Batam has long been Singapore’s favorite budget getaway, and for good reason. Beyond the affordable shopping and relaxing resorts, the island offers a spectacular food scene that rivals destinations costing three times as much. With the current exchange rate hovering around IDR10K to S$0.80, your dining dollar stretches impressively far, making it possible to feast like royalty without the royal price tag.
This comprehensive review explores 20 of Batam’s best eateries, from humble hawker stalls serving generations-old recipes to upscale restaurants offering international cuisine. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast, noodle aficionado, or sweet treat lover, Batam’s diverse culinary landscape has something to satisfy every craving.
Local Indonesian Specialties
Mie Terempa’k: The Noodle Destination
The Experience: Mie tarempa isn’t just a dish—it’s Batam’s culinary calling card. At Mie Terempa’k, this iconic noodle preparation reaches its full potential. The flat, chewy noodles arrive with a distinctive reddish hue that immediately signals what’s coming: an intense, spicy kick that awakens the palate.
What to Order: While the plain version starts at just IDR19K, the real stars are the protein-laden options. The Mie Goreng Sapi (IDR25K+) features tender beef, while the Mie Goreng Seafood (IDR25K+) comes loaded with prawns, squid, and fishcake. The unique “wetness” customization—dry, moist, or wet—allows you to control the sauce-to-noodle ratio, with the wet version transforming the dish into an almost soup-like experience.
Verdict: Essential eating. This is where you understand why mie tarempa holds such a special place in Batam’s food culture. The wok hei is unmistakable, the spice level is bold, and the portions are generous.
Price Point: IDR19K-25K+ (S$1.50-2.00+)
Abun Cha Kue: Carrot Cake Reimagined
The Experience: Tucked inside a quaint coffeeshop, Abun Cha Kue takes the familiar concept of fried carrot cake and elevates it with excellent execution and creative combinations.
What to Order: The standard Cha Kue (IDR18K) delivers superb black chai tow kway with generous chunks and a well-balanced sweet dark soy sauce. But the showstopper is the Cha Kue 3T (IDR18K)—a brilliant fusion that combines carrot cake, yellow noodles, and kway teow in one wok-fried masterpiece. The wok hei here is phenomenal, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Verdict: A must-visit for anyone who appreciates expertly executed hawker fare. The 3T version is particularly innovative and worth the early morning visit (they close at 1pm).
Price Point: IDR18K (S$1.45)
Kedai Kopi Medan: Nasi Lemak Under S$3
The Experience: In Singapore, quality nasi lemak rarely comes cheap. At Kedai Kopi Medan, you’ll find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about value. A complete plate with chicken rendang, fried mackerel, and sambal goreng costs just IDR22K.
The Quality: Don’t let the price fool you—this isn’t budget compromise food. The coconut rice is wonderfully fragrant, each grain infused with rich coconut aroma. The chicken rendang is juicy and properly piquant with complex spice layers. The fried mackerel arrives crispy-skinned and flaky.
Verdict: Extraordinary value that demonstrates why Batam remains such a compelling food destination. This is the kind of meal that makes you want to return to Batam regularly.
Price Point: IDR22K (S$1.75)
Bhinneka Indonesian Resto & Cafe
The Experience: Bhinneka offers a comfortable, air-conditioned environment to explore classic Indonesian dishes without the hawker center atmosphere. The menu reads like a greatest hits of Indonesian cuisine.
What to Order: The Ayam Bakar Madu (IDR27K) is the standout—a succulent, well-grilled chicken leg with honey glaze that’s perfectly paired with rice and sides. Other strong options include Bebek Sambal Matah (IDR35K) and Sapi Rendang (IDR67K).
Verdict: Ideal for those wanting authentic Indonesian flavors in a more comfortable setting. The grilled chicken is exceptional and represents tremendous value.
Price Point: IDR27K-67K (S$2.15-5.35)
Noodle Houses
Bakmie Bangka Asan 2323: Pork Noodle Paradise
The Experience: This stall specializes in mie bangka, a traditional noodle dish from Bangka Island, prepared with pork rather than the more common chicken version.
What to Order: The basic Mie (IDR22K) delivers springy, savory noodles topped with generously marinated minced pork. For the full experience, add the Sangsui (IDR27K)—a garlicky pork-based soup featuring pork belly, liver, and blood curd. It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and not for the faint of heart.
Verdict: A must for pork lovers. The early closing time (2pm) means you’ll need to plan accordingly, but the robust flavors make it worth the effort.
Price Point: IDR22K-27K (S$1.75-2.15)
Seafood Destinations
Love Seafood Batam Centre: The Tourist Favorite
The Experience: This spacious, comfortable restaurant has become a go-to for many Singaporean visitors seeking familiar seafood preparations at Batam prices.
The Good: The atmosphere is welcoming, service is efficient, and dishes like Chilli Crab, Salted Egg Prawns, and Thai Style Fish are executed in styles that appeal to Singaporean palates. Prices are genuinely affordable compared to similar establishments back home.
The Caveat: Some diners report that certain seafood items, particularly crabs, can be on the smaller side and not as meaty as desired. This represents the trade-off between affordability and premium quality.
Verdict: Solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and familiar flavors over premium seafood quality. Manages expectations appropriately and delivers good value.
Price Point: Moderate, market pricing
Harbour Bay Seafood Restaurant: Dinner with a View
The Experience: This restaurant combines three winning elements: fresh seafood, seaside views, and live band entertainment at night. It’s designed for lingering meals with friends and family.
What to Order: The Salted Egg Crab and Black Pepper Crayfish are signature dishes worth seeking out. Prices for luxury seafood vary seasonally, but generally remain reasonable.
Verdict: Best for evening visits when the view, atmosphere, and live music create a complete dining experience. The setting elevates the meal beyond just the food.
Price Point: Moderate to high, seasonal pricing
Golden Prawn 933: Prawn Specialists
The Experience: As the name suggests, this restaurant has built its reputation on fresh prawns prepared in numerous styles.
What to Order: Prawns are available with Black Pepper, Salted Egg, Cayenne Pepper, and other preparations. Pricing varies by weight but is reportedly very affordable. The restaurant also offers crabs and lobsters for those wanting more luxurious options.
Verdict: If prawns are your passion, this specialized restaurant delivers quality and variety at prices that make ordering multiple dishes feasible.
Price Point: Variable by weight, generally affordable
Barelang Seafood Restaurant: Views and Value
The Experience: Located along the Trans Barelang route, this restaurant offers fresh seafood with pleasant sea views.
What to Order: The Ikan Sonu (leopard coral grouper at IDR50K per 100g), Lobster (IDR88K per 100g), and Flower Crab (IDR22K per 100g) showcase the restaurant’s range. The per-100g pricing allows you to control portions and costs.
Verdict: Combines affordability with quality seafood and nice scenery. The transparent weight-based pricing helps budget-conscious diners manage expectations.
Price Point: IDR22K-88K per 100g depending on seafood type
Sup Ikan Yong Kee: Comfort in a Bowl
The Experience: When you need something comforting and restorative, this fish soup specialist delivers exactly that.
What to Order: The Fish Sliced Soup (from IDR58K+) features wonderfully fresh fish in umami-rich broth. You can upgrade to Fish Sliced & Prawn Soup (IDR62K+) or Prawn & Squid (IDR64K+) for variety.
Verdict: The freshness of ingredients shines through in the clear broth. This is soul-warming food that also happens to be healthy—a rare combination.
Price Point: IDR58K-64K+ (S$4.65-5.10+)
Sweet Treats & Snacks
Martabak Bangka Ceria: Sweet Pancake Heaven
The Experience: This iconic stall serves up some of Batam’s best sweet martabak (known as min jiang kueh in Singapore). These aren’t subtle pancakes—they’re unabashedly indulgent, loaded with condensed milk, butter, and various fillings.
What to Order: The Martabak Manis Kacang (IDR42K) offers classic peanut filling with aromatic depth. For maximum indulgence, try the Martabak Manis Keju + Coklat (IDR53K) combining cheese and chocolate, or go all out with Martabak Nutella (IDR87K).
Verdict: These are dessert pancakes done right—fluffy, fragrant, and gloriously sinful. Each box provides a large serving, making them suitable for sharing (though you might not want to).
Price Point: IDR42K-87K (S$3.35-6.95)
Diana Layer Cakes: Kueh Lapis Headquarters
The Experience: With over a decade of experience, Diana Layer Cakes has perfected the art of lapis legit. These intricate, butter-rich cakes are Batam shopping essentials.
What to Buy: Basic layer cakes start from IDR165K, offering excellent value for the labor-intensive baking process. The signature 1kg Prunes Layer Cake (from IDR325K) incorporates dried plum for a sophisticated twist on the traditional recipe.
Verdict: Essential shopping for anyone heading home from Batam. These make excellent gifts and the prices are significantly better than similar cakes in Singapore.
Price Point: From IDR165K (S$13.20)
International Cuisine
Amare Ristorante Italiano: Affordable Italian
The Experience: Amare brings authentic Italian flavors to Batam at prices that make regular pasta nights feasible.
What to Order: Fettucine Bolognese at IDR105K++ represents excellent value, while the more luxurious Fettuccine Truffle Cacciatora (IDR130K++) remains surprisingly affordable. Pizza options include Margherita (IDR115K++), Prosciutto (IDR155K++), and Frutti Di Mare (IDR140K++).
Verdict: Solid Italian fare that would cost double or triple in Singapore. The execution is competent and portions are generous.
Price Point: IDR105K-155K++ (S$8.40-12.40++)
Piccola Stella: Charcoal-Fired Excellence
The Experience: Piccola Stella has built a reputation for legitimate Italian cuisine, with its pizzas being particularly celebrated.
What to Order: The Couldron Pizza Salsiccia (IDR140K++) features charcoal-fired dough topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, peppers, ground beef, and beef sausage. Pasta options include Salsa Alfredo del Gambero (IDR103K++), Aglio Olio Pollo (IDR75K++), and Lasagna all Abruzzese (IDR95K++).
Verdict: The charcoal-fired pizzas elevate this beyond typical pizza chain fare. Notable for being halal-certified, making it accessible to more diners.
Price Point: IDR75K-140K++ (S$6.00-11.20++)
Sushi Ozu: Japanese Fresh
The Experience: This modern Japanese restaurant emphasizes fresh sushi and hearty donburi in a contemporary setting.
What to Order: Sushi highlights include Aburi Salmon Belly (IDR28K++), Nama Hotate (IDR42K++), and Aburi Beef (IDR38K++). For something more substantial, the Salmon Teriyaki Don (IDR75K++), Oyako Don (IDR45K++), or Beef Sukiyaki (IDR65K++) deliver satisfaction.
Verdict: The freshness of fish is evident, and prices are approximately half what you’d pay in Singapore for similar quality. A strong option for Japanese food cravings.
Price Point: IDR28K-75K++ (S$2.25-6.00++)
Azumaya Kyoto Yakitori Bar: Skewers and Sake
The Experience: This cozy Japanese spot specializes in yakitori and kushiage (deep-fried skewers) in a laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual dining.
What to Order: Yakitori skewers start from just IDR8K++, featuring various chicken cuts, sausages, and quail eggs. Kushiage options include Chicken (IDR13K++) and Prawn (IDR20K++). Heartier options like Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (IDR50K++) and Gyu Don (IDR70K++) round out the menu.
Verdict: The skewer prices are remarkable—you can try multiple varieties without breaking the bank. Great for relaxed evening dining with drinks.
Price Point: IDR8K-70K++ (S$0.65-5.60++)
Jumbo Thai Kitchen: Thai Done Right
The Experience: Quality Thai cuisine at prices that encourage ordering multiple dishes.
What to Order: Classic preparations like Green Curry Chicken (from IDR57K), Thai Basil Chicken with Rice (IDR38K), and Pad Thai (from IDR50K) are executed well. The seafood receives particular praise, including Fried Prawn with Cereal (IDR68K) and Blackpepper Crayfish (market price).
Verdict: Satisfies Thai food cravings with authentic flavors and generous portions. The bang-for-buck ratio is excellent.
Price Point: IDR38K-68K+ (S$3.05-5.45+)
Food Court Experience
Nagoya Hill Food Street
The Experience: Located inside one of Batam’s most established malls, this sprawling indoor food street offers air-conditioned comfort with diverse dining options.
What’s Available: From familiar fast food chains (A&W, Wendy’s) to local restaurants (Duck Kitchen, Ayam Penyet Ria), the variety ensures everyone in your group finds something appealing.
Verdict: Perfect for groups with different preferences or when you want multiple options in one location. The indoor setting provides relief from Batam’s heat and humidity.
Price Point: Varies by vendor
Aroma Signature: Modern Indonesian
The Experience: Chic, modern space serving Indonesian classics alongside more contemporary cafe-style dishes.
What to Order: The signature Ayam Series features various chicken preparations (Nasi Ayam Cabe Ijo, Sambal Matah, Penyet) all at IDR30K. Western options include Spaghetti Bolognese (IDR25K) and Chicken Katsu (IDR38K).
Verdict: Bridges traditional and modern dining expectations with competent execution across different cuisines. The contemporary setting appeals to younger diners.
Price Point: IDR25K-38K (S$2.00-3.05)
Ikan Bakar Cianjur: Javanese Traditions
The Experience: This chain, which started in 1989 in West Java, brings traditional Javanese grilled fish preparations to Batam.
What to Order: Specialties include Gurame Asam Manis (fried freshwater carp in sweet and sour sauce) and Ayam Bakar (Javanese-style grilled chicken). The Nila Sop offers lightly fried tilapia in clear soup with preserved vegetables for those wanting comfort food.
Verdict: Solid traditional Indonesian fare with the consistency you’d expect from an established chain. Good for those wanting authentic regional flavors.
Price Point: Moderate, specific prices not listed
Final Thoughts
Why Batam’s Food Scene Works
Batam’s culinary appeal isn’t just about cheap prices—though those certainly help. The island has developed a food culture that blends Indonesian authenticity with international influences, all while maintaining quality standards that satisfy Singaporean palates accustomed to excellence.
Value Perspective
To put Batam’s value in perspective: you can enjoy a satisfying local meal for under S$2, a quality seafood dinner for S$15-20 per person, and even upscale international cuisine for S$10-15 per person. These prices represent 30-50% of what you’d pay for comparable food in Singapore.
Trip Planning Tips
- Halal Considerations: Most establishments are not halal-certified but don’t use pork or lard. Piccola Stella stands out as halal-certified. Always verify current halal status if this is important.
- Operating Hours: Many local eateries close early afternoon (like Abun Cha Kue at 1pm and Bakmie Bangka Asan at 2pm). Plan morning/lunch visits for these spots.
- Seafood Strategy: For premium seafood, visit Harbour Bay or Barelang. For budget seafood, Love Seafood offers good value with modest expectations.
- Must-Try Local Dishes: Don’t leave without trying mie tarempa, sweet martabak, and kueh lapis—these represent Batam’s unique food identity.
- Exchange Rate: With IDR10K currently around S$0.80, budgeting becomes simple. A comfortable daily food budget of S$25-30 allows you to eat very well.
The Verdict
Batam deserves its reputation as a food lover’s budget paradise. Whether you’re seeking authentic Indonesian street food, fresh seafood with sea views, or international cuisine at fraction of home prices, the island delivers consistently. The combination of affordability, variety, and quality makes Batam a compelling dining destination that rewards both adventurous eaters and those seeking familiar comforts.
For Singaporeans, Batam represents not just a quick getaway, but a chance to eat freely without the constant budget calculations that dining at home requires. That freedom to explore, to order that extra dish, to try something new without worrying about the bill—that’s the real luxury Batam offers.
Last Updated: October 2025
Exchange Rate Referenced: IDR10K = S$0.80
Note: Prices and operating hours subject to change. Always verify current information before visiting.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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