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Melaka is back with direct flights to and from Pekanbaru, and we’re super excited about this awesome chance! Just thinking about that quick one-hour flight to dive into the sumptuous delicacies, lively culture, and friendly vibes of this lovely neighboring town gets us buzzing with adventure and wanderlust! So, on June 10th, 2026, we jumped on the first flight back from Pekanbaru to Melaka after chilling in Pekanbaru the week before, transiting through Singapore’s Changi Airport before the introduction of this direct flight.

Pekanbaru has wonderfully captured our curiosity, inspired by a family friend who owns a charming goldsmith shop there. Eager to dive into its vibrant markets, delicious food, and unique crafts, we encountered some initial challenges in finding detailed information about the city; however, we found the treasure of Google reviews, which, while leading us to a few closed landmarks, ignited our adventurous spirit. What began as a navigation puzzle transformed into an exciting journey, made even more delightful by the friendly locals who warmly shared the city’s rich culture, delectable cuisine, and hidden gems, truly enhancing our experience.

Pekanbaru, founded on June 23, 1784, by the Siak Sultanate as a trading post called Senapelan, means “New Market” in Malay, highlighting its significance in regional trade. Over the years, it evolved into a crucial river port along the Siak River, facilitating trade in rubber, palm oil, and spices, which were highly sought after by merchants from various regions. The city’s growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a Dutch colonial center for coffee, rubber, and timber was marked by the establishment of infrastructure that supported agricultural production and export. This period saw an influx of labor and investment, further enhancing Pekanbaru’s economic landscape. The subsequent discoveries of vast petroleum reserves in the surrounding region led to a major economic boom, attracting industries and boosting urban development.

After Indonesia gained independence, Pekanbaru was officially declared the capital of Riau Province in 1959, taking over from Tanjung Pinang, and has since developed into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and education, reflecting its pivotal role in the region’s history. Today, Pekanbaru is one of Sumatra’s largest cities, distinguished by its rapid economic growth driven by the petroleum industry, while still preserving its rich Malay heritage and architecture.

In the lively city of Pekanbaru, seize the opportunity to indulge in Nasi Padang, an exquisite Minangkabau feast that tantalizes the senses with its fragrant steamed rice, served alongside a breathtaking array of succulently rich meats, curries, and fiery sambals, all hailing from the vibrant West Sumatra, Indonesia.

You may also pair your meal with their iconic Rendang Padang, a true masterpiece of slow-cooked caramelized beef that celebrates the exquisite culinary artistry of the Minangkabau ethnic group. Loved and revered across the globe for its astonishingly rich and complex flavors, it has rightfully claimed its place in the culinary spotlight, proudly recognized by CNN International as one of the world’s most delicious foods.

During your stay in Pekanbaru, jump at the chance to treat yourself to the delightful Nasi liwet at the locally renowned rumah makan. Nasi liwet is a captivating traditional rice dish, hailing from the heart of Central Java in Indonesia, specifically from Solo. Imagine the enchanting aroma as the rice dances in creamy coconut milk, infused with tantalizing chicken broth, fragrant salam leaves, zesty lemongrass, and a melody of spices. The result is a truly exquisite dish, where each bite reveals a symphony of rich, aromatic, and succulent flavors that will leave you longing for more!

We’re excited to share our fun take on the awesome places to eat in Pekanbaru, where you can find tons of delicious local dishes, cool restaurants, and interesting cafes that you’ve got to check out while you’re hanging out in this lively city! I want to emphasize that these recommendations come from my heart and are purely my personal choices—not paid advertisements.

1. RM. Pak Nurdin
   • Google location – https://share.google/mmoPKt9AA9LMdiDXZ
     • We rolled in at 8 am, excited for a fantastic breakfast before heading back home. Their chicken rendang and beef rendang are not just fresh; they’re a flavor explosion, incredibly tender, and simply irresistible! We couldn’t help but pack some dishes to enjoy on our way to the airport. Honestly, the food here is an extraordinary delight that leaves the options at their other branches in the dust!
2. Pondok Gurih
   • Google location – https://share.google/xLTXoRzRN8VmAD6vY
     • The ultimate foodie paradise in Pekanbaru awaits you! Every bite of the exquisite dishes was simply outstanding and bursting with flavor. The staff welcomed us with open arms, showering us with exceptional recommendations that transformed our dining experience into sheer delight. We savored the incredible kakap gulai, tantalizing udang sambal pete, mouthwatering sate ayam, comforting sop buntut, delectable pepes pucuk ubi, and the ever-refreshing karedok. This is an experience you absolutely cannot miss!
3. Bakoel Bamboe
   • Google location – https://share.google/pFF2rwi7aUu6j8djS
     • What an incredible surprise for dinner! The service was nothing short of fantastic, and we indulged in an array of delightful dishes: the vibrant karedok, the mouthwatering grilled chicken in rich soy sauce, the exquisite mini rice bakoel with shrimp and those bold stinky beans, crunchy melinjo chips, and a refreshing torch ginger salad that was simply divine. You absolutely must choose the grilled chicken as your main dish; it truly stole the show!
4. RM Kota Buana
   • Google location – https://share.google/X1oaY8ONEWzvnzFG1
     • They serve up some tasty Padang food based on how many folks you bring, and they’ll hook you up with the right amount and your favorites. They’ve got chicken and beef prepared in 3 fun ways, plus 2 veggie sides to choose from. The food’s not greasy or oily, and honestly, their Beef Rendang is the best – we’re definitely coming back for more! Also, the service is awesome, and the spot is super clean.
5. Melodi Rasa
   • Google location – https://share.google/AyQDjtpyjdJRVkHkF
     • This place is a hot spot for the locals, packed with chatter and people when we swing by for Saturday lunch. Heard it’s a big deal for their nasi liwet, especially when you pair it with your choice of meat, like fried chicken, prawns, or grilled beef. I decided to go for the nasi liwet udang bakar madu (that’s steamed coconut rice with honey-glazed fried prawns). Honestly, one set is perfect for two small eaters, and it worked out great since the prawns were massive and the sides, though simple, packed a tasty punch. Oh, and their single-shot white coffee? It’s got a nice subtle aroma and creamy feel, just a bit lighter on the finish.
6. Koki Sunda
   • Google location – https://share.google/TaQgq0L0pOl12nbrm
     • I just had to get the sup buntut (oxtail soup) and the nasi iwak (lauk-pauk) along with their amazing gulai fish. Seriously, that gulai fish had this awesome aroma and was super tasty with all those flavors! The portions might look a little small, but honestly, it’s just right for two people to share and enjoy. Plus, they hook you up with some free fruit rojak—make sure to try the sweet pineapple; it’s the perfect way to wrap up the meal!
7. More Than Miles Coffee Roasters
   • Google location- https://share.google/E0BUxVvOqehIl0EoM
     • So, they’ve got like 2 outlets, but we only checked out this one while we were in Pekanbaru. Chanced upon this really cool café there! It’s been forever since I found a spot with coffee that’s not only super aromatic but also has this smooth finish. The staff was super chill, friendly, and just plain awesome.
8. One Refinery Coffee Shop
   • Google location – https://share.google/psaU4IIFnTG3o7vHb
     • Love the vibe here – it’s cozy but with plenty of space, and they really know their coffee stuff from planting to brewing. This spot is all about Indo coffee beans! If you’re into manual brews, definitely try the Gayo full wash arabica; it’s got a cleaner finish and is way less acidic than the Gayo natural. I couldn’t help but go back the next day for the Gayo peaberry and the amazing Gayo wine – seriously, an eye-opener for coffee lovers visiting Pekanbaru. We even ended up grabbing 8 packs of coffee beans to take home as souvenirs!