Eating at an 'Old Money' Canteen in Surabaya: A 30-Year Time Warp
qponx
2026-03-05
Step back in time at Bon Ami, a Surabaya restaurant that feels like a colonial-era time capsule. This spot is famous for its nostalgic fusion of Indonesian, Dutch, and Western cuisine. While the ambiance is a major draw, the food shines with must-try dishes like the city's best Galantine (beef roll) and savory Salted Beef Tongue. Finish your visit by grabbing classic Dutch pastries from the adjoining bakery for a perfect trip down memory lane.
My veteran Surabaya friend has been telling me about Bon Ami a million times, and I finally got to check it out. To be honest, this place is like a time capsule. In the middle of bustling West Surabaya, it's the one spot that still retains its old-school colonial elegance[1]. I felt like a lady in a cheongsam could walk out at any second.
The moment I walked in, I was blown away by the luxuriously spacious interior. The warm yellow lighting and quiet atmosphere make it the perfect place to Nongkrong with family and friends—it couldn't be more comfortable. This is the kind of place our parents or even grandparents would love, full of nostalgia[2].
The Flavor is Old-School Sophistication
The menu is a grand fusion of Indonesian, Dutch, Western, and Chinese cuisines, so be careful if you have decision paralysis! We didn't make any bad choices; everything we ordered was Mantap!
Must-Try Recommendations:
- Galantine (Beef Roll): This dish is the absolute star of the show! It's said to be one of the best Galantines in the city[3]. The beef roll is dense and smooth, served with a sweet and savory sauce and potato balls. One bite is pure satisfaction.
- Lidah Asin (Salted Beef Tongue): My personal favorite! Especially the salted beef tongue sautéed in butter (lidah asin goreng mentega)[4]. It's savory, goes perfectly with rice, and the buttery aroma just hits you. I could easily finish two bowls of rice with it!
- Steak (Beef Steak/Tongue Steak): My friend ordered the tongue steak[5], and the quality of the meat was impeccable—it just melts in your mouth. But I have a small complaint: the sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste. If you like sweet-style steak, go for it.
Let's Be Real (The Truth)
This isn't a place you go for value for money. The average cost per person is around 90,000 to 150,000 IDR, which is on the pricey side. But given the food and the ambiance, I think it's totally worth it.
But there's a catch you should know about! If you're a big eater, pay attention when you order: their Western dishes, like the steak, have portions that are a bit... delicate[6]. If you want to get full, I recommend going straight for the Indonesian or Chinese dishes. The portions for those are much more generous and are guaranteed to fill you up.
Pro Tips (My Tips)
Finally, here are a few useful tips for you. You're welcome!
- 1. Avoid Peak Hours: It gets super crowded during weekend meal times, and the service might not be able to keep up[7]. Either go early or just be more zen about it and chill while you wait for your food.
- 2. Parking: Parking can be tight during peak hours, but there are attendants at the entrance who will help you find a spot, which is pretty hassle-free[8].
- 3. Ordering Strategy: If you want a full meal, order the Indonesian/Chinese food[9]. If you want to try something new, go for their signature Western dishes. To each their own.
- 4. Don't Miss the Bakery: Don't leave right after your meal! Next door is the bakery where the business first started[10]. They have lots of old-fashioned Dutch colonial pastries that you can't find anywhere else. Grab some to take home for breakfast—it's the perfect end to the visit
- Bon Ami is a time capsule of colonial elegance in West Surabaya. The authentic vibe feels like stepping back in time[1].
- The fusion menu (Indo, Dutch, Western, Chinese) is all Mantap! Get the beef roll (Galantine): a dense roll with a sweet-savory sauce and potato balls[2].
- Don't miss the bakery next door for rare old Dutch colonial pastries[3] you can't find anywhere else. Grab some for breakfast
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