100k for a Bowl of Noodles in Samarinda: Is Bandung Legend Mantap or a Rip-off?
qponx
2026-03-05
Curious about the 100k bowl of noodles at Samarinda's Mie Bandung Kejaksaan 1964? This article investigates whether the legendary Bandung brand is a must-try or a major rip-off. While the signature noodles are praised for their texture, other dishes fall flat and the service is notoriously slow. Get an unfiltered look at the polarizing taste, high prices, and modern ambiance to see if this viral spot is truly worth your time and money before you visit.
Drawn by the reputation of being a "legendary old brand from Bandung"[1], I excitedly rushed over to this Mie Bandung Kejaksaan 1964 in Samarinda. And guess what? I was almost scared off by the prices at the cashier.
The menu was surprisingly bare, with no prices listed. I looked up at the small screen above the cashier, and wow... a regular bowl of chicken noodles was a whopping 70,000 rupiah. Anjay! With this price in Samarinda, you could probably go Chill at a mall, right?
Is the taste worth the price?
Sitting down, the ambiance is definitely not like a street-side stall (warung). It's quite clean and bright, with the feel of a modern little eatery. It's decent for coming with friends to Nongkrong and take pictures[2]. But the space isn't large, and during meal times, it's packed like a can of sardines, and the clanging sounds from the kitchen can be a bit overwhelming.
I ordered the signature sweet noodles, Mie Yamin Manis[3]. The noodle texture was truly Mantap, springy and chewy, and the flavor is a light, savory-sweet kind, not the overly cloying sweet type. But to be honest, it was delicious, but it was still a bit far from being "mind-blowingly amazing."
The Kwetiau[4] my friend ordered was a bit of a disaster. It was overcooked, the texture was limp and mushy, and it had lost its soul. And as for the portion size, the noodles were filling enough[5], but the amount of chicken on top was a bit too delicate. I felt like it was gone before I could even taste it.
Let's be real...
So, is the taste worth the price? Honestly speaking, it's a bit questionable. Opinions on the taste are very polarized. Some people think the light, savory flavor is sophisticated, but many others find it ordinary, "lacking that special something," and even complain that the chicken noodles are too sweet or the pepper taste is too strong[6]. My one bowl of noodles and one glass of juice came out to 107,000 rupiah at checkout, and my wallet really felt the pain.
A guide to avoid the pitfalls (Quick, take out your notebooks and jot this down!)
Alright, here are a few honest tips for all the girls planning to check it out:
So, who is this place for? Those who prioritize ambiance, aren't short on cash, and have a nostalgic filter for old Bandung brands can come give it a try for the novelty. But if you're a "king of savings" looking for the best value for money... then... you know what to do. 🤷♀️
- 1. Check the price before ordering! The menu has no prices, so be sure to look up at the screen by the cashier, and don't get petrified on the spot like I did[7].
- 2. Don't go when you're starving! The service is incredibly slow! Especially during peak hours, waiting until the end of time is standard procedure[8]. We watched as I finished my noodles, and only then did my friend's dish arrive.
- 3. Using the right card can help you recover! If you have a Mandiri bank card, there's a discount for spending over 150,000 IDR[9]. Every little bit you can save helps.
- 4. The Siomay isn't what you think it is! Their siomay is mainly made of shrimp and flour, not the traditional kind with potatoes and cabbage. The texture is on the springy side, so if you're craving the traditional version, you can skip this one[10].
- The bakmi broth is light and savory-sweet with springy noodles—no artificial aftertaste [1]. A must-try for fans of old-school Bandung classics.
- It's clean and bright with a cozy bistro vibe, not a messy street stall [2]. Perfect for nongkrong and snapping pics with friends.
- Get a discount with a Mandiri card on spends over 150k IDR [3]. Don't miss your chance to save
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