Surabaya: Where to Eat with Kids? This Restaurant Has a Playground, But Don't Get Excited Yet!
qponx
2026-02-01
Searching for a family-friendly spot in Surabaya? Fusia offers authentic Indonesian cuisine that's great for large groups. Their must-try is the fragrant Nasi Bakar, and the best part? Unlimited free refills of crispy Kremesan and various Sambals! While there is a children's playground, this honest review gives a heads-up on its condition. Discover what to order and what to skip for a delicious, value-for-money meal that keeps (most of) the family happy.
Every time I have a meal with friends and family in Surabaya, the biggest headache is that the kids can't sit still, and the meal turns into chaos. So when I heard about an Indonesian restaurant called Fusia that not only had authentic flavors but also came with a children's playground, my eyes lit up! 😍
But after this visit, I can only say the pros and cons are both very obvious. Let me tell you all about it.
Carb Lover's Feast, Rice-pairing Essentials with Free Refills!
As soon as you enter, it feels very spacious, the air conditioning is good, and there are plenty of large tables perfect for a big group to Nongkrong[1]. The family atmosphere is at its peak. Let's not waste words and get straight to ordering.
Their absolute star dish must be the banana leaf grilled rice, Nasi Bakar[2]! I ordered the tuna one. As soon as the banana leaf was opened, that charred aroma, a mix of rice and spices, hit me directly in the face, Anjay! The rice grains were distinct, soaked in sauce, savory, fragrant, and slightly spicy – super appetizing. The best part is, the Kremesan (crispy fried bits) and several kinds of Sambal (chili sauce) on the table are actually free and unlimited refills[3]! Sprinkle the crispy bits generously over the rice, that texture, it's incredible! Mantap!
The portions are also very generous; one portion of Nasi Timbel feels perfectly fine for two girls to share[4]. The value for money is definitely nailed.
Some Dishes, You'll Have to Rely on Luck…
After all the praise, I also have to tell the truth. The Sayur Asem (Tamarind Vegetable Soup)[5] I ordered with high expectations was a bit hard to describe. My bowl was noticeably too sweet, covering up the sourness. It felt like the chef's hand was a bit shaky. Online reviews are also polarized; some say it's delicious, while others, like me, found it too sweet or too sour. It feels like the quality control for this dish is a bit hit-or-miss, huh. Girls who want to try it, be prepared.
Then there's that legendary children's playground[6]… How should I put it? It's definitely there, but don't have too high expectations. The facilities are a bit old, you can tell the maintenance isn't very thorough, and some toys are broken. It can only keep the kids briefly occupied; expecting it to free up your entire mealtime is a bit unlikely. 😅
Come On, Copy My Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls
Overall, this place is still worth a visit, especially for certain groups of people. Here are my sincere recommendations:
- Who is it suitable for? Families with kids, large groups of friends dining together. If you're looking for a comfortable place to enjoy authentic Sundanese cuisine, this place is very reliable. They have three branches in Surabaya, and the taste is said to be quite consistent[7].
- How to order?
- Go for it blindly (you won't regret it): Various flavors of Nasi Bakar.
- Add generously (don't be shy): The free Kremesan and Sambal, don't be polite!
- Depends on fate (hit or miss): Sayur Asem, the taste might not suit everyone.
- When to go? It's super busy during meal times on weekends, queuing is the norm! If you don't want to wait for a table, it's recommended to book in advance[8]. Although there are parking spaces, they are also very tight during peak hours.
- Average spending per person: Around 30,000-60,000 Indonesian Rupiah, flexible depending on your order. Considering the portions, I think it's OK.
- Nasi Bakar [1] is a must! Fragrant, charred rice, saucy, savory, spicy – incredibly appetizing! 🤤
- Crispy Kremesan and Sambal [2] are free, unlimited! Sprinkle on rice for divine texture! 🤩
- Perfect for family meals or friends Nongkrong! Big tables [3]. One Nasi Timbel [4] is massive for two – amazing value! ✨
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