Except for the tough parking and the heat, this Samarinda BBQ is Mantap
qponx
2026-03-05
Craving affordable Korean BBQ in Samarinda? GrillBro is the talk of the town for its wallet-friendly prices and lively, modern vibe. The absolute must-try is their signature Beef Belly, marinated to perfection. While you should be prepared for tough parking, potential queues, and a "sauna-like" heat, the delicious food makes it a popular spot. They even offer a home delivery service for a chill BBQ party at home. This place is a definite "mantap" for budget-conscious foodies.
Recently, my friends in Samarinda have been hyping up this Korean BBQ place like crazy, and apparently, it's super popular. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first. After all, how many trendy internet-famous spots turn out to be a letdown these days? But this time, GrillBro is really something. 👍
The Vibe is On Point, But Be Prepared for a "Sauna"
It's been a while since I last came, and I didn't expect that after the expansion and renovation, the whole vibe is completely different. It's very modern, and the space is much larger[1]. It's divided into an air-conditioned area and a non-air-conditioned area. When we went, the place was packed, and the lively atmosphere was maxed out. But to be honest, when it gets crowded, even the air-conditioned area feels a bit hot[2]. Just think of it as a natural sauna that comes with eating BBQ, haha! 🔥
As soon as the meat arrived, that sizzling sound was just so therapeutic. We ordered a set menu, and their signature Beef Belly[3] deserves a special shout-out. No wonder so many people have stamped it as the "champion." It was marinated so well and full of flavor. After grilling, the aroma of the fat was just everywhere. Paired with their sauce, Anjay! The taste was absolutely incredible[4].
Wallet-Friendly, But I Have Some Honest Truths to Share
The biggest advantage of this place is that the prices are super affordable! The three-person set we ordered was only 85k Indonesian Rupiah[5], totally stress-free for students who want to Nongkrong. However, to be fair, while the price is cheap, the portions are indeed on the smaller side[6]. For a big eater like me, I feel like I'd need to order more à la carte items to get full.
Also, I saw some customers complaining that the desserts were a letdown[7], so I didn't dare to order any this time. Girls, if you want to try them, it's best to ask the staff about their freshness for the day first. It never hurts to be cautious.
A Guide to Avoid Pitfalls, A Must-Read Before You Go!
Lastly, for all you babes planning to check it out, let me highlight the key points. These are lessons learned the hard way!
- Parking: If you're driving, be mentally prepared, parking spots are extremely hard to find[8]! It's just street parking, so for my friends who aren't confident drivers, I suggest just taking a taxi to save the hassle.
- Timing: Expect a queue during dinner hours. If you don't want to wait, go earlier or just go during off-peak hours.
- Must-Order: Beef Belly! Trust me, just order it without a second thought!
- Restroom: There's only one, and it's unisex. You know what that means during peak hours[9].
- Perk for the Lazy: They also have a Home Service for BBQ delivery[10], perfect for lazy people who want to have a party at home without the prep work. This idea is pretty Chill.
- Sizzling Beef Belly (pork belly) with a rich, fatty aroma. The secret sauce makes the flavor totally "Anjay"![1][2]
- A 3-person set is just 85k IDR—total BBQ freedom! So affordable even students can go all out.[3]
- Home Service BBQ delivery for an easy house party. The aroma of grilled meat instantly amps up the atmosphere![4]
Similar Articles
Best BBQ in Samarinda? Not so fast, I've got some beef with it
Is Meat Love truly the best BBQ in Samarinda? This honest review explores the city's pioneering Korean BBQ joint. While its sizzling Beef Belly is a must-try and the lively, local vibe is a huge draw, it's not without flaws. Learn about the inconsistent quality and crowded atmosphere before you go. This article gives you the full scoop on whether this popular spot is worth the hype, plus essential tips for a great dining experience.
Sultan-Approved Javanese Food, Hidden on a Samarinda Roadside
Discover a hidden gem in Samarinda serving authentic Javanese cuisine! This humble roadside stall might be easy to miss, but its food is unforgettable. You must try the signature Ayam Bacem Bakar—a super tender sweet soy grilled chicken—and the traditional Gudeg that tastes just like home. It's incredibly affordable with generous portions and is even rumored to be a favorite of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. This is a true local spot worth seeking out for an amazing meal.
Came all the way to Samarinda for claypot rice and almost fainted from the heat…
This Samarinda restaurant impresses with its gorgeous, high-end decor and views of the Mahakam Bridge. Its signature Nasi Kendil (claypot rice) and tender Sop Iga come in massive, shareable portions. However, this review also gives a heads-up on the downsides: steep prices, slow service, and potentially unreliable air conditioning that could make for a stuffy experience. Find out if the fantastic food makes it a worthwhile visit despite the potential heat.
This Samarinda stall is so loud you have to shout to order, and now it's expanding to the Netherlands?
Don't let the noisy, chaotic roadside setting of Samarinda's Nederland Martabak fool you. This humble stall serves unbelievably delicious Terang Bulan (sweet pancakes) and crispy Martabak Telur, both packed with generous fillings. Famous for its long lines and authentic flavor that rivals fancier spots, this local legend is so good it's even expanding to the Netherlands! Be prepared to shout your order and enjoy a truly memorable street food experience.