They say Samarinda has no good Japanese food? This place is the first to disagree
qponx
2026-03-05
Think Samarinda has no good Japanese food? ZIJIN is here to prove you wrong. This popular spot is making waves with the city's first-ever conveyor belt sushi, offering a fun dining experience and great value. While the review gives an honest look at the pros and cons, the must-try dishes are the rich Spicy Tantan Ramen and the signature Zijin Roll. It's a top local contender for a satisfying and affordable Japanese meal with a chill vibe.
Honestly, whenever fans ask me how to find good food in places outside of Jakarta/Bali, like in Kalimantan, I always get a bit of a headache. Especially Japanese food, it's so easy to run into a disaster! 🙄
But this time in Samarinda, a lokal friend insisted I try this place, ZIJIN, which is said to be the top dog in the local Japanese food scene[1]. So with an "I've got to see this for myself" attitude, I went for it.
Atmosphere and Flavor, Pretty Impressive
The moment I walked in, the Japanese vibe was on full display. The decor is exquisite, and the AC is strong enough, very Chill～ The biggest surprise was that they actually have a conveyor belt for sushi! It's the first of its kind in Samarinda[2]. Watching plate after plate of sushi pass by in front of me, my analysis paralysis was kicking in.
I just gave up thinking and asked the waiter for recommendations. I have to award the MVP of the day to the Spicy Tantan Ramen[3]! There's a reason the lokals rave about it, that broth is seriously Mantap! It's rich but not overwhelming, the spiciness is just right, and the fried chicken it comes with is a stroke of genius. And then there's the Zijin Roll[4], named after the restaurant. The combination of eel and meat is super satisfying in one bite. Their portions are quite generous; one Don bowl is basically enough to fill you up. They really nailed the value for money[5].
Let's Be Real, The Good and The Bad
But, to be fair. While the ambiance is great[6], because it's an open kitchen, the smell of cooking fumes can get a bit strong sometimes. For friends who are sensitive to smells, be cautious about choosing a counter seat. As for the taste, it's a bit like opening a mystery box. In one of the sushi rolls I had that day, the avocado was actually unripe and a bit bitter[7], which was a bit Anjay… Also, a friend mentioned they've had sashimi that wasn't fresh, so I suggest everyone confirm the quality of the day's catch with the staff before ordering Sashimi.
Insider Tips
Finally, a few key points for those of you who plan to go:
Alright, that's all for today. To have a Japanese restaurant like this where you can Nongkrong in Samarinda, what more could you ask for?
- Conveyor Belt Sushi: Priced by the color of the plate, ranging from the cheapest yellow plate (12k) to the black plate (49k)[8]. You can spend as much or as little as you like.
- AYCE: If you're going for the All You Can Eat, be prepared. Some reviews say that the service can get slower later on[9], so order what you want to eat most first.
- Popular Dishes: Salmon-related dishes are in high demand. If you want some, it's best to go early, or they might sell out[10].
- Parking: There are parking spots in front of the restaurant, but it can get a bit tight for cars during peak hours[11]. Coming by motorcycle is the most convenient!
- Samarinda's first conveyor belt sushi. Watch plates spin by—good luck choosing! The vibe is super Chill. [1]
- The Spicy Tantan Ramen is a local obsession. Rich broth, friendly spice, and the fried chicken is the star. One bite is pure soul. [2]
- The Zijin Roll is a perfect eel & meat combo. Super satisfying, generously portioned, and an incredible value. [3][4]
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