I visited Antawali Kitchen tonight for the first time for dinner with a friend. When we arrived, we were greeted with a cold expression and no smile. This was in stark contrast to how foreign tourists were welcomed, with noticeably warmer and friendlier treatment. As local guests, we felt unappreciated and overlooked.
As for the food, there were no complaints. Everything we ordered tasted good and met our expectations.
However, the experience took a negative turn during payment. My friend paid using a credit card, and the staff added a 2% surcharge simply because we used a card. This was disappointing, because charging customers extra fees for using debit or credit cards is not legally permitted.
According to regulations issued by Bank Indonesia, merchants (including restaurants) are not allowed to pass on card transaction fees to customers. This is clearly stated in: Bank Indonesia Circular Letter No. 11/10/DASP, which states: “Merchants are not allowed to impose additional charges (surcharges) on cardholders for transactions made using payment cards.”
The transaction fee is the merchant’s responsibility, not the customer’s, and should not be added to the bill under any circumstance.
Even if a customer verbally agrees to pay the extra charge, the merchant should still not implement this practice. Many customers are unaware that this is a prohibited and unfair practice, and allowing it can damage trust and reputation in the long run.
I hope Antawali Kitchen improves its service standards going forward—not just in terms of food, but also in staff attitude and compliance with proper payment practices. All guests, whether locals or tourists, deserve equal and...
Read moreGreat menu, food, atmosphere, and service! I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to try authentic Indonesian food. The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and is thoughtfully organized, with many small details such as mosquito lamps, speakers, tastefully coordinated paintings, and a restroom stocked with aloe vera gel, mosquito repellent, oral care items, and women’s hygiene products. Fresh flowers on each table add a charming touch.
The menu prices are very reasonable, without the inflated charges you sometimes see in Ubud, and the portions are generous—we ordered three main dishes for two people and were completely full. All the food we ordered was incredibly tasty. The grilled duck, with its perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, was especially delicious. For those who enjoy spice, pairing it with their sambal is a must. In fact, their sambal was one of the best I’ve tasted during more than two weeks of traveling in Indonesia. Even the complimentary cassava chips served as a welcome snack were excellent.
We also tried a traditional Indonesian dessert that reminded me of a classic South Indian sweet. Filled with shredded coconut, it was fragrant, sweet, and satisfying without being heavy—absolutely delightful.
Overall, everything about this restaurant was wonderful, and dining here truly...
Read moreI recently visited an Indonesian restaurant and had an exceptional experience. From the moment I stepped in, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff. They were attentive and made me feel right at home. The cleanliness of the restaurant was outstanding. The tables were spotless, and I noticed that the staff continuously cleaned and maintained the dining area. This attention to cleanliness added to the overall pleasant ambiance of the restaurant. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. They were knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations. They were also accommodating to specific dietary needs and were happy to make any necessary adjustments to the dishes. The food itself was a true delight. The flavors of the Indonesian cuisine were well balanced, authentic, and truly represented the richness of the country's culinary heritage. The menu featured a wide variety of options, including both vegetarian and meat dishes,...
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