How did this Palembang spot get even President Jokowi to check in?
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Kampung Kecil in Palembang, a restaurant so impressive it even hosted President Jokowi! Don't let the "Little Village" name fool you—it's a massive resort-style space with beautiful gazebos perfect for gatherings. Dive into authentic Indonesian flavors like their famous Green Chili Squid and Sweet and Sour Grouper. With its "Royal Taste, Commoner's Price" motto, it offers an incredible atmosphere and delicious food without breaking the bank, making it ideal for family and group outings.
Honestly, when I first heard about this restaurant in Palembang called "Kampung Kecil" (Little Village), and that even Indonesian President Joko Widodo had eaten there, my first reaction was: Seriously?[1] From the name, I thought it was just some unremarkable roadside stall, but then I saw it had over 5800+ reviews on Google with a high score of 4.9[2], and it immediately piqued my curiosity!
An Immersive "Village" Experience, So Chill You Won't Want to Leave
The moment I walked in, I got it. This isn't a small village, it's practically a large Indonesian-style resort! The thatched-roof Saungs (gazebos) are scattered beautifully, surrounded by greenery and water features, and the atmosphere is super cozy[3]. When the lights come on at night, to Nongkrong and chat with friends and family here is just incredibly comfortable.
As for the food, I went straight for their signature dishes:
- Green Chili Squid (cumi cabe ijo)[4]: Anjay! This was truly Mantap! The squid was springy and chewy, the aroma of the green chili was super strong, but it wasn't an overpowering kind of spicy. Perfect with rice!
- Sweet and Sour Grouper (gurame saus asem manis)[5]: Fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the sweet and sour sauce was perfectly balanced. It's the kind of flavor the whole family, from young to old, will love—a can't-go-wrong choice.
- Indonesian Mixed Ice (es teler)[6]: You have to get this to finish the meal! The ingredients were so generous—avocado, jackfruit, and coconut meat were piled up like a small mountain. The sweetness was also light and refreshing, super refreshing!
Let's Be Real for a Second
The food and atmosphere are flawless, but to be honest, because the place is so big, it gets incredibly crowded during meal times, and the staff can get a bit overwhelmed. If you're looking for a quiet little corner for a date night, this might not be the right place. But if it's for a family or company gathering, it's an absolutely perfect choice.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Save Money
✅ Impressive Prices: What surprised me the most was the price; it totally lives up to their slogan "Royal Taste, Commoner's Price"[7]. The price per person is really reasonable, excellent value for money!
✅ Top Choice for Gatherings: They can also host large events like weddings and company annual parties[8], as the venue is big enough and the atmosphere is great. Friends looking to host an event can just go for it.
✅ Who Should Come Here: In short, if you're in Palembang and looking for an Indonesian restaurant with a great atmosphere, authentic taste, and reasonable prices, especially if you're with your whole family or a large group of friends, you can't go wrong with this place
- Jokowi-approved "Little Village" Restaurant sounds humble but has a 4.9 rating from 5800+ Google reviews[1][2].
- Chill in a thatched-roof Saung by the water. The night vibe is so cozy you won't want to leave[3], perfect for Nongkrong.
- The green chili squid (cumi cabe ijo) is tender yet chewy, with fragrant but mild chili. An addictive must-try[4]
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