Even the President checked in, so how can their ribs be this bad?
qponx
2026-03-05
Kampung Kecil in Solo is the hyped-up spot even the President visited, known for its stunning Sundanese garden and waterside gazebos. While the ambiance is perfect for family photos and chilling out, the food is a mixed bag. This review spills the tea on what’s worth ordering, like the delicious Kangkung, and which signature dish—the infamous honey-grilled ribs—is a major letdown. Find out how to navigate the hype and have a great meal without the disappointment.
What's the most hyped restaurant in Solo recently? Ask ten people, and nine of them will mention Kampung Kecil. After all, even President Jokowi and Gibran have visited[1]. Just how popular is it? Well, there's always a long line at the entrance during meal times, they don't take reservations, so if you want to eat, you just have to wait patiently[2].
I was thinking, it must be incredibly delicious, right? But... how should I put it? The experience was truly a mixed bag—part heaven, part 'don't bother'. 🤦♀️
Dreamy Garden vs. Disappointing Dishes
Let's start with the good stuff. The ambiance is truly impeccable, with a typical Sundanese garden style, small bridges over flowing water, and individual gazebos (Saung) scattered over the water and in the garden. There's also a children's playground, making it perfect for the whole family to come and Nongkrong[3]. As evening falls and the lights turn on, the atmosphere is maxed out, and the photos turn out amazing. 📸
But for a restaurant, the taste is what ultimately matters. I went ahead and ordered a few recommended dishes.
👍 The Good List (Go for it):
👎 The Bad List (Order at your own risk):
- Kangkung & Mendoan[4]: The best of the night! The water spinach was cooked perfectly, and the sauce served with the fried tempeh was especially Mantap, with a sweet, sour, and spicy flavor that was super appetizing!
- Gurame Asam Manis[5]: The sweet and sour gourami was also decent. The fish was fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the sauce was on point, and it's a safe bet for an Indonesian homestyle dish.
- Iga Bakar Madu (honey-grilled ribs)[6]: I ordered it because it was labeled a "signature dish," but the result just left me speechless. It... just tasted of cheap barbecue sauce and artificial butter. I couldn't taste any complexity from the spices at all, and the meat was just mediocre. Anjay! It really didn't live up to its signature status or its price.
Real Talk Time
Honestly, the flavors at this place are quite polarizing[7]. Maybe because it's geared towards family gatherings, the portions are quite generous and good for sharing[8].
But the service is really a matter of luck. During peak hours, when it gets crowded, the staff is clearly overwhelmed, and the food comes out so slowly you could take a nap[9]. Also, you have to pay at your table immediately after ordering[10], which is convenient, but it just feels a bit weird.
[The Blogger's Hard-Earned Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls]
Thinking of checking it out? It's not a bad idea, but you have to save this guide!
Overall, it's a decent spot for a family meal with a nice environment, but if you're going purely for the food, don't set your expectations too high
- 1. Best Time to Go: Definitely don't go in the middle of the day; the semi-outdoor setting will be hot enough to melt you. I highly recommend going after 4 PM, when the weather is cooler and the scenery is at its most Chill[11].
- 2. Queuing is Inevitable: Don't even think about making a reservation; they don't accept them. Just go and queue up in person during meal times. Waiting 20-30 minutes is the norm, so just be patient.
- 3. The Art of Ordering: On holidays or if you go late in the evening, many popular dishes might already be sold out[12]. So don't be too surprised if what you want to eat is unavailable.
- 4. What to Order Safely: Don't be stubborn and challenge those grilled ribs! Just go for the Kangkung and Mendoan without a second thought, add a fish dish, and you can have a pretty happy meal for around 40,000-50,000 IDR per person.
- This viral restaurant is Jokowi-approved! Expect long lines [1][2] to see what the hype is about.
- Stunning Sundanese garden with bridges over water & private gazebos. Magical, photogenic vibes when lit up at dusk [3].
- Must-try Kangkung & Mendoan! Perfectly cooked kangkung & fried tempeh in a secret sweet, sour, and spicy sauce [4].
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