Looking for a good restaurant in Belitung islandcan be intimidating : menus in Indonesian without prices, limited online reviews, language barriers… 🤔
Many travelers end up sticking to hotel restaurants or familiar Western dishes, missing out on the island’s authentic culinary treasures.
In this article, I’ll share all my tips and favorite spots to help you discover Belitung’s best restaurants and enjoy a genuine local food experience 😋.
Here are 3 things to remember about Belitung restaurants :
The seafood is exceptionally fresh
The prices are very affordable for excellent quality (but they are not always displayed on the menus)
The service is always very attentive, with great kindness
🍽️ What type of cuisine ?
Mainly fresh seafood dishes and traditional Indonesian cuisine.
💰 What’s the budget ?
Prices are very reasonable, expect around 50,000 to 150,000 IDR per person ($3-10).
🗣️ Do they speak English ?
Rarely, but don’t worry, there’s always a solution to place your order.
⏰ Do you need to book in advance ?
No, but allow plenty of time as service is often slow.
🌶️ Is it spicy food ?
Dishes can be spicy but you can always ask for a milder version.
The culinary experience in Belitung is unique. On this peaceful island, restaurants are rarely crowded. You’ll often have the chance to be the only customers, guaranteeing you tranquility and personalized service.
An important tip : allow plenty of time. Cooking is slow and the wait can easily reach an hour. It’s an opportunity to savor the present moment.
Warungs are the heart of local cuisine in Belitung. These family restaurants, often recognizable by the letters “RM” (Rumah Makan, meaning “eating house”) in their name, are institutions. Passed down from generation to generation, they offer authentic recipes.
The language barrier might seem challenging as menus are generally not translated. Here are 3 practical solutions:
Use an online translator
Scan the menu and ask ChatGPT to translate it
Let yourself be guided by your instinct
To help you, here are 5 essential terms you’ll often find on menus:
Nasi Goreng: fried rice
Ikan: fish
Udang: shrimp
Cumi: squid
Kepiting: crab
Where to Eat in Belitung ?
The best restaurants in Belitung are concentrated in two main areas: around the beaches from Tanjung Kelayang to Laskar Pelangi for fresh seafood, and in the city of Tanjung Pandan for a more varied selection.
Restaurants around Tanjung Kelayang and Laskar Pelangi
Along the coast, several restaurants offer authentic local cuisine with breathtaking views of the Java Sea. These establishments are known for their ultra-fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Kampong Dedaun
This seaside restaurant is considered one of the best in Belitung. Its ideal location near the Santika hotel offers an incredible view of the white sand beach.
The establishment offers a wide selection of seafood in a spacious and comfortable setting, perfect for meals with family or friends.
Recommended dishes : Gangan (local fish soup), Ikan Bakar Bumbu Kuning (grilled fish with yellow spices), Udang Saus Padang (shrimp with Padang sauce)
Atmosphere : Beachfront restaurant with large garden and beach view
A modern café-restaurant, ideal for watching the sunset. The establishment offers a varied menu, ranging from typical dishes to more Western snacks, as well as a nice selection of drinks.
Recommended dishes : Traditional dishes, toast, specialty coffees
Atmosphere : Beach café with beautiful panoramic view
An authentic restaurant where you can choose your fresh seafood directly in the kitchen. The establishment offers generous portions in a relaxed setting.
Recommended dishes : Ilak Bumbu Kecap (local fish with soy sauce), Cumi Bakar (grilled squid)
Atmosphere : Traditional beach huts in the shade of trees
A casual café located on the beautiful Tinggi beach. The perfect spot for a refreshing break, especially at sunset. Bonus: you can rent a paddle board here.
These two neighboring restaurants on Tanjung Kelayang offer quality home-style cooking. The seafood is fresh and the vegetables are particularly well prepared.
Located near Stefanus Viewpoint, this restaurant offers an exceptional setting. The view of the turquoise sea and white sand makes the meal even more delicious.
Recommended dishes : Fresh seafood of the day
Atmosphere : Spectacular view of the turquoise sea and white sand beach
The main town of Belitung offers a greater culinary diversity. Between traditional restaurants and more modern establishments, you’ll find options for all tastes here.
Ichiro Sushi
The best sushi restaurant in town. The owners are passionate and regularly innovate with new recipes. The space is cute and the service attentive.
Recommended dishes : Traditional sushi and original creations
Atmosphere : Comfortable and clean restaurant, modern ambiance
A convenient café-restaurant located opposite the Billiton Hotel with a view of Satam Square. The menu is simple but effective, ideal for a quick meal.
Recommended dishes : Simple dishes and snacks
Atmosphere : Upstairs balcony with view of the square
As someone with gluten intolerance, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to eat gluten-free in Belitung. The local cuisine is naturally based on rice, vegetables, and fresh seafood.
To avoid any risk, I systematically showed this message to restaurant owners :
Saya alergi gluten. Jangan tambahkan bahan-bahan ini ke dalam masakan : tidak ada kecap asin, tidak ada kecap ikan, tidak ada saus tiram, tidak ada tepung terigu.
I am allergic to gluten. Do not add these ingredients in dishes : no soy sauce, no fish sauce, no oyster sauce, no wheat flour.
The locals were always very understanding and attentive to my request. Most dishes can be easily adapted by simply avoiding sauces containing gluten and fried items.
🙏
Eating in Belitung Restaurants is a unique culinary adventure. Between traditional warungs and beachfront restaurants, each meal becomes a memorable experience, rich in local flavors.
Don’t be afraid of the language barrier and let yourself try the island’s specialties. The ultra-fresh seafood and warm welcome from the locals will offer you wonderful surprises.
