A local spot even the President eats at? Is Kampung Kecil's food really that divine?
qponx
2026-03-04
Ever wondered about the local spot President Jokowi dines at? This review dives into Kampung Kecil, a restaurant that transports you to a traditional village with bamboo huts over a fish pond. Find out if their signature sizzling grilled fish and legendary sambal live up to the hype. We cover the authentic flavors, family-friendly vibe, and honest downsides—like slow service—so you know exactly what to expect from this unique, budget-friendly dining experience.
Honestly, when my Indonesian friends were raving about this restaurant called Kampung Kecil, and mysteriously added that "even President Jokowi has been there"[1], I secretly rolled my eyes 🙄. How amazing could a place in the middle of nowhere like Jatibening be? With an "I'll have to see it to believe it" attitude, I drove over on the weekend to check it out.
Instantly Transported Back to the "Village" the Moment You Walk In
Anjay! This place is so "Indonesian"! The moment our car entered the compound, it instantly felt like going back to grandma's house in the village. It's completely different from the cold, sophisticated vibe of downtown Jakarta. Here, it's all about bamboo-built thatched huts (Saung), scattered across a fish pond[2]. The background music is the soothing, traditional Sundanese kind, and your whole being just slows down, super Chill～ You can choose regular tables and chairs, or sit cross-legged on the floor (Lesehan) in a hut, feeding the fish while you eat. The feeling is just awesome.
Since there were a lot of us, we went straight for the signature dishes and ordered a full table. The Gurame Bakar Hot Plate (Grilled Fish on a Hot Plate)[3] was still sizzling when it arrived. The fish skin was grilled to a slight crisp, but the meat was incredibly tender, and the sauce was that sweet and spicy flavor Indonesians love. Absolutely divine! I also have to give a special shout-out to their Sambal[4]. It's freshly made, with the perfect amount of spice. I could eat three bowls of rice with it! The grilled shrimp, Udang Bakar[5], was also full of flavor. No wonder they dare to use the slogan "A King's Taste at a Commoner's Price" (Rasanya Ngeraja - harganya Ngerakyat)[6]. The flavor is truly Mantap!
No Sugarcoating, Let's Talk About the Downsides
While the food is undeniably good, there are some pitfalls you should know about. First, the serving speed is really... very... slow...[7] especially during peak hours. If you're starving, every second of waiting is torture. Second, the portion sizes are a bit of a mystery[8]. The fried rice we ordered was a huge plate, enough for two people, but some of the skewers seemed a bit "mini." Also, if you're at a four-person table, don't order too many dishes. The table is so small it'll make you question your life choices, and you'll have to play Jenga with the plates[9].
My Pro Tips
- How to get there?: Trust me, just use your GPS and don't rely on your instincts! This place is extremely unfriendly for those with no sense of direction; it's easy to miss with all the twists and turns[10].
- Who is it for?: The perfect choice for family gatherings, company outings, or just for friends to Nongkrong[11]! There's a children's playground and mini tricycles[12], so bringing kids here is a total breeze. But if you're looking for a romantic date for two, this place might be a bit too "lively."
- Parking: Although the parking lot isn't small, finding a spot during the lunch rush is tough[13]. Either come early or be patient and circle around a few times.
- What to order?: If you have a large group, go for the set menus for great value. The grilled fish and various Bakar (grilled items) are must-tries, and remember to ask for an extra portion of Sambal
- Instant Indonesian village vibes: bamboo huts, fish ponds, Sundanese music, and a Chill atmosphere [1].
- The Gurame Bakar Hot Plate sizzles with crispy skin & tender meat in a sweet & spicy flavor-bomb sauce [2].
- Freshly made Sambal is perfect with rice [3]. The Udang Bakar is packed with flavor [4], a true "king's taste, commoner's price" [5].
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