Makassar Seafood: A Taste of Heaven or a Tourist Trap?
qponx
2026-03-06
RM Bahari in Makassar serves up seriously delicious seafood, from smoky grilled fish to rich salted egg yolk prawns. But there's a catch—the menus have no prices, and the service is incredibly slow. Is the fantastic food worth the potential bill shock and long wait? This review dives into whether this popular spot is a taste of heaven or just a tourist trap, offering crucial tips to protect your wallet before you even think about ordering.
I came to Makassar specifically for the famous RM Bahari, but when I opened the menu, I was completely stunned... It was all just dish names, with no prices at all! Seriously, was I supposed to be having a "mystery box" seafood feast? 😂
The food is seriously good, but your wallet will hurt
Honestly, putting the price issue aside, their food is really something. The place is huge, easily seating hundreds of people, perfect for family gatherings or company outings. The environment is also kept quite clean, which is a plus.
The spotlight has to go to their Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)[1]. That unique smoky aroma, Anjay! The fish was incredibly tender, you could tell it was top-notch and super fresh. And then there's the Salted Egg Yolk Fried Prawns[2], the prawns were plump, and the salted egg yolk sauce was so rich and thick. Every bite was Mantap! My friend ordered the Black Ink Squid[3] and said the flavor was very unique and fresh. I heard the owner herself is in the kitchen during peak hours, no wonder the food is so on point. It has that old family-run restaurant vibe[4].
Okay, enough praise, let's get to the complaints
Alright, the highlight reel is over, let's get back to reality. This meal had me on edge. The two of us just ordered a few things, and the bill came out to almost 400,000 IDR[5]. A single, unremarkable glass of orange juice cost 35,000. I was just... speechless... The value for money... if you know, you know.
And the serving speed is really... ummm... It's more suited for coming here to Nongkrong and practice your patience. We waited almost half an hour for our grilled fish, and we were starving[6]. If you're impatient, you'd probably have a meltdown on the spot.
A guide to avoiding the pitfalls, you're welcome!
So, is it worth going? My advice is: Proceed with caution, or be prepared both mentally and financially.
- 【Key Point】Before ordering! You absolutely! Must! Grab a waiter and ask for the price of every dish, every fish, every prawn! Don't be shy, or you'll be the one getting a "surprise" when the bill comes.
- Don't come when you're starving. Treat it as a place to slow down and Chill, otherwise the wait will drive you crazy.
- Parking is a huge headache. For friends driving here, be warned, their parking spots are pitifully few, so you'll basically have to park on the street[7]. I suggest coming early to snag a spot, or just take a taxi.
- **Ikan Bakar**: unique smoky aroma, fish melts, super fresh. So good you'll shout Anjay! [1]
- **Salted Egg Yolk Fried Shrimp**: Drenched in rich salted egg yolk sauce, plump, bouncy shrimp. One bite, scream Mantap! [2]
- Blind box seafood feast, **menu with no prices**. The surprise (or shock) at checkout is thrilling, addictive!
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