From Riau Islands Seafood to floating kelongs, Batam emerges as a maritime culinary destination
Batam is fast becoming a premier destination for seafood lovers, offering more than just fresh catch. At the forefront is Riau Islands Seafood—formerly “Kepri Seafood”—a restaurant that combines marine culture, architecture, and cuisine into one unforgettable experience.
Kepri Seafood: Culinary Vision from the Coast
Located at the end of Setokok’s Third Barelang Bridge, Kepri Seafood is not just a restaurant—it’s a vision brought to life by seafood veteran Akuang, who previously founded the iconic Golden Fish. Built across nearly 20 hectares, the space includes a massive open-air dining area and scenic sea views, with the capacity to host up to 1,500 guests.
“The concept is rooted in attracting tourists. We blended fresh seafood with an immersive maritime experience,” Akuang said on May 15. The name pays homage to regional identities like Natuna, Lingga, and Moro, aligning with the broader vision of promoting Riau Islands heritage through cuisine.
Key Highlights:
Capacity & Location: Can accommodate up to 1,500 guests with panoramic sea views near Barelang Bridge 3
Design Concept: Nautical-themed architecture and spacious outdoor layout for tourist appeal
Land Area: Occupies 20 hectares, with 1 hectare for the restaurant and parking, the rest open for investment collaboration
Construction of Kepri Seafood began in 2018 and continued through the challenges of COVID-19, finally opening in 2022. Today, it’s not only a dining destination but a cultural landmark frequently used for official events, weddings, and tourist gatherings.
Akuang revealed plans to expand the attraction by installing a decommissioned Hercules aircraft along the coastline, converting it into a thematic restaurant where guests can dine “in three elements”—land, sea, and air. “We want this to be an iconic experience, not just a meal,” he said.
Seafood Gems Across Batam
Batam’s culinary scene is rich with standout destinations offering diverse seafood experiences. Below are a few of the biggest names:
Sei Enam Harbour Bay: Famed for its fusion of Chinese-Peranakan, Indonesian, and Singaporean seafood dishes. Located in the Harbour Bay area, it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
Barelang Seafood Restaurant: Known for its picturesque waterfront views and live seafood selection, this restaurant near the iconic Barelang Bridge is a major attraction.
Love Seafood Piayu Laut: Offers a unique floating dining setup over calm waters with lush surroundings and menu favorites like black pepper crab and seafood steamboat.
Other notable names include Amazon Seafood (Nongsa), Kopak Jaya 007, and SeeSea by Nomad, each offering unique settings—from kelong-style dining to beachfront music lounges.
Integrating Culture and Investment
The rise of Riau Islands cuisine is not just a trend—it’s a strategic move. Akuang is now inviting investors who share the vision of building Batam into a complete tourism ecosystem anchored by food, scenery, and heritage. The 20-hectare land surrounding the restaurant is open for further collaboration.
With proximity to Singapore and Malaysia, Batam is perfectly positioned to attract international visitors. And with entrepreneurs like Akuang pushing boundaries, Batam’s culinary scene is evolving into a sustainable and exportable tourism model.
Batam’s culinary evolution—from local seafood joints to visionary landmarks like Riau Islands Seafood—signals a new chapter for Indonesia’s coastal tourism. For regional travelers seeking taste, story, and scenery in one dish, Batam now serves it all.
Sources: Media Indonesia (2025), iNews ID (2025)
Keywords: Riau Islands Seafood, Batam Culinary Destination, Seafood Restaurants, Coastal Dining, Culinary Tourism, Marine Cuisine
