Google 4.7 stars? This viral Indonesian food in Samarinda almost salted me to tears
qponx
2026-03-05
This viral Indonesian spot in Samarinda is a true roller coaster experience. Rona Nona boasts aesthetic decor and some divine dishes like Soto Betawi, but it's a hit-or-miss affair. Be prepared for potentially salty food, notoriously slow service, and a crowded, noisy space. Is its high Google rating justified? This review offers a crucial survival guide on what to order and what pitfalls to avoid, helping you navigate the inconsistent but sometimes delicious menu for a satisfying visit.
Every time I visit Samarinda's Big Mall, I pass by this place, Rona Nona. The decor looks pretty aesthetic, and its Google rating is a high 4.7, so I always thought it was a safe bet. Today, I finally dragged a friend to come nongkrong here, and the result... Anjay, my mood was like a roller coaster, the experience was extremely polarizing! 🎢
Once inside, you can tell they really put effort into the ambiance, and it's perfect for girls to take photos. But the space is really too narrow. It gets incredibly crowded when there are a lot of people[1], so you basically have to shout to be heard. The worst part is, the noise from the kitchen (I swear I heard staff having a heated argument...) cuts right through to the dining area, completely killing any chill vibe in an instant.
But to be fair, if you order the right dishes, it can be really satisfying. That Soto Betawi[2] was truly mantap! The meat was stewed until it melted in your mouth, and the broth was so rich I wanted to drink the whole bowl. The Salmon Lodeh[3] my friend ordered was also a pleasant surprise. Salmon with a traditional Indonesian vegetable stew—I give this creative dish high marks. The flavor was totally on point, and it was perfect with rice!
BUT! The chances of hitting a landmine are way too high! The other dishes we ordered were either super salty or super oily[4]. So salty it made me question my existence; it felt like the chef knocked over the salt shaker. Their signature Nasi Goreng Rona Nona[5] was also puzzling. Some people say it's a must-order, but the one we had was... pretty bland. It didn't quite live up to its star billing.
Honestly, the prices at this place are on the high side for a mall restaurant[6]. If you order the right dishes, it feels worth it; but if you hit a dud, the value for money completely collapses. And the service... is hard to put into words. The food comes out incredibly slowly. Waiting half an hour is the standard procedure[7], and it feels like the waiters are living in their own slow-motion dimension. Impatient people will seriously go crazy.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls & Ordering Strategy 📝
Alright, complaints aside, let me highlight the key points for any friends planning to go. Follow my guide if you don't want to make a bad choice!
- Ask before you order! A lot of dishes on the menu are often out of stock[8]. Don't get all excited about what you want, only to find out it's not available. Such a buzzkill.
- The life-saving phrase: Kurang Asin! If you don't like salty food, you absolutely must emphasize "kurang asin" (less salt) to the waiter when you order! Their saltiness level really depends on the chef's mood[9].
- Wait for your food with Zen-like patience. Don't go when you're starving, or the wait will make you question your existence. Just treat it as a place to focus on hanging out and chatting.
- Go for the safe bets first. For your first visit, I recommend starting with dishes that have lots of good reviews, like the Soto[10] or Salmon Lodeh[11]. Don't randomly order the fancy-looking stuff, or you'll likely end up being a guinea pig.
- For the neat freaks. Some reviews mention that the cutlery and tables can feel a bit greasy[12], and we felt it this time too. Wipe them down with a tissue yourself after you sit down, just for peace of mind.
- Your new IG spot! The space is small [1], but the aesthetic decor makes every shot perfect.
- Skip the mall food for the Soto Betawi [2]. Melt-in-your-mouth meat and a rich, bowl-licking broth loved by locals.
- For an innovative twist, get the Salmon Lodeh [3]. A perfect mix of salmon in creamy veggie soup—you'll want extra rice.
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