A Lampung Legend... or a Flop? Trying Pempek 123, the spot hyped by Lokals.
qponx
2026-03-06
Is the hyped-up Pempek 123 in Lampung a local legend or a letdown? This honest review explores the famous spot, praising its authentic Cuko sauce and savory Tekwan. While some pempek varieties are hits, the service can be a miss, and the value for money is questionable. It’s a mixed bag, but its biggest strength might be as a convenient spot for buying souvenirs. Find out if this local hot spot is truly worth the visit.
Before coming to Lampung, my local friend practically drilled Pempek 123 into my head, saying it was a must-eat. Alright then, drawn in by the hype, I rushed over full of expectations. The result... well, how should I put it? My feelings are a bit complicated. I'm not here to blindly praise it or blindly hate on it, so let me break it down for you in this post. 😅
The restaurant space is quite large, and parking is convenient. It just has that old-school Indonesian restaurant feel. When the menu came, I was stunned... no prices listed? Okay, time for some blind ordering.
First, let's praise the good stuff. Their Cuko sauce is the real deal[1]; it's thick, clings well, sweet and sour with a hint of spice—a perfect match for Pempek! The broth of the Tekwan is also very fresh and savory[2], and the fish balls are bouncy and chewy. A bowl of this is so comforting on a hot afternoon. The fried Adaan and Kulit[3] had the strongest fish flavor and a solid texture, which is right up my alley. But the Lenggang[4], the one fried with egg, while unique, was just... okay for me. No big surprise.
Alright, time for some real talk. The service is really a matter of luck. When I went, the waiters were just busy having their own Nongkrong and chatting. The plates from the previous table were left piled up for ages before anyone cleared them[5], which was a total letdown. Plus, a small portion of Pempek costs around 6k rupiah[6]. Honestly, for that taste, price, and service, the value for money is a bit... emmm... I even got the feeling that "if this place opened in Jakarta, it probably wouldn't survive three episodes." 😂
My guide for you 📝
- If you want to eat, you have to get there early! Popular items like Pempek Kapal Selam will definitely be sold out if you go late[7]. Don't ask me how I know; the answer is just heartbreak.
- It's better as a souvenir than for dining in. Honestly, its biggest advantage is how super convenient it is for buying souvenirs (Oleh-oleh). They have all sorts of pre-packaged frozen sets that can be shipped to other cities, and they also take orders via WA[8]. For tourists, this is probably its real core strength!
- Keep calm and lower your expectations. Don't get your hopes up too high. Just think of it as checking a famous local chain off your list. When it comes to taste, it's a "one man's meat is another man's poison" kind of thing. You have to try it for yourself to know. Mantap or Anjay, you decide! 😉
- The Cuko sauce is incredible! Thick, sweet & sour with a spicy kick, it clings to the Pempek for a soul-shaking bite [1].
- For the strongest fish flavor, get the fried Adaan and Kulit. They have a dense texture and pack an intense fishy punch [2].
- Better as a souvenir! Grab a frozen Pempek pack. They ship out of town—super convenient for tourists [3].
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