Makassar Seafood: A Taste of Heaven or a Tourist Trap?
qponx
2026-03-06
RM Bahari in Makassar serves up seriously delicious seafood, from smoky grilled fish to rich salted egg yolk prawns. But there's a catch—the menus have no prices, and the service is incredibly slow. Is the fantastic food worth the potential bill shock and long wait? This review dives into whether this popular spot is a taste of heaven or just a tourist trap, offering crucial tips to protect your wallet before you even think about ordering.
I came to Makassar specifically for the famous RM Bahari, but when I opened the menu, I was completely stunned... It was all just dish names, with no prices at all! Seriously, was I supposed to be having a "mystery box" seafood feast? 😂
The food is seriously good, but your wallet will hurt
Honestly, putting the price issue aside, their food is really something. The place is huge, easily seating hundreds of people, perfect for family gatherings or company outings. The environment is also kept quite clean, which is a plus.
The spotlight has to go to their Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)[1]. That unique smoky aroma, Anjay! The fish was incredibly tender, you could tell it was top-notch and super fresh. And then there's the Salted Egg Yolk Fried Prawns[2], the prawns were plump, and the salted egg yolk sauce was so rich and thick. Every bite was Mantap! My friend ordered the Black Ink Squid[3] and said the flavor was very unique and fresh. I heard the owner herself is in the kitchen during peak hours, no wonder the food is so on point. It has that old family-run restaurant vibe[4].
Okay, enough praise, let's get to the complaints
Alright, the highlight reel is over, let's get back to reality. This meal had me on edge. The two of us just ordered a few things, and the bill came out to almost 400,000 IDR[5]. A single, unremarkable glass of orange juice cost 35,000. I was just... speechless... The value for money... if you know, you know.
And the serving speed is really... ummm... It's more suited for coming here to Nongkrong and practice your patience. We waited almost half an hour for our grilled fish, and we were starving[6]. If you're impatient, you'd probably have a meltdown on the spot.
A guide to avoiding the pitfalls, you're welcome!
So, is it worth going? My advice is: Proceed with caution, or be prepared both mentally and financially.
- 【Key Point】Before ordering! You absolutely! Must! Grab a waiter and ask for the price of every dish, every fish, every prawn! Don't be shy, or you'll be the one getting a "surprise" when the bill comes.
- Don't come when you're starving. Treat it as a place to slow down and Chill, otherwise the wait will drive you crazy.
- Parking is a huge headache. For friends driving here, be warned, their parking spots are pitifully few, so you'll basically have to park on the street[7]. I suggest coming early to snag a spot, or just take a taxi.
- **Ikan Bakar**: unique smoky aroma, fish melts, super fresh. So good you'll shout Anjay! [1]
- **Salted Egg Yolk Fried Shrimp**: Drenched in rich salted egg yolk sauce, plump, bouncy shrimp. One bite, scream Mantap! [2]
- Blind box seafood feast, **menu with no prices**. The surprise (or shock) at checkout is thrilling, addictive!
Similar Articles
Late-night food hunters, assemble! Even flight attendants are lining up for this legendary Makassar eatery.
Discover Aroma Coto Gagak, a legendary Makassar eatery so good that even flight attendants line up for a taste! This 24-hour spot is a haven for late-night food hunters. Their must-try Coto Makassar boasts a rich, complex broth slow-cooked over charcoal and packed with tender beef and offal. It's an authentic, incredibly affordable culinary icon perfect for satisfying cravings anytime. Experience the true, comforting flavor of Makassar in a bustling, local-approved setting.
What are Russians in Makassar eating? I found the answer for you.
Discover a hidden gem in Makassar that's a huge hit with the local Russian community! This article explores Caliente, a remote fast-food spot with near-perfect reviews. Find out why its legendary Indonesian-style fried chicken is hailed as the city's best, with crispy skin and incredibly tender meat. Plus, get the scoop on other must-try dishes like a rich Beef Noodle and the mysterious SolRoho. It’s a journey, but the incredible flavors are worth the trip.
A 4.9-star 'God-Tier' spot on Google, but the staff is chasing me for a good review?
This Go! Go! Curry boasts a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating, but is it legit? This review dives into their signature dark and thick Kanazawa curry, featuring crispy chicken katsu and juicy hamburgs. While the flavor is addictive, the article also reveals the downsides, like salty sauce and staff who eagerly ask for good reviews. Get the full scoop, including essential ordering hacks to save money and decide if this popular spot truly lives up to the hype.
Makassar's hidden alley pork Bakmi: The crispy roast pork is Anjay
Discover Pangsit Mie Palu Bali, a hidden gem tucked away in a Makassar alley. This award-winning, non-halal noodle shop is a must-visit for its signature Pangsit Mie, featuring homemade chewy noodles and generous portions. The absolute star is the insanely crispy roast pork (Babi Tore), with skin that crackles perfectly. Offering great value and a truly satisfying meal, this spot is a pork lover's dream, but be sure to avoid the weekend crowds for a shorter wait.