Calling all lamb lovers! This legendary old spot in Batu will have you in tears.
qponx
2026-03-05
Discover a legendary, no-frills spot in Batu that's a true paradise for lamb lovers! This bustling local eatery serves up phenomenal dishes, from melt-in-your-mouth roasted lamb (Kambing Oven) to perfectly grilled satay. While the authentic warung atmosphere can be smoky and crowded, the incredibly tender, non-gamey meat is an unforgettable experience. Be prepared for a wait and a truly local vibe, but the incredible food makes it all worthwhile. This is a must-try for any foodie.
Honestly, when I first turned into this shop, I was almost put off by the thick smell of smoke. The whole place is tiny, packed with locals, noisy and bustling—it had that super authentic Indonesian warung vibe. I was wondering to myself: How good could this place possibly be? But then... Anjay! I was ready to bow down to the owner right then and there.
This is a long-standing, time-honored spot in Batu that's been around for years, and I heard many people have been eating here since they were kids[1]. Don't expect the ambiance to be very chill; it's so simple it feels like you've walked into your neighbor's living room, with Egyptian-style decorations on the walls, and a corner that also sells perfumes, clothes, and frozen food—full of life and character.
We got straight to the point and ordered a few of their legendary dishes. Number one has to be the Kambing Oven[2] (roasted lamb)! The moment it was served, the aroma of spices hit me right in the face. How tender was the lamb? It fell right off the bone with a gentle touch of the fork, melted in my mouth, and had absolutely no gamey taste. Mantap! Then there's the Sate Kambing[3] (lamb satay), which my friend declared was the "best he's ever had in his life." The meat chunks were super generous, grilled to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with all the juices locked in. Pair that with a bowl of rich Gule Kambing[4] (lamb curry) mixed with rice, and I could honestly eat three more bowls!
But, as always, let's keep it real. The downsides are also super obvious:
- 1. Smoke Warning: Smoking is not prohibited in the shop, so for non-smokers like us, we were eating in a "heavenly mist" the whole time, which definitely dampens the experience.[5]
- 2. Taste Controversy: Although I thought it was incredibly delicious, if you're a level-10 expert on Middle Eastern cuisine, you might find that the flavors have been modified to suit local tastes and aren't 100% authentic Arabian flavor.[6]
- 3. Portion Size Varies: The portion for the roasted lamb we ordered was decent, but I've heard that some other dishes come in rather mini portions [7]. It might be more value for money to order the Mutton Martabak, which is said to be a huge portion suitable for the whole family to share.
Editor's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls ✍️
- Go early! It gets super crowded during meal times, and queuing is the norm. They don't take reservations, so you have to wait on-site—it's all a test of patience.[8]
- Ordering Tip: When looking at the menu, note that getting the soup and rice mixed together (campur) is cheaper than getting them served separately (pisah), so don't be a sucker![9]
- Bring enough cash: Some diners have mentioned that they might only accept cash, so it's best to have cash ready to avoid any trouble.[10]
- Non-smokers, enter with caution: If you're extremely sensitive to the smell of smoke, it's recommended to just get takeout, or come mentally prepared to Nongkrong.
- The Kambing Oven's intense spices hit you instantly. It’s fall-off-the-bone tender, melts in your mouth, and has zero gaminess [1].
- A friend declared the Sate Kambing (lamb satay) the "best of his life"—huge, juicy chunks of meat, perfectly charred outside and tender within [2].
- An authentic warung that feels like a neighbor's living room. Super Lokal vibe, with Egyptian-style decor, and they even sell perfume and frozen food.
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