Who says small towns have no good food? This spot literally airdropped Jakarta here
qponx
2026-03-06
Who says small towns lack great food? Babakar in Pangkalan Kerinci shatters expectations with its modern, Jakarta-style vibe and spacious, family-friendly setting. This hidden gem is praised for its must-try dishes like the incredibly tender Chicken Steak, generous Ayam Bakar, and a massive Croffle dessert that will make your day. It’s the perfect spot for a quality meal and a comfortable hangout, bringing a taste of the big city to an unexpected location.
Girls, I was seriously Anjay! I'm here in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau province for a business trip, and I was already pretty chill about food, thinking I'd just find any random local eatery to get by. But then my lokal friend dragged me to this place, Babakar, and the moment I stepped inside, I was stunned… Are you sure this isn't some new mall in South Jakarta?![1] To go all out like this in a small town, the owner is so bold!
An Immersive “Virtual Tour”
The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a blast of cold air, so refreshing! The whole space is huge with high ceilings, and the tables and chairs aren't the cheap kind. The seating is just so comfortable. What surprised me the most was that they actually have a separate prayer room and high chairs for babies. So family-friendly, right?[2].
We got straight to the point and ordered their Chicken Steak[3], which is a must-order at almost every table. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes when it arrived, but the moment I cut into it… the juices just burst out! The chicken was unbelievably tender, and the black pepper sauce was full of flavor. For this price and this quality, Mantap!
The friend I was with ordered the Indonesian-style Ayam Bakar[4], and the portion was so huge… it felt like the owner was doing charity. It was grilled to perfection and served with two kinds of chili sauce, just perfect. In the end, we couldn't resist and added an order of Croffle[5]. OMG, it was huge, with a mountain of ice cream on top, but it wasn't heavy at all. My happiness level shot through the roof.
Shh, Some Real Talk
But, to be fair, not all of their dishes are a no-brainer. The other mushroom sauce we ordered was a bit… emmm… unremarkable. It felt a bit too thick, like it had too much cornstarch, and wasn't very memorable[6]. Also, their drink glasses are a bit mini; I finished my lemon tea in two sips, which didn't feel very satisfying haha[7].
Editor's Highlights (Get Your Notebooks Ready!)
Overall, having a place like this to Nongkrong in Pangkalan Kerinci is truly a pleasant surprise! I recommend it to friends who are here on business or just passing through. It's definitely your "safe bet for quality" in this small town
- Ordering Guide: Go for the Chicken Steak and Ayam Bakar without a second thought! Dessert lovers, don't miss the Croffle. Trust me on this!
- What to Avoid: If you're particular about sauces, you might want to skip the mushroom sauce. Also, I heard their mushroom sauce sells out quickly, so you need to go early if you want to try it[8].
- Payment Method: You order and pay directly at the counter here, so don't just sit and wait for a server to come collect your money[9].
- Special Needs: A heads-up for those coming with elders: the restaurant doesn't provide hot or warm water, so you'll have to figure something out if you need it[10].
- Best Time to Go: Definitely avoid peak meal times! Especially during Iftar, it gets insanely crowded, and the experience won't be as good[11].
- Getting South Jakarta mall vibes in a small town like Pangkalan Kerinci? So bold of the owner!
- The Chicken Steak explodes with juice when cut. Insanely tender meat plus a savory black pepper sauce—what a steal[1].
- Dessert fans must get the Croffle. It's huge, with a mountain of ice cream, but isn't too rich. Just pure bliss[2]
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