IDR 40k per person, this Padang food was almost perfect…
qponx
2026-03-06
Escape airport food with RM Puti Buana, a clean and modern Padang restaurant located just minutes from the Pekanbaru airport. For around IDR 40k per person, feast on must-try dishes like the giant crispy fried egg (Talua Barendo) and tender beef Rendang. Its comfortable, air-conditioned setting is ideal for travelers or business meetings. Don't leave without grabbing their vacuum-sealed Rendang—a perfect, delicious souvenir to take home from your trip.
Every time I fly to Pekanbaru, the biggest headache is mealtime. There aren't many options at the airport, and I'm afraid of getting stuck in traffic and missing my flight if I go out. This time, a lokal friend took me directly to this place, RM Puti Buana, right next to the airport, saying it would totally change my perception.
The moment I walked in, I got a good feeling. It wasn't one of those greasy, traditional old shops, but a bright and clean place with the AC blasting, and the seats were so comfortable you could just Nongkrong there all afternoon. The atmosphere is very quiet, perfect for eating while discussing business, which is super friendly for business travelers.
The food arrives, and it's something else!
The dishes are served in the classic Padang style, and seeing the table full of small plates is just so satisfying. We went straight for the signature dishes:
- Talua Barendo (Crispy Fried Egg): Anjay! This dish deserves a close-up! They brought out a crispy fried egg[1] bigger than my face, fried to a golden crisp, with edges like lace. Dipped in their fresh sambal[2], it makes a crunching sound with every bite, and the egg aroma and spiciness explode in your mouth. So delicious it's out of this world! But the portion is huge, so I'd recommend 2-3 people share it, and you have to eat it while it's hot.
- Rendang (Beef Rendang): Rendang is the soul of Padang cuisine. Their beef rendang[3] is stewed until it's incredibly tender and flavorful, with complex and layered spices. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to devour three bowls of rice. Mantap!
But, to be honest…
The overall experience was great, but it wasn't without its flaws. Another signature dish we ordered with high hopes—the fish head curry (Kepala Kakap)[4]—I don't know if we were just unlucky that day, but it didn't taste very fresh and had a fishy smell. After we mentioned it to the staff, they insisted that this type of fish is supposed to taste like that... 🤷♀️ Yeah, that was a bit of a letdown. If you guys want to order this one, you might have to try your luck.
Editor's Highlights ✍️
Overall, the good outweighs the bad, and I still highly recommend this place!
✅ Who should come?
Friends who are catching a flight, having a business lunch, or on a family outing, just go for it. It's only a few minutes' drive from the airport[5], so the location is unbeatable.
💰 Price?
The value for money is surprisingly high. The four of us ordered a huge table of food, ate until we were stuffed, and the bill was only around 160,000 Indonesian Rupiah[6], which is just 40k per person. For this kind of ambiance and service, it's a real bargain.
🎁 Killer Feature
You have to check out their souvenir section! They've turned their signature rendang[7] into super cool, modern vacuum-sealed packs, with a shelf life of several months. Whether you're taking it home to stock up your pantry or giving it to friends as a gift, it's both presentable and delicious, perfectly solving the age-old problem of "what Indonesian specialty to bring back"
- Crispy Fried Egg: Bigger than your face! Golden, lacy, and crunchy. Dip in fresh sambal for a spicy flavor explosion [1][2].
- Beef Rendang: Melt-in-your-mouth tender with addictive, complex spices. So good you'll demolish three bowls of rice! [3]
- Their signature Rendang, now vacuum-packed. Long shelf life. A perfect pantry stock-up or tasty, impressive gift [4].
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