Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Balikpapan, Indonesia

Balikpapan, Indonesia, Balikpapan, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Balikpapan, Indonesia

1. Sate Balikpapan

Grilled skewered meat served with a peanut sauce, a must-try street food in Balikpapan.
  • Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced beef or chicken marinated in special spices.
  • Street Food Experience: Offers an authentic local experience when enjoyed at the street stalls.
  • Affordable: Inexpensive and perfect for a quick, flavorful snack.

2. Nasi Goreng Kampung

Fried rice dish with various meats, vegetables, and egg, often served with a fried egg on top.
  • Flavorful Mix: Offers a rich blend of spices and textures from the mix-ins.
  • Versatile: Can be found at local warungs (eateries) throughout Balikpapan.
  • Affordable: Inexpensive and filling, making it a popular choice for locals and travelers alike.

3. Bakso Balikpapan

Meatball soup dish served with noodles and various toppings such as boiled eggs, cabbage, and fried shallots.
  • Flavorful Broth: Features a flavorful beef broth that is a staple in Balikpapan.
  • Comfort Food: Offers warmth and comfort, especially during rainy days.
  • Popular Snack: Found in street food stalls and restaurants across Balikpapan.

4. Pecel Lele

Fried catfish served with a mixture of grated coconut, chilies, and peanuts sauce.
  • Crispy Texture: The crispy fried catfish pairs well with the creamy peanut sauce.
  • Traditional Dish: Reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Balikpapan.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.

5. Pegagan

Steamed rice cake made from tapioca flour, served with grated coconut and sugar.
  • Sweet Treat: A satisfying sweet snack that is perfect for a break between meals.
  • Traditional Snack: Reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Balikpapan.
  • Gluten-Free: A great option for travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences.

6. Rendang Balikpapan

Slow-cooked beef dish in coconut milk and spices, often served with rice.
  • Rich and Creamy: Features a rich, creamy sauce that is full of flavor.
  • Slow-Cooked: Requires patience and care to cook, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.

7. Ayam Penyet

Fried chicken dish served with chilies, cucumber slices, and a spicy sauce.
  • Crispy Texture: The crispy fried chicken is perfectly balanced by the tender, juicy interior.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.
  • Versatile: Can be found at local warungs (eateries) throughout Balikpapan.

8. Pisang Goreng

Fried bananas coated in batter, a popular sweet snack in Balikpapan.
  • Sweet Treat: A satisfying sweet snack that is perfect for a break between meals.
  • Traditional Snack: Reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Balikpapan.
  • Portable: Easy to carry and enjoy on-the-go, making it a convenient snack option.

9. Es Campur

A mix of shaved ice, condensed milk, and various toppings such as sweet beans, jellies, and corn.
  • Cooling Refreshment: A perfect way to cool down in the tropical climate of Balikpapan.
  • Customizable: Allows for a variety of combinations, catering to individual preferences.
  • Affordable: Inexpensive and refreshing, making it a popular treat among locals and travelers.

10. Kue Lapis

Traditional Indonesian layer cake made with coconut milk, pandan leaves, and brown sugar.
  • Sweet Treat: A satisfying sweet treat that is perfect for a dessert.
  • Traditional Snack: Reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Balikpapan.
  • Aromatic: Features a unique aroma from pandan leaves and brown sugar.

11. Soto Balikpapan

Clear chicken soup dish served with rice noodles, tofu, and various herbs.
  • Flavorful Broth: Features a flavorful, clear broth that is comforting and satisfying.
  • Balanced: Offers a balance of flavors and textures from the various ingredients.
  • Versatile: Can be found at local warungs (eateries) throughout Balikpapan.

12. Gulai Kepala Ikan

Spicy fish head curry made with coconut milk and various spices.
  • Flavorful Sauce: Features a rich, flavorful sauce that is full of depth.
  • Cultural Significance: Signifies respect for the fish and its head, symbolizing a resource not to be wasted.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.

13. Pempek Cap Golok

Fish cake made from fish paste and coconut milk, served with spicy chili sauce.
  • Unique Texture: Offers a unique texture that is soft yet chewy.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.
  • Traditional Snack: Reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Balikpapan.

14. Rujak

Fruit salad served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
  • Healthy Option: Offers a healthy, refreshing option among the rich local dishes.
  • Customizable: Allows for a variety of combinations, catering to individual fruit preferences.
  • Spicy: Offers a spicy kick that is characteristic of Indonesian cuisine.

15. Es Teler

Sweet and refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, milk, avocado, jackfruit, and other toppings.
  • Cooling Refreshment: A perfect way to cool down in the tropical climate of Balikpapan.
  • Customizable: Allows for a variety of combinations, catering to individual preferences.
  • Affordable: Inexpensive and refreshing, making it a popular treat among locals and travelers.