Found the best spot for the whole family to Nongkrong in Palembang, but I have a few honest words to say.
qponx
2026-03-06
Searching for a family-friendly spot in Palembang? XO Suki boasts a massive, clean space perfect for large gatherings where kids can roam. While the overall food is just okay, the Ayam Panggang Saos Aroma and Salted Egg Chicken are standout hits you can't miss. This honest review weighs the fantastic ambiance and must-try dishes against the high prices and so-so service, giving you the full scoop before you book your next family get-together.
Every time I organize a family gathering in Palembang, finding a place gives me such a headache I feel like I'm going to explode on the spot 🤯. Small places are too crowded, big ones are too noisy, and the atmosphere is just... indescribable. This time, a friend recommended XO Suki, saying the place is so big that even the wild kids can run in circles... Alright, for that reason alone, I decided to go check it out first!
The large space is a genuine advantage 👍
I was truly amazed by the sense of space as soon as I walked in; it's quite rare in Palembang. The entire main hall is spacious, bright, and very clean, completely unlike the feel of a traditional, greasy Chinese restaurant[1]. It's definitely a place that will make you look good when you bring your elders, and getting a small private room for a gathering with friends is super chill. Most importantly, the parking lot is huge, so drivers no longer have to worry about fighting for a spot. This definitely deserves a big thumbs up!
As for the taste, well, it depends on what you order…
Since there were a lot of us, we went straight for the hot pot (Suki). The soup base is on the lighter side[2], and it's very comforting to watch it bubble away. You won't feel thirsty or have a dry mouth after eating. There's also a decent selection of dim sum and hot pot ingredients.
But if we're talking about the best dish of the night, it has to be the Ayam Panggang Saos Aroma[3]! The roasted chicken skin was truly crispy, and the meat was tender. That special sauce is the soul of the dish, a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and fragrant. It's amazing with rice, Mantap! 👍 The Salted Egg Chicken[4] ordered at our table was also incredible. As a salted egg yolk fanatic, I was completely satisfied; it was so good we almost ordered another serving.
Let's get real (muttering quietly)
Alright, praise is over, time for some real talk. While the ambiance and a few signature dishes are on point, the overall taste is just “ok lah,” still a long way from “amazing”[5]. It’s the kind of place where you won't think the food is bad, but you also wouldn't make a special trip just to come back for it.
Also, the prices are definitely on the high side. For some dishes, the portion size for the price makes you feel the value for money is just average[6]. Hold on to your wallets, girls! The service was also… a bit passive. The table in our VIP room was actually wobbly[7], which is pretty dangerous when you're having hot pot. It took ages for someone to come and deal with it after we called them. Anjay!
A guide to avoid pitfalls, you're welcome!
- Book in advance: It gets crowded on weekends, especially for large family gatherings. It's best to book in advance via WhatsApp[8], otherwise you might have to wait for a table.
- Ordering guide: Go for the Roasted Chicken/Duck and Salted Egg Chicken without hesitation; you can't go wrong with these. Just think of the hot pot as a lively backdrop.
- Money-saving hack: When paying the bill, remember to ask if you can use OVO or GOPAY. Sometimes there are discounts[9], and every penny saved counts!
- Stay chill: If you encounter slow service or minor issues with the facilities, take a deep breath and communicate directly with the staff. Don't let it spoil the mood of your get-together.
- A rare spacious Palembang spot, great for groups & kids [1]. Ample parking makes meetups stress-free!
- Ayam Panggang Saos Aroma is legendary! Crispy skin, juicy meat, with a special sweet sauce that's amazing over rice. A must-try! [2]
- Salted Egg Yolk Chicken is a dream for fans! Tender chicken in a rich, savory salted egg sauce. So satisfying! [3]
Similar Articles
I'd give this Japanese spot in Palembang a 4.9, docking 0.1 for the BGM
Discover why Sushi Hiro in Palembang's Icon Mall earns rave reviews! This spot is celebrated for its incredibly fresh sushi, creative rolls, and a must-try creamy udon series. With a modern and comfortable vibe, it's perfect for dates or hanging out with friends. The food is top-notch, but there's a quirky catch: the repetitive background music. Learn about their great weekday promotions and see if the legendary "Stairway to Happiness" is worth the hype (and the looped BGM).
Google 4.9 stars, but I waited almost 2 hours? Jala Seafood, are you serious?
Thinking of visiting the highly-rated Jala Seafood in Palembang? This review gives you the full scoop. The restaurant offers a spacious setting with private karaoke rooms, making it great for large groups. While the seafood dishes are tasty, the service is a major letdown, with chaotic management and wait times stretching up to two hours. Read on to see if the decent food and pleasant ambiance are truly worth the incredible test of patience before you decide to visit.
A Palembang local's go-to street food for decades! Super cheap and the taste is to die for
Discover a legendary Palembang street food stall cherished by locals for decades. This humble spot serves incredible Sate Padang, featuring tender beef skewers smothered in a famously thick, savory, and spicy sauce. While it's a true hole-in-the-wall, the authentic flavor is unbeatable for its super cheap price. This local secret sells out fast, so get there early and consider grabbing your order to go for the best experience
4.8 on Google, but an ancient song library? I tried this Palembang KTV for you.
Thinking about a karaoke night in Palembang? Detones has a stellar 4.8 Google rating, offering a spacious, modern setting ideal for groups. It's a comfortable upgrade from typical KTVs, complete with a responsive touchscreen. However, the experience comes with a higher price tag and a major quirk: the song library is seriously outdated. This spot is perfect for a classic oldies night, but you won't find the latest chart-toppers here. Is it the right vibe for you?