A First-Timer's Guide to Batam Seafood: Where to Go & What to Expect
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
No trip to Batam is complete without experiencing their fresh, affordable seafood. The island is a haven for seafood lovers, where fresh crabs, prawns, and fish are cooked to order in your favourite style.
However, if you haven’t been to Batam before, some things may be different from what you’re used to back home.
Here are the essential things you need to know about seafood in Batam.
Many places sell live seafood by weight
Photo source: Google Maps
Seafood in Batam isn’t just fresh - it’s often live.
Many restaurants will have live seafood on full display and priced by weight. This means that you often aren’t ordering from a menu. In many places, you’ll have to view the options available and speak to an attendant who'll guide you through the process, make recommendations, and take your order.
Orders can also be quite flexible. For example, certain shellfish may be sold in 100g increments, but don’t be afraid to ask if you can order a smaller portion. Bargaining isn’t entertained in many restaurants, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Always check prices if they aren’t labelled, and make sure to watch as your selection is weighed to prevent any misunderstandings over the bill.
Your seafood order is cooked in many familiar styles
Photo source: Google Maps
Don’t worry about different tastebuds or being overwhelmed by unfamiliar flavours.
If you look through the cooking styles available, you’ll find many familiar favourites such as Singapore Chili, Kam Heong, Salted Egg, and Cereal/Nestum alongside Indonesian staples like Saus Padang.
This gives you an option of sticking to something you know and love, or exploring a new flavour profile.
Prices are seasonal, but lunchtime promotions offer great deals
Photo source: Love Seafood via Facebook
Fresh seafood prices are seasonal, but but still affordable. For example, you can get:
- 500g of live prawns for Rp77,000 - RP96,000 (RM20 - RM25)
- One-person serving of scallops for Rp54,000 (RM14)
- Plate of clams (lala) for Rp32,500(RM8.50)
- Plate of fried squid for Rp46,000 (RM12)
If you’re eating alone, it’s very possible to have a seafood meal for under RM30. Many restaurants also serve seafood-based meals like seafood fried rice for less, or offer time-limited promotions.
But if you’re looking for extra value, try visiting during lunch or during off-peak hours. Some restaurants offer lunchtime promotions - but you may have to ask what’s on the menu.
These are some must-visit seafood restaurants in Batam
Photo source: Google Maps
Some restaurants are popular with tourists, while some offer dining by the sea. Here are five popular ones to get you started:
Prices may be affordable, but don’t get carried away!
Photo source: Google Maps
Although prices are cheap in comparison to back home, your expenses can quickly add up if you’re ordering lobster and crab at every meal. You may come home regretting letting yourself be carried away.
However, one thing that should absolutely carry you away is a ferry from Berjaya Waterfront. With comfortable air-conditioned ferries departing almost every hour, you’ll be going from sea to seafood in no time at all.