Was this Halal ramen in Balikpapan really worth the 1-hour wait?
qponx
2026-03-05
Is the famous Halal ramen at Shishi Ramen in Balikpapan worth the hour-long wait? This review dives into the bustling, Tokyo-style eatery to find out. Discover their must-try signature ramen with rich broth and rave-worthy crispy gyoza. While the main dishes shine, the wait times can be long. Get the inside scoop on what to order (and what to avoid), plus crucial tips for beating the queues and parking woes for a delicious, hassle-free experience.
I'd heard for a while that this Shishi Ramen in Balikpapan was incredibly popular, and when I passed by today, wow, it wasn't even mealtime yet and there was already a line at the door[1]. The aroma wafting from the shop made my mouth water, so I decided to join the waiting crowd to see just how Mantap it really is!
Instantly transported to the streets of Tokyo?
It was finally my turn! The space inside isn't huge, but the atmosphere is absolutely on point[2]. The walls are covered with Japanese posters, there are all sorts of trinkets in the corners, and even the background music is J-Pop, instantly giving you the illusion of eating in a small eatery on the streets of Tokyo. It does get a bit noisy when it's crowded, and you basically have to shout to talk to your friends 🗣️, but this kind of lively, bustling vibe has its own charm.
We went straight for the signature Shishi Signature Ramen[3] and the Gyoza that countless people have raved about. To be honest, I was shocked when the ramen was served; the medium portion was already huge[4], you could see the value for money right away! The broth was very rich, not that watery, half-hearted stuff, and the noodles were perfectly chewy. But I have to give the "best of the show" award to the Gyoza[5]! The skin was golden and crispy, and the filling was plump and juicy, Anjay! I regret only ordering one portion. The cheese ramen[6] my companion ordered was also interesting, with thick cheese melted into the broth. Friends who like adventurous flavors should give it a try.
However, let's get the negatives out of the way…
Although the food was good, I have to air some grievances. The serving speed is real·ly· slow... We waited almost a full hour for our bowl of ramen[7], and we were starving. Also, I suggest everyone just stick to the ramen. The curry rice and okonomiyaki we ordered on the side were a bit of a miss[8]; the taste is hard to describe, so try them at your own risk.
A guide to avoid the pitfalls, you're welcome!
For friends who want to Nongkrong, take note of my hard-earned lessons:
- Time: By all means, avoid peak meal times! Otherwise, with queuing + waiting for food, an hour and a half will be gone just like that. I suggest going in the afternoon or after 9 PM to Chill.
- Transportation: For those driving, be warned, parking spots are extremely scarce[9], and most people park on the roadside. It's better to just get a Gojek/Grab to save yourself the hassle.
- Ordering: For your first visit, just order the ramen and gyoza; you absolutely can't go wrong. As for the other stuff... it depends on whether you're an adventurer 😂.
- Bringing kids: Family meals are OK too, as the shop provides baby chairs[10]. But keep a close eye on your little ones so they don't accidentally break the delicate trinkets.
- Instant Tokyo street joint vibe! With Japanese posters and J-Pop playing, you'll forget you're in Balikpapan [1].
- Shishi Signature Ramen is a huge portion! The rich broth is packed with toppings. Incredible value for money [2][3].
- Don't skip the Gyoza! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. One bite and, Anjay! You'll wish you ordered more [4].
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