As a congee-hater, I was completely won over by this "Loaded Chicken Congee" in Samarinda.
qponx
2026-03-05
Think congee is boring? Bubur Ayam Kampung KAREYA in Samarinda will completely change your mind. This spot serves a game-changing "Bubur Super Komplit"—a massive bowl piled high with generous toppings like tender chicken, a perfect soft-boiled egg, and crispy wonton skins. The portions are huge, the vibe is cozy, and there's even a kids' play area. This popular restaurant is a must-try, but be sure to arrive early before the best bowls sell out
To be honest, when my friend said they were taking me to eat the best chicken porridge in Samarinda, I was internally rolling my eyes 🙄. Porridge? What's the big deal? It's just bland, watery stuff you eat when you're sick...
But when we pulled up to Bubur Ayam Kampung KAREYA, whoa, the place was surprisingly spacious and clean, with a cozy[1] vibe, not at all the greasy little shop I had imagined. Still, that didn't change my prejudice, until the bowl of porridge was served... Anjay! I was shocked on the spot!
This porridge is something else!
I ordered the signature Bubur Super Komplit[2], and let me tell you, this wasn't a bowl of porridge, it was a small mountain! The toppings were so plentiful they almost completely covered the porridge: pickled vegetables, radish omelet, unbelievably large chunks of free-range shredded chicken, chicken liver, crushed youtiao (fried dough sticks), and super crispy fried wonton skins! The absolute best part was the perfect soft-boiled egg 🍳 nestled in the middle.
I took a spoonful, and the porridge base itself was already rich and savory (gurih)[3], so you don't even need to add any extra seasonings. The shredded chicken was tender and flavorful, and with all the different toppings, every bite was a flavor and texture bomb. As a member of the "anti-porridge club," I surprisingly couldn't stop eating, one spoonful after another, and polished off the whole bowl! I even think it's worth flying in from another city just for this porridge[4]!
My friend's Bubur Bistik Ayam[5] was also a beast, with a super generous amount of sauce, perfect for fans of strong flavors. We also ordered a cup of Wedang Jahe[6] (ginger tea), and I have to give it a shout-out! The spice flavor was so intense, it warmed you up from the inside out—a perfect match for this comfort food!
Let's be real...
OK, the price is a tiny bit more expensive than the street stalls. But when I saw this "porter's portion" (porsi kuli)[7] bowl, I shut up immediately. For girls with small appetites, one bowl is more than enough for two to share. When you think about it that way, the value for money is off the charts! Mantap! 👍
Tips / How to Order
As usual, I've put together some notes for you, so save this!
📍 Bubur Ayam Kampung KAREYA, Samarinda
All in all, this place completely changed my perception of chicken porridge. If you come to Samarinda, promise me, you have to put it on your a must-eat list
- ✅ Be sure to go early! This place is super popular, and the signature porridge sells out easily. My friend said he came at 9:30 PM last time and they were already sold out[8], so if you want to try it, don't wait until late at night.
- ✅ Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach! The portion size is truly gigantic. If you're not sure on your first visit, you can share one bowl between two people first and order more if you're still hungry.
- ✅ A blessing for parents with kids! The restaurant has a dedicated play area for children[9], which is a lifesaver for moms. You can finally free up your hands to enjoy a proper meal.
- ✅ Vegetarian-friendly! Vegetarian friends, don't miss out. They have a dedicated vegetarian porridge option[10], which is super thoughtful.
- A mountain of toppings! Pickled veg, radish omelet, free-range chicken, liver, youtiao, wonton crisps & a perfect soft-boiled egg [1].
- The savory (gurih) base [2] and crunchy bits make every bite a complex texture bomb. The tender chicken is addictive!
- Kid-friendly! A play area [3] lets moms get their hands free and enjoy congee in peace.
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