Explore the distinctive flavors of East Kalimantan through 10 legendary eateries with delicious dishes, from seafood to yellow rice, for an unforgettable culinary experience.”
East Kalimantan, which is famous for its natural and cultural riches, also holds a culinary charm that tempts the taste buds.
For those of you who visit or live in East Kalimantan, tasting local dishes at various popular eateries can be an unforgettable adventure. From fresh seafood to traditional dishes, here are 10 typical culinary tourist attractions that you must try when you are in East Kalimantan.
1. RM Pondok Borneo
Visiting Samarinda City is not complete without stopping by RM Pondok Borneo. This restaurant is famous for its seafood, especially soft shell crab served with rich salted egg sauce.
Located at Jalan Mayor Jenderal Sutoyo No. 15A, Sungai Pinang Dalam, RM Pondok Borneo is always crowded with visitors, both locals and tourists.
The soft crab dish combined with the savory sauce makes many people addicted to coming back again. This is a perfect example of Typical East Kalimantan Food, offering rich and flavorful dishes that showcase the unique culinary heritage of the region.
2. Miki Depot
Depot Miki located at Jalan Sudirman No. 93, Klandasan Ilir, Balikpapan, offers a variety of culinary specialties from Kalimantan, including soto banjar, yellow rice, coto makassar, chicken porridge, and lontong sayur.
This eatery is often a favorite breakfast choice in Balikpapan. Soto Banjar at Depot Miki is famous for its rich, spiced broth, plus its distinctively aromatic lontong sayur. This complete combination of breakfast menus makes Depot Miki a highly recommended place to eat.
3. RM Bemo
RM Bemo on Jalan Gunung Arjuna No. 1A-B is a favorite culinary destination for families who want to enjoy fresh Asian seafood dishes.
In addition to its spacious and comfortable atmosphere, RM Bemo offers a variety of menu choices ranging from crab, squid, to fresh shellfish.
The most frequently ordered dishes are grilled fish and squid in oyster sauce, which are served with rich spices. RM Bemo is also suitable for group dining in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
4. Simpang Empat Depot
For meat lovers, Depot Simpang Empat in Baru Ilir Village, West Balikpapan, is the right place. The mainstay menu is mantau, black pepper beef, and various other meat dishes.
The Mantau served here is very popular and is served with a choice of beef or chicken seasoned with savory black pepper. This depot is the main choice for those who want to taste meat dishes with a strong and delicious taste.
5. Alaya Food Festival
If you are looking for a contemporary place to eat, the Alaya Food Festival in the Alaya Housing Complex, Sungai Pinang Dalam, Samarinda is the right choice. This culinary festival is open from 5pm until late at night, providing a fun atmosphere for dining while hanging out.
Here, you can find various food outlets, ranging from typical Kalimantan food to western food. Alaya Food Festival is often filled with families and young people who want to spend an evening together while enjoying delicious food.
6. Canary Crab
Kepiting Kenari is a famous culinary destination in Balikpapan with large portions of dishes, making it ideal to enjoy with family or friends. Located at Jalan Marsma R. Iswahyudi No. 4, Gn.
Bahagia, South Balikpapan, this place provides various types of crabs, lobsters, and other fresh seafood. Crab with Padang sauce and grilled lobster are must-try menus at this restaurant. In addition to the abundant portions, the distinctive taste makes Kepiting Kenari a favorite place.
7. RM. Torani Juanda
- Torani Juanda Restaurant on Jalan Juanda No. 158, Sidodadi, Samarinda Ulu, is a heaven for seafood lovers in Samarinda.
Menus such as lobster, crab, and grilled gourami are served with special spices that pamper the tongue. RM. Torani Juanda also offers various sauces such as padang sauce and butter sauce that are rich in flavor.
With affordable prices and high quality food, this restaurant is crowded with tourists and locals.
8. Dandito Restaurant
Dandito Restaurant on Jalan Marsma R. Iswahyudi No. 70, Gn. Bahagia, Balikpapan, is a culinary destination famous for its special crab sauce. Here, crab is served with Dandito’s signature sauce that has a blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
In addition to crab, Dandito also offers other dishes such as shrimp, shellfish, and fish processed with selected spices. This eatery is a favorite for tourists who want to taste authentic Balikpapan seafood dishes.
9. Ijay Yellow Rice Village
If you are hungry in the middle of the night, Kampung Nasi Kuning Ijay is the right place to visit. Located on Jalan Lambung Mangkurat, Samarinda, this place is open 24 hours and is known for its yellow rice served with snakehead fish or haruan.
Ijay’s yellow rice has a distinctive taste with an appetizing aroma of spices. For additional side dishes, you can also choose eggs, chicken, or beef served with spicy chili sauce.
10. Torani Restaurant
Torani Restaurant on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman No. 73, South Balikpapan, close to Balikpapan Penitentiary, is famous for its complete and quality seafood dishes. Its signature dishes are crab, grilled fish, and fried shrimp served with special chili sauce.
With a comfortable atmosphere, Torani Restaurant is suitable for lunch or dinner with family. This place is always crowded with visitors, especially those who want to enjoy seafood with a special taste.
East Kalimantan offers a unique and diverse culinary experience. From fresh seafood to traditional dishes, every culinary place in this province offers an unforgettable taste.
If you visit East Kalimantan, don’t miss the opportunity to taste its culinary specialties that are full of flavor and bring their own impression.
Among the must-try dishes are the Typical Balikpapan Food, which offer a unique blend of local ingredients and traditional recipes that will make your culinary experience unforgettable.
