HokBen Mataram Review: Delicious Food with Room for Service Improvement

HokBen, Lombok Epicentrum Mall

Indra

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Hey there! So, I recently checked out HokBen Mataram, located in Epicentrum Mall, and I gotta say, it was quite the experience! The food? Absolutely a solid 5.0/5.0! I mean, I ordered a bunch of stuff like the A La Carte Hokben Fried Chicken (2 pcs), Bento Special (2), and the Paket HokBen Fried Chicken (1 pc), and everything was just delicious. Seriously, I was stuffed but still wanted more! One of my friends even said, “So good, I want more but I’m already full!”

Now, let’s talk about the service. It was a bit of a letdown with a 2.5/5.0 rating. I had a note on my burrito saying “NO SPICY,” but they still gave me spicy mayo. Come on, guys! That’s not cool, especially since it was for the kids. Also, the rice portions were smaller than what you get when dining in. But hey, the food was still super tasty!

The atmosphere was pretty nice, scoring a 4.5/5.0. It’s a chill spot to grab lunch, and they have a kid-friendly menu, which is a plus. Plus, there’s plenty of parking available, though it’s a paid lot, just like the rest of the mall.

Now, I did notice some other reviews that echoed my thoughts. One person mentioned, “It took a little bit longer than the other Hokben restaurants I have ever visited, but everything else was okay.” Another diner said, “Had lunch alone and ordered the simple set teriyaki and Ocha. Service was too slow for dine-in customers.” They were waiting for over 20 minutes, which is a bummer during lunch hour. And someone else complained about the ramen portions being tiny and not worth the price. But hey, at least the flavor was good!

Overall, I’d definitely come back to HokBen Mataram if I find myself in Mataram again. Just gotta keep my expectations in check when it comes to service!

Hadi

As I stepped into HokBen Mataram, nestled within the bustling Epicentrum Mall, I was immediately enveloped by a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly blends modern dining with a touch of traditional Japanese flair. The decor is bright and inviting, with a mix of wooden accents and colorful artwork that sets the stage for a delightful culinary adventure.

Now, let’s talk about the food. HokBen is renowned for its Japanese-inspired menu, and I couldn’t resist trying their A La Carte Hokben Fried Chicken and the Bento Special. The fried chicken was indeed a highlight—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it was a hit with my family. One bite, and I understood why it’s a family favorite. The Bento Special was a delightful assortment, showcasing a variety of flavors that truly represent the essence of Japanese cuisine.

However, I must address some mixed reviews I came across. One diner mentioned, “I got the spicy ramen and it took years for it to come out, and the chicken took over 30 minutes to cook. Portions are absolutely tiny, literally child portions—overall really bad.” This sentiment echoed in a few other reviews, where guests expressed disappointment over the portion sizes and slow service. For instance, another patron remarked, “Had their spicy ramen and Hokkaido ramen regular size, total was 75,000IDR. The service was very slow and the portions were tiny!!!” It seems that while the flavors are commendable, the service speed and portion sizes could use some improvement.

On a brighter note, many guests praised the taste of the food. One satisfied customer exclaimed, “The food taste that I like. Sometimes it takes time to get food to be served, up to 10 minutes during not busy time. But everything just fine.” This highlights that while there may be hiccups in service, the flavors are consistently enjoyable.

As I savored my meal, I couldn’t help but appreciate the cultural significance of dining at HokBen. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience of sharing a meal with loved ones in a lively setting. The restaurant is kid-friendly, offering a special menu for younger diners, making it a great spot for families. Plus, with ample parking available at the mall, it’s convenient for a casual lunch outing.

In conclusion, while HokBen Mataram may have its quirks—like slow service and smaller portions—it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to dive into the world of Japanese cuisine in Mataram. The flavors are delightful, the atmosphere is inviting, and it’s a fantastic way to experience a slice of culinary culture. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, and you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and a smile on your face!

Menu List:

Gyu Soboro Don Savory rice bowl topped with minced beef and vegetables.	IDR Rp 24,000 US $ 1.5 AUS $ 2.4 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 10.8
Maze Udon Dry noodles with teriyaki sauce, topped with minced beef, egg, and peas.	IDR Rp 24,000 US $ 1.5 AUS $ 2.4 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 10.8
Umakara Soboro Udon Dry noodles topped with teriyaki beef, omelette, and greens.	IDR Rp 24,000 US $ 1.5 AUS $ 2.4 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 10.8
Wafu Yakisoba Stir-fried noodles topped with teriyaki beef and egg.	IDR Rp 24,000 US $ 1.5 AUS $ 2.4 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 10.8
Chicken Gyoza 3 pcs Savory dumplings filled with minced chicken, crispy and delightful.	IDR Rp 22,000 US $ 1.4 AUS $ 2.2 EURO € 1.4 CNY ¥ 9.9
Chicken Gyoza 5 pcs Delicious dumplings filled with minced chicken, five pieces.	IDR Rp 31,000 US $ 2 AUS $ 3.1 EURO € 1.9 CNY ¥ 14
Salad Udon A delightful mix of noodles, fresh veggies, and dressing.	IDR Rp 24,000 US $ 1.5 AUS $ 2.4 EURO € 1.5 CNY ¥ 10.8
Wafu Shoyu Ramen Savory broth with tender chicken and soft-boiled egg.	IDR Rp 49,500 US $ 3.1 AUS $ 4.9 EURO € 3 CNY ¥ 22.3
Wafu Curry Ramen Japanese curry broth with beef and soft-boiled egg topping.	IDR Rp 66,500 US $ 4.2 AUS $ 6.6 EURO € 4 CNY ¥ 30
Beef + Egg Chicken Roll + Nasi + Egg Savory teriyaki beef, crispy rolls, fluffy rice, and egg.	IDR Rp 57,000 US $ 3.6 AUS $ 5.6 EURO € 3.4 CNY ¥ 25.7
Beef + Tori Ball + Nasi + Egg Savory grilled meat, tender chicken balls, rice, and egg.	IDR Rp 57,000 US $ 3.6 AUS $ 5.6 EURO € 3.4 CNY ¥ 25.7
Beef + Shrimp Roll + Nasi + Egg Savory teriyaki beef, crispy shrimp rolls, fluffy rice, and egg.	IDR Rp 57,000 US $ 3.6 AUS $ 5.6 EURO € 3.4 CNY ¥ 25.7