 'hits' list, Hakau and Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns are a must-order! As for the others... good luck.
- 4. Parking is a bit expensive. Be prepared to pay 10,000 IDR for parking[11], and spots are incredibly hard to find.
- Jakarta's new 24-hour Hong Kong dim sum just dropped! A pork lover's paradise and viral sensation you can't miss [1].
- Order the Har Gow: thin skin, plump, bouncy shrimp. So ocean-fresh, you'll devour three baskets solo [2].
- Lava Custard Buns: super hot, bursting with salty-sweet lava. Intense salted egg yolk aroma hits you hard, Mantap! [3].
Similar Articles
Under $20 per person, queues stretching across the street? What's the hype about Indonesia's "spiciest noodles"?
Curious about the hype behind Indonesia's viral spicy noodles? This article explores Mie Gacoan, a spot famous for its insane queues and unbeatable prices. Discover their signature customizable spicy noodles, with heat levels for every challenger, alongside must-try crispy snacks like Udang Keju. While the taste is top-notch, the setting is pure fast-food. Find out if it's worth the wait and learn the secret to skipping the line for this fiery, flavorful experience.
This legendary Surabaya steak has a sweet sauce?! I tried it for you
Step back in time at Boncafe, a legendary Surabaya restaurant known for its nostalgic, colonial-style charm. This spot is famous for its steaks, but the real star is the unique sweet and savory sauce that’s unlike any typical Western fare. While the atmosphere is perfect for dates or family celebrations, be aware of the mid-to-high prices and that the signature sauce's sweetness isn't for everyone. Note that the restaurant is also non-halal.
5-star rage for fried wontons? I urge you to Chill about this 4.9-star legendary shop!
Curious about a restaurant with a near-perfect 4.9-star rating? This review uncovers the truth behind a popular Surabaya spot. The secret to its high score might just be a free fried wonton for a five-star review! Discover which dishes are actually worth trying, like the tasty beef dendeng, while getting crucial tips on avoiding chaotic crowds, poor service, and even a potential credit card security risk. This is the pitfall-avoiding guide you need before visiting.
4.8 stars on Google, but the Bakmi is just average? The hygiene at this viral Surabaya spot blew my mind
Curious about a 4.8-star noodle spot that's always packed? This viral Surabaya joint might surprise you. While the noodles are considered average, the real draws are its exceptional hygiene, fast service, and unbeatable prices. It's the perfect destination for a quick, clean, and budget-friendly meal or a social hangout. The surprisingly tasty drinks are another highlight, making it a go-to for students and anyone seeking great value over a gourmet experience.