Who says chain stores are foolproof? This Magal in Samarinda… thanks for nothing.
qponx
2026-03-05
Don't be fooled by the high Google rating! This review of Magal in Samarinda details a disappointing all-you-can-eat experience. While the ambiance with KTV rooms is a plus, the meal falls flat with tough, unmarinated meat and empty side dish counters. The review also warns of frustratingly slow service that eats into your dining time and surprise price changes on promotions. Get the full scoop and tips on how to avoid this potential dining trap.
Guys, who feels me on this! I went for the famous Magal chain and their 99k AYCE happy hour promo[1], but the experience was a total shock... 🤯 A 4.8 high score on Google, I almost fell for it![2] Turns out, the negative reviews from the public are the most truthful.
The ambiance is okay, but the food... is hard to put into words
To be fair, the ambiance is one of the few highlights of this place. The space is quite large, clean, and tidy, and they even have VIP rooms with KTV, which really looks suitable for friends to get together and Nongkrong[3].
But! We came here for the meat, hello?! So what happened?
👎 Tragic meat quality: We ordered the Premium set, and a lot of the meat that came out wasn't marinated. It was bland and tasteless after grilling, and several plates of meat were both tough and fatty. My jaw was sore from all the chewing[4].
👎 Half-assed side dishes: The self-service counter was perpetually empty. Getting some side dishes or utensils was a matter of luck[5]. When the ramen was served, I almost thought the waiter had just cooked me a pack of Indomie...[6]
Of course, it wasn't all bad. The one called Kkotsal jumulleok is supposedly a bestseller, and it actually tasted pretty good, probably the best dish of the night[7]. The pork ribs were also reasonably tender and fresh[8].
The worst part was the service and the "surprise" price
What made me the most furious during the whole meal was the service and the bill. We came for the 99k promo, but halfway through our meal, a waiter suddenly came over and said, "Oh, sorry, this promo doesn't apply, you have to pay 160k." Anjay! Isn't that a sneaky move?[9]
Plus, the AYCE is limited to 90 minutes, but every time you want to add more meat, you have to call a waiter, who then slowly brings it to you. Twenty minutes are gone just like that, there's no way that's enough time to eat![10]
A Guide to Avoiding This Trap | For the Brave Souls
If you're dead set on going anyway, take these "lifesaving" tips:
In short, if you want to have a good Korean BBQ meal in Samarinda, I'd advise you to think twice about this place. There are plenty of Mantap restaurants out there, why pay to suffer here? 🤷♀️
- 💰 Clarify the price: Before ordering any promo set, grab a waiter and confirm the final price three times. It's best to get it in black and white to avoid getting backstabbed[11].
- ⏰ Be a time management master: The AYCE time is tight and the service is slow, so order a lot in the first round. Don't expect them to refill your orders promptly later on[12].
- 🥩 Meat is not self-service: Even with the all-you-can-eat set, you can't get the meat yourself. You have to call a waiter every time, so be prepared to wait[13].
- 🧂 Mind the flavor: The meat in the premium set might be unseasoned. If you don't like plain flavors, choose carefully[14].
- 🎤 Group bookings: If you're a large group looking to Chill and do some karaoke, you can book their VIP room in advance[15].
- The vibe's a huge plus! Spacious, clean, and a VIP room with KTV. Perfect for a group Nongkrong [1].
- Their bestselling Kkotsal jumulleok is a must-order. A delicious, can't-go-wrong choice [2].
- Want to Chill and sing KTV with your crew? Pre-book the VIP room for an all-in-one night of fun [3].
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