Halal Dim Sum in a European Castle? This Chinese Restaurant in Balikpapan is Something Else!
qponx
2026-03-05
Step into Empat Rasa, a Chinese restaurant in Balikpapan that looks more like a European castle! This visually stunning spot is a rare find, specializing in Halal dim sum and Chinese food. While some dishes like the lamian might underwhelm, the juicy shrimp dumplings and soft pandan kaya buns are absolute must-tries. It’s a unique dining experience that combines surprising decor with standout signature bites, though you might want to be prepared for potential service delays during peak hours.
Honestly, before coming to Balikpapan, a friend recommended this Chinese restaurant to me, and I was a bit skeptical. But the moment I pushed the door open, I was dumbfounded... Are you sure I didn't walk onto the wrong movie set and into a vintage European bistro? 🤯
This place, called Empat Rasa, completely subverted my idea of a Chinese restaurant. The decor isn't traditional Chinese style at all, but rather that classic, vintage European vibe, with patterned tile floors and velvet chairs. The space is huge and comfortable, and to Nongkrong here is just so Chill![1] Their specialty is actually Halal Chinese Food, which is super rare in Indonesia![2]
Opening the menu, I was greeted by a dazzling array of dim sum and lamian. I went straight for the signature dishes:
- Shrimp Dumplings (Original Hakau)[3]：I have to rave about these! The wrappers are crystal clear, and the shrimp inside is plump, juicy, and so fresh it's bouncy to the bite. It's no exaggeration to say this is the best shrimp dumpling I've had in Kalimantan, Mantap!💯
- Pandan Kaya Buns (Pandan Sarikaya Steamed Cake)[4]：The perfect dessert to end the meal! The bun is so soft, and the pandan kaya filling inside is sweet without being cloying. I was hooked after one bite. Girls, trust me, this is a must-order!
But hold your praise, here come the complaints
But hey, as usual, where there's praise, there must be criticism. The reviews for their dishes are really a bit polarized.
That Lamian[5] that so many people rave about, we ordered it, and how should I put it... The portion size is truly gigantic; the Jumbo version feels like it could feed 6 people. But the flavor... emmm... was a bit bland, you could even call it hambar (tasteless).🤷♀️ Also, the portions for some dishes are a bit of "photo deception." For example, the beef and fried rice arrive as just a tiny serving, which is quite different from the picture on the menu.[6]
The biggest point of complaint is probably the service. Although it seems to have improved recently, you should still be mentally prepared. During peak hours, it's not impossible to wait forever for your food.[7] Anjay, impatient people will seriously be driven crazy.
Quick Summary & Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
Alright, here's the summary for you, just copy my homework!
✅ Must-try without hesitation: Shrimp dumplings! Pandan kaya buns! If they're not good, you can come find me!
🤔 Order at your own risk: Lamian. If you're a fan of strong flavors, you might be disappointed. But if you just want something super-sized to share with everyone for fun, then you can give it a try.
❌ One to avoid: If you have expectations about portion size, order the fried rice and beef with caution.
💰 Price-wise: They charge a 5% service fee. Sometimes there are promotions if you spend over a certain amount (like 400k), so keep an eye out for that.
🚗 Getting there: There aren't many parking spots in front of the restaurant. It's easy to find no space during peak meal times, so taking a taxi is recommended.[8]
One last thing, a lot of bloggers online hype this place to the moon, so don't believe everything you read.[9] Like I always say, my review is the dose of reality you need! 😉
- Empat Rasa's European retro decor—tiled floors & velvet chairs—feels more like a bistro. Perfect for a Chill Nongkrong!
- Serving Halal Chinese Food[1]! A rare find in Indonesia and a unique experience you can't miss.
- The Original Hakau is a must! Thin skin packed with fresh, bouncy, juicy shrimp. Called "the best in Kalimantan"—you have to try it
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