Heading to Raja Ampat? Don’t board the ferry before eating at Balobe Seafood in Sorong
If there is exactly one place you absolutely cannot miss before you catch the ferry into the heart of Raja Ampat, it is Balobe Seafood in Sorong.
While the street stalls at Tembok Berlin offer a fantastic atmosphere, Balobe is where you go for a truly legendary, masterclass meal in local seafood processing.
The Must-Visit: Balobe Seafood
Balobe is famous for a highly specific local specialty that completely changes how people view fish anatomy: Tuna Rahang (Grilled Tuna Jaw).
The Signature Dish
Rahang Tuna Bakar
Instead of serving a standard fillet, they take the massive, bone-in jaw of a fresh yellowfin tuna and grill it over open charcoal until the exterior is deeply charred and caramelized.
Why it is a must-visit:
- The Texture: The jaw is the absolute juiciest, most gelatinous, and tender part of the tuna. It has a rich, melt-in-your-mouth fat content that regular fillets completely lack.
- The Sambal Flight: It doesn’t just come with one sauce. Balobe serves their tuna jaw with a trio of distinct sambals—ranging from a sweet, aromatic soy-chili glaze to a searingly hot, lime-infused raw native paste. You get to mix and match textures and heat levels with every bite.
- The Vibe: It is entirely local, packed with travelers returning from liveaboards and residents alike, and the kitchen is open so you can see the evening’s massive catch being prepped right as you walk in.
Pair a plate of their smoky tuna jaw with a cold drink and a side of flash-fried water spinach (kangkung), and you have the definitive taste of the gateway to the archipelago.
