I ate a 14,000 Rupiah ramen in Surabaya, so hot I melted on the spot.
qponx
2026-02-01
Craving ramen on a budget in Surabaya? This spot serves a bowl for an unbeatable 14,000 IDR! Dive into the popular Volcano Ramen with its addictive sambal-like kick in a lively, anime-themed setting. But be warned: there’s no air conditioning, and the noodle quality might disappoint. This review gives you the full scoop on whether this ultra-affordable, internet-famous joint is worth the hype and the heat, complete with essential tips for your visit.
A bowl of ramen for only 14,000 Indonesian Rupiah[1], can you believe it? In this area of Graha Famili, Surabaya, it's totally Anjay! Seeing the price, my eyes lit up and I rushed in, but after sitting down for just five minutes, I felt like I was in a sauna... my makeup was almost melting off 🫠.
That's right, this popular internet-famous shop has NO! AIR! CONDITIONING![2]
The Vibe is"Japanese," the Feel is"African"
To be fair, the shop's atmosphere is well-done. The walls are covered with Japanese posters, and anime songs from Naruto and One Piece are playing on a loop[3]. The surroundings are full of chattering students and families with kids, very lively and bustling, perfect for Nongkrong.
I ordered the signature Volcano Ramen[4], and the broth was indeed rich. The blob of chili paste on top tasted exactly like Lokal Indonesian sambal, very addictive! Mantap! But what's up with the noodles? They were hard and cold[5], felt like they had clumped together in the bowl, breaking apart with one chopstick grab. The texture was a complete letdown, really ruined the mood! My friend also said the broth of their Miso Tsuka Ramen[6] was too salty. Oh, and by the way, the portion size was visibly small[7], but considering the price, what more can you ask for?
Complaint Time, No Sugarcoating
Honestly, this is a halal Japanese fast food joint that focuses on value for money and Indonesianized flavors. You can't compare it to ramen specialty shops that easily cost 100k+. The biggest flaws are the noodle texture and the lack of air conditioning. Don't have high expectations for snacks like fried chicken or dumplings either; they're served lukewarm[8].
So, if you want to experience a Japanese ramen vibe on a budget, or if you're a student with limited funds, this place is definitely for you. But if you're a veteran foodie who seeks authentic flavors and a comfortable environment, emmm... you know.
Exclusive Pitfall Avoidance Guide 📝
A heads-up for my Girls who are planning to check it out:
- If you're afraid of heat, come at night! During the day, there are only a few fans blowing, and it really gets hot enough to make you question life. Coming at night will be much more comfortable.[9]
- Expect long queues during meal times! Especially at lunchtime, there are tons of people. If you don't want to wait, go during off-peak hours.[10]
- The process is entirely self-service. Go to the counter yourself to order and pay. They'll give you a pager, and when it buzzes, go to the window to pick up your food. Don't just sit there foolishly waiting for a waiter.[11]
- Ocha is not free-refill! This is different from many Japanese restaurants. Once you finish it, it's gone, so drink sparingly.[12]
- Lower your service expectations. During peak hours, the staff might be a bit chaotic and might not even be clear about the spiciness levels on the menu. Keep an eye out yourself.[13]
- In Surabaya's Graha Famili, ramen is just **14,000 IDR** [1] – 'Anjay' cheap! You'll want to rush in.
- Anime posters, Naruto & One Piece on loop [2] for a great vibe, but **NO! AIR! CON!** [3] This wild contrast will totally blow your mind.
- Their signature **Volcano Ramen** [4] has rich broth with authentic Indonesian sambal. It's **intense and Mantap** [5], one bite will hit your soul and leave you hooked.
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