This Sundanese spot in Pekanbaru: Mantap or a total disaster?
qponx
2026-03-06
Bakoel Bamboe in Pekanbaru offers a traditional Sundanese dining experience with a beautiful bamboo interior, perfect for family gatherings. While the ambiance is a major draw, this spot is a mixed bag. The Spicy Grilled Gourami and Chicken Satay are must-try hits, praised for their authentic flavor. However, diners should beware of the incredibly slow service and inconsistent dishes, like the notoriously tough fried chicken. This review breaks down the highs and lows to help you decide.
After shopping at Mal Pekanbaru until my battery was drained, I was originally just looking for a random place to eat, but I was drawn in by the storefront of this place, Bakoel Bamboe. It has a high score of 4.8 on Google, so I thought, "This one's a safe bet..." But who would have known? This meal took my mood on a roller coaster ride 🎢.
As soon as I walked in, the hustle and bustle of the mall was instantly shut out. My eyes were filled with bamboo and wooden structures, a very traditional Sundanese aesthetic, and the ambiance was totally on point. The environment is clean and cool[1], and the space is quite large. Besides regular seating, there's also a tatami (lesehan) area where you can sit cross-legged, perfect for bringing the whole family to nongkrong and chill.
We came for their signature dishes and ordered a few heavy hitters:
Okay, enough with the praise, let's talk about the downsides. While the ambiance and most of the dishes were on point, there were two landmines that really made me facepalm...
First, the service was... Anjay... unbelievably slow[2]. We went during an off-peak hour, and the restaurant wasn't crowded, but calling a waiter or even just getting a glass of water could take up to 20 minutes. Someone with no patience would literally explode on the spot 💥.
Second, the quality control for the dishes was a bit of a mystery. My friend ordered the fried chicken set, and the chicken was so tough you'd need to use all your life's strength to chew it[3]. I suspect it was a bodybuilder chicken. Other reviews also mentioned that the meat in the oxtail soup was on the tough side, so ordering meat dishes might really depend on the chef's mood that day.
- Spicy Grilled Gourami (Gurame Bakar Pedas)[4]: This one gets a definite thumbs up! The fish was grilled until the skin was slightly charred, but the meat inside was still tender. The flavor of the spicy sauce had completely soaked in, making it go perfectly with rice. Mantap!
- Chicken Satay (Sate Ayam)[5]: This was also a pleasant surprise. It wasn't the kind bulked up with chicken skin and fat; it was real, solid chicken meat. The sauce had a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it blended well with the meat.
- Specialty Basket Rice (Nasi Bakoel)[6]: It was served with a sense of ceremony. The rice was mixed with various spices; we chose the shredded chicken flavor, and it tasted good.
Editor's Highlights (Landmine Guide)
⭕️ Do's and Don'ts for Ordering
⏰ Timing & Budget
🧘 Mindset Management
- Order Without Hesitation 👉 Gurame Bakar Pedas[7] and Sate Ayam[8]. The absolute stars of the table.
- Landmine Alert 👉 Fried chicken and oxtail soup[9]. Unless you have exceptionally strong teeth, order with caution.
- Portion Size Note 👉 Side dishes like Karedok and Urap come in small portions[10], so if you have a large group, it's best to order an extra serving.
- Best Time to Go: As a family restaurant, it's bound to be crowded during meal times. If you plan to go on a weekend, it's best to book a table in advance[11]. Go during off-peak hours if you want a quieter experience.
- Wallet Warning: Expect to spend around 300,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person[12]. Note that the menu prices are net, and a 4% service charge and 10% tax will be added to the final bill!
- Be zen about it; don't expect fast-food efficiency. If you do experience slow service, go and follow up directly; don't just wait foolishly[13].
- Escape the mall's chaos. Bakoel Bamboe's Sundanese bamboo & wood structures create an instant, transportive vibe[1].
- The Spicy Grilled Gurami (Gurame Bakar Pedas)[2] is a must: charred skin, tender meat, and a spicy sauce that's pure Mantap!
- The Basket Rice (Nasi Bakoel)[3] is a showstopper. Get the shredded chicken—its aromatic spiced rice is a surprise in every bite.
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