Menu of Dong Bei Yi Jia Ren in Sonokwijenan, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Menu Overview

Located in the heart of Surabaya at Jl. Raya Kupang Indah No.45A, Dong Bei Yi Jia Ren stands out as an authentic Chinese restaurant with a strong identity rooted in Dong Bei (Northeast China) cuisine. The ambiance blends traditional Chinese elements of gold and red hues, symbolizing prosperity, with a clean and bright interior that invites diners to focus on the food itself.

One cannot discuss Dong Bei Yi Jia Ren without highlighting their famed Telur Tomat (Tomato Eggs). Revered by many customers as the restaurant’s signature dish, it embodies the comfort of home-style Chinese cooking. While some, like Vincent Huang, find the sweetness a bit pronounced, this flavor balance seems tailored to the Indonesian palate. The dish’s velvety eggs paired with gently stewed tomatoes create a harmony of texture and taste that lingers pleasantly.

The Pork Fried Sweet and Sour Pork offers a classic yet nuanced experience. Crispy textures balance against tangy, well-crafted sauce layers, although opinions vary—Maya reported inconsistency in pork cuts affecting chewiness. The Sate Babi (Pork Satay) emerges as a crowd favorite, served uniquely on mini bamboo sticks, which enhances the presentation and eating experience. Despite slight saltiness and tougher bites noted by some, it captures authentic flavors that differentiate it clearly from typical pork satays.

Diving deeper, the Terong Babi Cincang (eggplant with minced pork) is a revelation—tender eggplants infused with sweet-spicy notes of minced pork make it an ideal complement to steamed rice. Likewise, the Hui Kao Rou (roasted pork belly) reflects rich textures and balanced seasoning, especially when paired with steamed mantou. Although sweet-sour plum sauce could elevate it further, the salty sauce used provides a traditional touch appreciated by many patrons.

The restaurant also carries classic staples like Dumplings (水饺) and Buncis Shichuan Spicy Snap Beans, which bring forward familiar Dong Bei flavors with slight regional adaptations, like a nuanced vinegar dip with the dumplings that enhances their authenticity. The Maling Goreng and other vegetable-forward dishes showcase the kitchen’s versatility, blending Sichuan spice profiles with deep umami flavors.

Customer reviews reinforce the kitchen’s dedication to genuine Dong Bei cuisine. Tony Alexander highlighted the mindful serving sequence and praised dishes such as Ayam Pedas for its mala spice that truly elevates the palate. Fernand Santoso affirms the strong, authentic flavors, emphasizing the tomato egg’s signature status. While the venue may lack luxury, its VIP rooms provide comfort for those seeking privacy without compromising authenticity.

In summary, Dong Bei Yi Jia Ren delivers a compelling culinary journey through northeastern Chinese flavors with dishes that resonate comfort and tradition. The bold, savory profiles, thoughtful ingredient combinations, and a menu that balances beloved classics with regional specialties make it a standout for anyone craving genuine Chinese food in Surabaya. Some minor inconsistencies in sweetness and seasoning can be noted, but they serve to highlight the personalized, home-cooked essence of this dining experience.