Don't just listen to the President! Think twice about this Kampung Kecil branch...
qponx
2026-03-04
Lured by its presidential seal of approval and "royal taste, people's price" slogan? This review of Kampung Kecil's Bekasi branch suggests you think twice. While it serves authentic Sundanese dishes, with the sweet and sour fish being a highlight, the overall experience can be a letdown. Prepare for chaotic service, long waits, and a noisy, fast-food-like atmosphere. Get the honest scoop on whether this much-hyped eatery is truly worth the visit before you go.
"Royal taste, people's price"[1], drawn by this slogan and its reputation as Indonesia's "national canteen," plus the fact that even Jokowi has visited[2], I dragged my friend and rushed over to this Kampung Kecil in Bekasi.
But as soon as we walked in, I was dumbfounded. There were no waiters to show us to a table; everyone was in a long line at the cashier. My friend, looking completely confused, asked me, "Are we eating at a fast-food joint?" That's right, that's the process here: you order and pay directly at the counter, then find a seat and wait for your food to be served[3]. Anjay, this setup is a bit wild!
Flavor is on point, but the details are a letdown
We managed to snag a traditional little hut (Gubug), and sitting cross-legged really had a Nongkrong vibe. But to be fair, this branch is smaller than the others and doesn't have the signature large fish pond[4], which takes away half the fun.
Getting back to the food, the flavor is authentic Sundanese home-style cooking—the kind that can't go wrong. We ordered a few of their signature dishes:
What I want to complain about the most is that the fried food we ordered came out lukewarm and wasn't crispy at all. Also, the Karedok (Sundanese salad) sauce was sickeningly sweet[5]—not my cup of tea.
- Ikan Asam Manis (Sweet and Sour Fish): This one deserves high praise. The fish was fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sweet and sour sauce was perfectly balanced. It went great with rice, Mantap![6]
- Paket Ayam Bakar Madu (Honey Grilled Chicken Set): The set meal was quite complete, with rice, vegetables, and a drink. But the chicken, if I'm being honest, was way too "kecil" (small) in size[7]... It felt like it was gone in one bite.
Service Relies on Shouting, and You'll Need Plenty of Patience
Maybe it was because of the lunch rush, but the whole restaurant was as noisy as a wet market. The waiters were running around like crazy, with basically no expression on their faces. We waited almost an hour for all our dishes to arrive[8], and had to ask about our order several times. The management seemed a bit chaotic. For friends who want a comfortable meal, you really need to be mentally prepared.
Editor-in-Chief's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls ✍️
- 1. Definitely avoid peak hours! Especially weekend lunches, it gets insanely crowded. For a better experience, I suggest going on a weekday afternoon.
- 2. Don't just wait for a menu. Go straight to the cashier to line up and order, or no one will attend to you.
- 3. Great for family gatherings. If you have a group of 6 or more, just order the set meals; the portions are generous and it's good value for money. But forget it for a couple's date; it's too noisy.
- 4. Money-saving tip: You can get free refills on iced water (air putih es)[9], which is a must-have when eating in Indonesia!
- 5. Adjust your expectations: You'll have a much better time if you think of it as an "upgraded Warteg" with seating. The food is OK and the prices are friendly, but don't have high expectations for the ambiance and service.
- Its "Royal taste, people's price" slogan, "national canteen" fame, and a visit from Jokowi make it a must-try. [1][2]
- The Ikan Asam Manis (Sweet and Sour Fish) is a win: crispy-tender fish in a perfect sauce, great over rice. Mantap! [3]
- Dine in a traditional Gubug (hut) and sit cross-legged for authentic Sundanese food. Perfect for Nongkrong.
Similar Articles
Who says Cikarang is a food desert? This "Village" begs to differ
Tired of Cikarang's industrial park food scene? Discover Kampung Kecil, a restaurant that feels like a hidden Indonesian village. Escape the city bustle and dine in private thatched-roof huts (Saung) set amidst serene ponds and greenery. While the unique ambiance is the main attraction, the set menus offer a delicious and budget-friendly meal. It's the perfect spot for a memorable family gathering or a chill hangout with friends, proving Cikarang has more to offer than you think.
Bebek Kaleyo with 9000+ Rave Reviews: A Fine Line Between Delicious & Disaster.
With over 9,000 rave reviews, Bebek Kaleyo is famous for its legendary crispy fried duck and addictive, fiery sambal. But is the hype worth it? This honest review explores the fine line between delicious and disaster. While the flavor is a knockout, the article also uncovers a chaotic atmosphere, small portions, and even alarming food safety concerns at one branch. Get the essential tips on when to go, what to order, and whether this popular spot is truly worth the risk.
Get full for just 13k? This 4.8-star Google gem cured my end-of-month anxiety
Discover Dadar Beredar, a 4.8-star Google gem in Cikarang perfect for your end-of-month cravings! This spot serves up an unbelievably crispy fried egg with a runny yolk over rice, starting at just 13k IDR. It's not about fancy decor, but simple, delicious, and wallet-friendly happiness. They even offer kid-friendly meals and amazing delivery deals on GoFood and WhatsApp. A true lifesaver for a quick, satisfying, and affordable meal when you need it most.
How did Google's 4.7-star Bebek Kaleyo become a 'disaster scene' for me?
Craving top-rated Indonesian fried duck? This review of the insanely popular Bebek Kaleyo reveals why its 4.7-star rating comes with a catch. While the signature crispy duck and amazing sambal are undeniably delicious, the dining experience can be a chaotic 'disaster scene' of crowds, heat, and slow service. Discover essential survival tips, from avoiding peak hours to using their unique drive-in service, to enjoy the incredible food without the hassle.