This grilled fish is heavenly, but dare you step on the landmines?
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover a hidden Manadonese gem known for its epic grilled tuna jaw—a massive, tender "tuna tomahawk" that's worth the long drive. While the food is heavenly, the journey isn't without its pitfalls. This review gives you the full scoop on the must-try dishes and the serious "landmines" to avoid, from a cramped space to critical safety warnings. Get the essential tips you need to decide if this culinary adventure is for you.
How far would I go for good food? Probably as far as driving all the way to the Banjarbaru airport area, to a place in the middle of nowhere, just for a Manadonese restaurant that's said to be incredibly authentic.
Honestly, I had my doubts when I first arrived. The surroundings were so sepi (deserted)... But when that plate of Rahang Tuna (grilled tuna jaw) was served, I admit I was proven wrong. This wasn't just a fish jaw; it was practically a "tuna tomahawk"! It was huge, grilled to fragrant perfection. With a gentle poke of the chopsticks, large chunks of meat fell right off. It was tender and smooth, with no fishy smell at all—just full of the rich aroma of fish oil. Mantap![1]
We also ordered the Kakap Woku[2]. The aroma of the spices hits you right away. The fish was stewed until it was super flavorful, and I could eat three bowls of rice just with the sauce! The portion was a solid family size, perfect for sharing with a group. And then there was the amazing Pisang Goreng Sambal Roa (fried banana with spicy fish chili paste)[3]. I thought it would be a weird combo, but the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors blended perfectly in my mouth. Anjay! It was so good I couldn't stop eating. For this flavor and the generous portions[4] alone, no matter how far the drive, it was totally worth it!
⚠️ But, let's get real
The food is genuinely good, but there are some pitfalls I have to warn you about.
First, the environment. The indoor air-conditioned area is very small and is almost always full during meal times. Sitting outside, you'll literally melt from the heat[5]. Second, and most importantly, I saw two major "bombshells" in the comment section:
Although I didn't experience this myself, just hearing about it sends a chill down my spine. Everyone really needs to be extra careful.
- 1. Someone had a severe allergic reaction after eating their tuna, suspecting the ingredients weren't fresh[6].
- 2. Even more outrageous, a customer gave their car keys to a staff member to move their car and came back to find money stolen from inside![7]
Time to copy my notes: My guide to avoiding the pitfalls
For friends who want to give it a try, remember these points to improve your experience by 80%:
- A must for the lazy: Be sure to book your table and order your food in advance via WhatsApp![8] This way, you won't have to wait around when you get there, especially if you want to sit in the air-conditioned room.
- Transportation tip: This place is quite a ways from the city center[9], so I recommend making a special trip for it, don't just think you can drop by on the way. You might also have to wait a bit longer for a ride-hailing car.
- Safety first: I have to emphasize this! Never leave valuables in your car! Keep your car keys with you! This is a golden rule no matter where you go!
- Ordering recommendations: If you're in a small group, just focus on the Rahang Tuna. If you have more people, you can add a Woku or some stir-fried vegetables; the portions are definitely big enough. The atmosphere is pretty good for a family meal or for friends to Nongkrong[10].
- Rahang Tuna (Grilled Tuna Jaw): A giant, smoky "tuna tomahawk." The meat is tender, oily, and fragrant. Absolutely Mantap! [1]
- Kakap Woku: Intense spices and super flavorful fish. The sauce is perfect for rice. A generous portion, great for sharing. [2][3]
- Pisang Goreng Sambal Roa (Fried Banana with Spicy Fish Sambal): A wild sweet, salty, and spicy combo. Sounds weird, but it's addictive. Anjay! [4]
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