ASIAN RESTO & BUBBLE TEA (indonesian restaurant) — Restaurant in Şişli

Very disappointing experience. We chose this restaurant based on the strong reviews and its proximity to our hotel (The Elysium), but it fell far below expectations.

When we arrived, we were told to scan a QR code for the menu — then the person disappeared. There was no front-of-house presence and no one to ask questions. The restaurant only had one other table occupied (a group of five), so there’s absolutely no excuse for the lack of service.

One staff member seemed to be doing everything, running up and down the stairs. When we finally managed to order, we were told our mango shakes would take 15 minutes, despite the place being almost empty.

The food arrived and was extremely poor — burnt, bland, and tasted like leftovers. Easily the worst meal we’ve had in Istanbul. We also ordered water and it never came; I eventually had to get it from the fridge myself and inform staff.

It became clear why the reviews look so good — they offer “instant prizes” (a sweet) for positive reviews. Incentivising reviews like this misleads customers and doesn’t reflect the true experience.

Overall, terrible food and very poor service. We left feeling disappointed and frankly, robbed.

Advice to management: – Have dedicated front-of-house staff and greet customers properly. – If using QR menus, explain them — or better yet, take orders at the table. – Communicate if items are unavailable or delayed. – Improve portion sizes and quality — strip the menu back and focus on delivering fewer dishes well. – Earn your reviews through service and food quality, not incentives.

Would...

This place was amazing. We went in not knowing what to expect, and found a homey, friendly, and delicious place! Demi the chef served up some classic Indonesian food like beef rendang, nasi goreng (fried rice), and a side of fried chicken. Because it was rainy I ordered a tummy warming clear beef broth. Also I can’t forget the crispy fried tofu with scallions! Amazing!

All the food was served hot and fresh! I have to make a comment about the “salsa” or sambal. anything it touched turn into spicy gold! Seriously so much flavor and spice in one teaspoon.

This place also doubles as an Indonesian market with tofu, fish sauce, sweet soy sauce, milk tea packets, pandang, etc…I am sure some of the southeast Asians feel nostalgia vibes walking in there.

Finally, a comment about service: the server and Demi the chef were very friendly and open about their business. We got to chat with them a little afterwards about the local Indonesian community of restos in the area.

The prices were amazingly and surprisingly low given the runaway inflation rates and rising rent. I don’t know how they do it but they manage to keep the home cooked foods at home cooked prices.

We will...

I picked this place based on reviews as I wanted to have something different. I got there and there was no one. That should have been a first clue. I ended up having below average a tofu starter and a beef meal with some lumpy and grainy beef that was hard to eat and below average side salad. I paid 340 TRL which was not cheep. Few hours later, I was struggling with heartburn, indigestion and diarrhea !! I DONT recommend at ALL !!

• Just to respond to the owner's feedback below following my review: I've spent months in India eating very spicy food so this is not the issue. No food is meant to give you explosive diarrhea! Also, if you noticed, I did leave your chillis and the unchewed beef on the plate. With regards to the music, if you've paid attention, I did reduce the volume and put my headphones on not to listen to it. Ambience was a big Zero ! Also, very partonising to call me Morocco girl. you dont know me and you dont know where I have been in the world. Why dont you use my feedback to improve your food and do something about the boring ambience instead of being petty ! Again, the lack of customers...