Bland soup & chicken like floss? What's the magic of this legendary Samarinda Bakmi spot?
qponx
2026-03-05
Don't be fooled by the light broth and floss-like chicken! This legendary Samarinda noodle shop holds a delicious secret. Its magic lies in the uniquely soft and chewy noodles, paired with fragrant shredded chicken and rich beef meatballs. The intentionally plain broth is a blank canvas for you to customize with condiments. Discover why this classic, old-school spot has been a beloved local favorite for decades and is an unforgettable culinary experience worth queuing for.
Honestly, first-timers will definitely be confused. The shop is called "Jakarta Wonton Noodles," but it's located in Samarinda; the broth is as light as plain water, and at first glance, the chicken topping looks like meat floss... Anjay, what's the deal with this? 🤔 But once you sit down and take a bite, you'll instantly understand why it's been legendary for decades and has become an unforgettable favorite for the locals.
The soul of this shop is its noodles[1]! They're ridiculously soft, fine, and smooth, but they have just the right amount of chewiness when you bite into them and don't get clumpy at all. Mantap! I dare say this is the most unique noodle texture I've ever had in Borneo. And about that shredded chicken topping[2] that looks like meat floss, it's actually chicken that's been prepared to be extremely dry and fragrant, which, when paired with the light broth noodles, becomes the perfect finishing touch.
The broth is intentionally made light[3] so you can DIY it yourself! The soy sauce, chili, and vinegar are all ready on the table, so you can mix and match to create your own divine flavor. I strongly recommend adding their beef meatballs (Bakso)[4]; they're incredibly meaty, and one bite is just pure, rich beef flavor, totally not on the same level as those starchy meatballs you get elsewhere. The wontons (Pangsit) are also a must-order[5], available fried or boiled. I personally prefer the fried ones; dip them in the sauce, and they're super crispy!
To be honest, at over 30k Indonesian Rupiah[6] per bowl, it's not the cheapest in Samarinda. But considering the quality and the generous portion size[7] that's enough for two girls with small appetites to share, the value for money is suddenly amazing. The ambiance is that of a classic, old-school Chinese shop[8] with a vintage feel. It's not a large space, but it's so clean that even a neat freak would be impressed. The lady boss (Cici) is quick and efficient, and the service is excellent.
Editor's Pro-Tips (Wajib Tahu!)
- Time: It gets packed during the lunch rush, so be prepared to queue[9]. Most importantly, they close around 4 or 5 PM[10], so don't make a wasted trip if you're planning on dinner!
- Transportation: The shop is small, and parking spots out front are extremely limited[11]. Riding a motorbike or just taking a Gojek/Grab is the smartest choice. Don't drive here and add to the hassle.
- Ordering: Don't hesitate, just order the "Mie Ayam Bakso Pangsit" complete combo. Trust me, you won't regret it.
- Halal Info: The shop displays a Halal sign, and the lady boss also says it's Halal. However, if our Muslim friends are particularly concerned, you can double-check with the lady boss again[12].
- A Samarinda legend, this Bakmi's noodles are impossibly soft yet chewy [1].
- The soul is DIY! Mix homemade soy, chili, and vinegar to create your perfect flavor. Add a beef meatball for a meaty explosion [2][3].
- For 30k+ IDR, portions are huge and shareable for two [4][5]. It's a clean, vintage Chinese spot [6]—amazing value
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