Under 30k for chicken bigger than my face? This Samarinda spot is something else
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover Hotway's Chicken in Samarinda, a spot serving up massive Nashville-style fried chicken for under 30k! This place is a surprise, offering juicy, spicy chicken that's almost bigger than your face. Beyond the incredible value, it boasts a clean and spacious ambiance perfect for hanging out. While flavor can be inconsistent and wait times long during peak hours, the giant portions and low prices make it a must-try spot for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal.
Honestly, when I saw a fried chicken place in Samarinda with a combo meal for less than 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah, I was skeptical… I thought it would be another one of those dry, small chicken pieces. But when it was served… Anjay! Are you serious with this chicken size? It's almost bigger than my face![1]
This place is called Hotway's Chicken, and it seems to have quite a few branches in Indonesia, specializing in a Nashville style. I ordered their signature Ayam Nashville[2], and chose the beginner level for spiciness, but that chili oil was already quite a kick! 🌶️ The chicken was super juicy, you could even see the juices dripping when you tore it apart, Mantap! The biggest surprise was the ambiance. For a fast-food joint, it's surprisingly spacious, the AC is blasting, and it's very clean—even the restrooms and sinks are well-maintained[3]. It's perfect for coming here to Nongkrong with friends or bringing the kids for a meal, no complaints at all.
However, you gotta give credit where it's due, and also call out the bad stuff. Although the flavor is on point most of the time, I've also heard some friends say that sometimes the spiciness is only on the skin, and the meat inside is a bit bland[4], and the crispiness of the batter can be a bit inconsistent. Service is also hit-or-miss. Some of the staff are super friendly and all smiles, but others have complained about finding unconfirmed add-ons on their bill when paying[5], so everyone should be a little more careful when ordering.
The Editor's Real-Talk Guide
- Don't go during peak hours! Their 4.9 Google rating is no joke, it gets super crowded during mealtimes, and the food prep time is like opening a blind box. I've heard someone waited 45 minutes[6], so if you don't want to question your life choices while starving, go during off-peak hours.
- Order with a zen attitude: Be mentally prepared, as some of their popular chicken parts or menu items might be “sold out”[7]. It's all about going with the flow; if you can't get it, just come back next time.
- Birthday/Holiday Surprises: I scrolled through their IG and found they have birthday packages and holiday promos[8]. Apparently, they recently had a 100k Holiday Package, which is a super good deal. Those looking to celebrate should keep an eye out.
- Parking is a matter of luck: The parking spots out front are a bit of a mystery. At night, there seem to be “unofficial” parking attendants, and I'm not sure if they're official[9]. If you can't be bothered with the hassle, just take a ride-hailing service. Saves you the trouble
- Under 30k for a chicken set, and the chicken is bigger than your face! A must-try for its massive size [1].
- Nashville-style chicken has a serious chili oil kick. It's super juicy and incredibly satisfying 🌶️.
- Surprisingly nice vibe for fast food. It's spacious and clean with strong AC, perfect for Nongkrong or family time [2].
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