Forget the hype! This Batam Island hole-in-the-wall is the real Mantap.
qponx
2026-03-06
Skip the tourist traps for Adi-8, Batam Island's beloved hole-in-the-wall. This spot is famous for its legendary garlic fried chicken—a crispy, juicy, and fragrant masterpiece that's worth the trip alone. The rich salted egg yolk squid is another crowd-pleaser. Expect a lively, no-frills local atmosphere and unbeatable prices. It’s an authentic Indonesian dining experience that delivers incredible flavor and value, making it a must-visit for any foodie exploring the island.
Finding this place was seriously Anjay! When we navigated here, we found a row of three places all named Adi-8, and I almost had a bout of decision paralysis on the spot. Luckily, the veterans know the drill—just head straight for the one with the blue sign and the biggest crowd, you can't go wrong![1] From the outside, it looks like an unremarkable residential food stall, but once mealtime hits, the sea of people tells you this place is something special.
The legendary garlic fried chicken, so fragrant it left me speechless
The atmosphere is that of a very lokal food stall, so don't expect any fancy decor—plastic chairs, large round tables, and a noisy, lively vibe. This is the essence of Indonesian Nongkrong![2] We didn't even look at the menu and went straight for the legendary signature dishes.
Ayam Goreng Bawang (Garlic Fried Chicken)[3] When it was served, my soul was practically snatched away! The chicken was fried to a perfect crisp on the outside and topped with a generous layer of golden fried garlic bits. It was so fragrant that the table next to us was craning their necks to see. One bite, and the chicken was still juicy, mixed with the toasted fragrance of the garlic—absolutely divine! No exaggeration, I would come back to Batam 100 times just for this plate of chicken!
Another famous dish is the Sotong Telur Asin (Salted Egg Yolk Squid)[4]. The sauce is truly Mantap, with a rich, grainy salted egg yolk texture coating every piece of squid, making it super addictive with rice. The Fuyunghai (egg foo young)[5] was also pretty standard, making for a decent side dish.
Real Talk from the Heart
Although I had an amazing meal this time, I have to be fair: the quality here can be inconsistent. A friend told me they had a bad experience last time; the salted egg yolk squid was sometimes tough, like chewing on rubber bands[6], and the chicken could be a bit dry at times[7]. Seems like the chef's mood on the day is pretty important 🤣.
Also, that otak-otak on the table looks tempting, but it's not free! Remember to ask for the price before you eat it, or you'll get a little "surprise" on your bill[8].
Tips & Tricks (Get your notebooks ready!)
- How to get there: The place is in a residential area, so it's a bit of a hassle to find on your own. I recommend just taking a Grab/Gojek for a stress-free trip.[9]
- When to go: It gets super crowded on weekends and during meal times, with lots of lokal families dining out. If you want a more chill experience, go during off-peak hours.[10]
- Parking: If you're driving yourself, be prepared. Parking spots are pitifully scarce, and you might have to park on the main road and walk over.[11]
- Price: King of value for money! Veggies start at 25k, and the signature garlic chicken is only 40k. The two of us ordered crab and several other dishes, and the bill was less than 100k per person. We ate so much we had to roll ourselves out—what more could you ask for
- The Garlic Fried Chicken's aroma is insane! Crispy skin buried in golden fried garlic, making other tables stare. [1]
- Salted Egg Yolk Squid is drenched in a rich, sandy sauce. A total rice killer, so you'll want an extra bowl. [2]
- Feast for under 100k IDR a person! Incredible value. Order the crab and other dishes without worry. [3]
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