Balikpapan

Seafood Restaurants in Balikpapan, Indonesia

Popular Seafood Restaurants

1. Seafood 99

   • Location: Jl. Jend. Sudirman
   • Specialties: Grilled fish, crab, shrimp, and squid.
   • Price Range: IDR 50,000 - IDR 200,000 per person.

2. Kedai Seafood 88

   • Location: Jl. Soekarno-Hatta
   • Specialties: Sweet and sour crab, fried calamari, and various fish preparations.
   • Price Range: IDR 40,000 - IDR 150,000 per person.

3. Restoran Sederhana

   • Location: Jl. Diponegoro
   • Specialties: Ikan bakar (grilled fish), seafood soup, and mixed seafood platters.
   • Price Range: IDR 30,000 - IDR 120,000 per person.

4. Dapoer Cinde

   • Location: Jl. Yos Sudarso
   • Specialties: Spicy seafood dishes, grilled prawns, and local fish varieties.
   • Price Range: IDR 50,000 - IDR 180,000 per person.

Types of Seafood Dishes

• Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish, often marinated with spices.
• Kepiting Saus Padang: Crab in a spicy Padang sauce.
• Udang Goreng: Fried shrimp, usually served with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Sop Seafood: A mixed seafood soup with vegetables and spices.
• Cumi Goreng Tepung: Fried calamari, often served with a sweet chili sauce.

Dining Customs

• Family Style: Meals are often shared among diners, with dishes placed in the center of the table.
• Hands or Utensils: It’s common to eat with hands, especially for grilled fish and crab, but utensils are also provided.
• Beverages: Fresh coconut water and local juices are popular choices.

Local Specialties

• Sambal: A spicy chili paste served with most seafood dishes.
• Nasi Goreng Seafood: Fried rice with a mix of seafood, a common local dish.

Tips for Navigating the Seafood Dining Scene

• Freshness: Look for restaurants with tanks or displays of live seafood to ensure freshness.
• Peak Hours: Dinner time can be busy; consider dining earlier or later to avoid crowds.
• Language: Basic Indonesian phrases can be helpful, though many staff may understand simple English.
• Payment: Cash is commonly accepted; some places may take credit cards, but it’s best to check in advance.

Cultural Considerations

• Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly and be polite; greetings are important.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Food Safety: Choose busy restaurants for better food turnover and freshness.

This guide should help you navigate the seafood dining scene in Balikpapan effectively, ensuring a delicious and culturally enriching experience.