This legendary Surabaya steak has a sweet sauce?! I tried it for you
qponx
2026-03-05
Step back in time at Boncafe, a legendary Surabaya restaurant known for its nostalgic, colonial-style charm. This spot is famous for its steaks, but the real star is the unique sweet and savory sauce that’s unlike any typical Western fare. While the atmosphere is perfect for dates or family celebrations, be aware of the mid-to-high prices and that the signature sauce's sweetness isn't for everyone. Note that the restaurant is also non-halal.
Every time I come to Surabaya, my friends always ask me to recommend a restaurant with "a story," and that has to be BONCAFE! The place this restaurant holds in the hearts of Surabaya locals is probably like that "fancy Western restaurant" from our childhood; it was the go-to spot for our parents' generation for dates and anniversaries[1].
The moment I walked in, I instantly understood why it's been popular for decades. The air is filled with a nostalgic aroma—not from an air freshener, but a mix of food and the old building's scent. The whole space has that classic colonial style[2], with teak-colored tables and chairs and warm yellow lighting, making you feel like time has slowed down. It's a completely different Chill vibe from what you get at today's trendy, industrial-style influencer spots.
A Flavor Time Warp: Is It Nostalgia or Genuinely Delicious?
After sitting down, I got straight to the point—the steak is a must-order! The waiter was super efficient and his attitude was exceptionally good, Mantap[3]!
🥩 When the steak arrived, the real star of the show was the dark, black sauce. It's the soul of Boncafe! I took the first bite, and huh? It was actually sweet and savory! It's very rich, with a unique local flavor, completely different from the black pepper sauce we're used to[4]. Personally, I quite liked it; it's very unique.
- For those who can't decide: If you like your meat tender and melt-in-your-mouth, go straight for the Tenderloin; if you prefer something a bit chewier with a richer flavor, then go for the T-bone[5].
- For non-beef eaters: Their Chicken Steak[6] is also well-made; the chicken is tender and smooth, and served with the same sauce, the flavor is on point too.
Some honest thoughts…
Although it gets full marks for atmosphere and nostalgia, we have to be honest.
First, the price is in the mid-to-high range, so a meal here will hurt your wallet a little 🥲. Second, about that signature sauce—I love it, but some of my friends find it "waaay too sweet"[7]. Taste is a personal thing. Also, a regular customer secretly told me that they feel the portions have gotten a bit smaller than before[8]. Oh, and by the way, besides the steak, other dishes like the fried rice are... just average. I'd suggest sticking to the meat.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / TL;DR Guide
Finally, here's a cheat sheet I've prepared for you. Take it, no need to thank me!
- ❗️【Important Note】 Attention, Muslim friends! This restaurant is non-halal; there's pork on the menu, and I've heard the sauce might contain alcohol, so be sure to check carefully before ordering[9]!
- 🚗 【Getting There】 It gets really crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a better experience, I recommend going on a weekday. Although there's parking, finding a spot during peak hours is also a challenge[10].
- 👨👩👧 【Family】 Moms with kids, take note: the small children's playground they used to have is no longer there[11].
- ✨ 【Occasions】 This place is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dates, or birthday celebrations; it's full of that special occasion vibe. But if you're just looking for a place to casually Nongkrong and chat, it might not be the most suitable spot.
- BONCAFE is a Surabaya classic, the local "fancy spot" for parents' dates, full of nostalgia [1].
- Classic colonial style: teak tables, warm lights, scent of food & history. An old money Chill vibe, not a trendy cafe [2].
- The steak sauce is the soul! A unique sweet & savory Lokal flavor, not black pepper. Pairs with tender Tenderloin or a chewy T-bone [3][4].
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