Stop saying Surabaya has no good food! The beef tongue in this old Dutch house made me Anjay!
qponx
2026-02-01
Discover Bon Ami, a legendary Surabaya restaurant housed in a beautiful old Dutch colonial building. This spot offers a nostalgic trip back in time with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Don't miss their signature dishes: the incredibly tender Salted Ox Tongue and a classic, generous Tenderloin Steak. Before you leave, be sure to visit the attached bakery for some delicious pastries. It’s the perfect place to experience an authentic taste of old Surabaya beyond the trendy spots.
Every time I come to Surabaya, my friends always ask me for authentic recommendations. I tell them, let's not always focus on the new trendy spots, this time I'll take you to see a legendary old restaurant where even our grandparents used to Nongkrong – Bon Ami.
Honestly, the moment the car pulls up to the entrance, just looking at this old Dutch colonial building with its built-in vintage filter, you feel like you've traveled through a time tunnel in a second. There's no flashy Instagrammable decor here, it's just that spacious, clean, slightly aged but incredibly warm family atmosphere, no wonder it's the top choice for locals to host family gatherings[1].
A Taste of “Old Money”
When you come here, you absolutely cannot miss their two"signature dishes":
My Indonesian friend who was with me also ordered their Lontong Cap Go Meh[2], saying it was"the exact taste of childhood," incredibly authentic. Don't rush off after eating, there's a bakery connected to the entrance, their croquettes and chicken rolls (Risoles) are a hidden gem, grab a few to take home for afternoon tea, Mantap![3]
- Tenderloin Steak[4]: It's not the trendy Wagyu beef with its M-score, but rather an old-school Dutch-style steak with rich sauce. The meat is very tender, and the portion is incredibly generous[5], one bite takes you back to all your childhood fantasies of"eating Western food".
- Lidah Asin Goreng Mentega (Salted Ox Tongue)[6]: This dish is my absolute favorite! The ox tongue is prepared incredibly well, so tender it melts in your mouth, the buttery aroma goes straight to your head, it's simply unbeatable with rice, a must-order!
Let's Talk Real Talk...
But, u know me, it's not all blind praise.
The prices are indeed not cheap, main courses generally start from 100,000 Rupiah, putting it at the same price point as good restaurants in Jakarta. And during meal times, it's bustling with people, the whole restaurant buzzes like a wet market[7], so friends looking for a quiet date or a business discussion should choose carefully. Oh, and parking costs extra[8], which is a bit stingy, honestly.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Ordering Guide (Save it now!)
- Definitely make a reservation! Especially on weekends or if you're going with the whole family, otherwise, you'll literally wait forever[9].
- Blindly order combo: Salted Ox Tongue + Tenderloin Steak. Trust me, you can't go wrong.
- Who it's suitable for: Family gatherings, taking parents for a nostalgic trip, treating out-of-town friends to experience Surabaya's"old times". If you're looking for a place to Chill for an afternoon, forget it.
- Don't forget the bakery! Grab some bread and pastries after your meal, otherwise, it's like only half a visit.
- This legendary old shop where grandparents used to Nongkrong [1]'s Dutch colonial charm is an instant time warp.
- Must-try salted ox tongue [2]! Melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich buttery aroma. Perfect with rice!
- And the old-school Dutch-style steak with rich sauce [3] – tender, generous [4]. Childhood 'Western food' dreams!
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