How did this Palembang spot get even President Jokowi to check in?
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Kampung Kecil in Palembang, a restaurant so impressive it even hosted President Jokowi! Don't let the "Little Village" name fool you—it's a massive resort-style space with beautiful gazebos perfect for gatherings. Dive into authentic Indonesian flavors like their famous Green Chili Squid and Sweet and Sour Grouper. With its "Royal Taste, Commoner's Price" motto, it offers an incredible atmosphere and delicious food without breaking the bank, making it ideal for family and group outings.
Honestly, when I first heard about this restaurant in Palembang called "Kampung Kecil" (Little Village), and that even Indonesian President Joko Widodo had eaten there, my first reaction was: Seriously?[1] From the name, I thought it was just some unremarkable roadside stall, but then I saw it had over 5800+ reviews on Google with a high score of 4.9[2], and it immediately piqued my curiosity!
An Immersive "Village" Experience, So Chill You Won't Want to Leave
The moment I walked in, I got it. This isn't a small village, it's practically a large Indonesian-style resort! The thatched-roof Saungs (gazebos) are scattered beautifully, surrounded by greenery and water features, and the atmosphere is super cozy[3]. When the lights come on at night, to Nongkrong and chat with friends and family here is just incredibly comfortable.
As for the food, I went straight for their signature dishes:
- Green Chili Squid (cumi cabe ijo)[4]: Anjay! This was truly Mantap! The squid was springy and chewy, the aroma of the green chili was super strong, but it wasn't an overpowering kind of spicy. Perfect with rice!
- Sweet and Sour Grouper (gurame saus asem manis)[5]: Fried to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the sweet and sour sauce was perfectly balanced. It's the kind of flavor the whole family, from young to old, will love—a can't-go-wrong choice.
- Indonesian Mixed Ice (es teler)[6]: You have to get this to finish the meal! The ingredients were so generous—avocado, jackfruit, and coconut meat were piled up like a small mountain. The sweetness was also light and refreshing, super refreshing!
Let's Be Real for a Second
The food and atmosphere are flawless, but to be honest, because the place is so big, it gets incredibly crowded during meal times, and the staff can get a bit overwhelmed. If you're looking for a quiet little corner for a date night, this might not be the right place. But if it's for a family or company gathering, it's an absolutely perfect choice.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Save Money
✅ Impressive Prices: What surprised me the most was the price; it totally lives up to their slogan "Royal Taste, Commoner's Price"[7]. The price per person is really reasonable, excellent value for money!
✅ Top Choice for Gatherings: They can also host large events like weddings and company annual parties[8], as the venue is big enough and the atmosphere is great. Friends looking to host an event can just go for it.
✅ Who Should Come Here: In short, if you're in Palembang and looking for an Indonesian restaurant with a great atmosphere, authentic taste, and reasonable prices, especially if you're with your whole family or a large group of friends, you can't go wrong with this place
- Jokowi-approved "Little Village" Restaurant sounds humble but has a 4.9 rating from 5800+ Google reviews[1][2].
- Chill in a thatched-roof Saung by the water. The night vibe is so cozy you won't want to leave[3], perfect for Nongkrong.
- The green chili squid (cumi cabe ijo) is tender yet chewy, with fragrant but mild chili. An addictive must-try[4]
Similar Articles
This 4.6-star Palembang gem has you season your own soup? Mantap
Discover a 4.6-star Palembang gem where you become the chef! This unique Soto spot serves a creamy, milk-based soup and gives you the power to season it yourself. Craft your perfect flavor with salt, lime, and chili. Beyond the fun DIY experience, you'll find massive portions and incredibly affordable prices. It's an authentic, no-frills local favorite that offers amazing value and a delicious, personalized meal, with tender mutton satay as another must-try.
Awful service, but I'd come back a billion times for this shaved ice
Despite some hit-or-miss service, Cafe Amico is a must-visit for its incredibly authentic Korean food. The star is the Injeolmi Seulbing, a melt-in-your-mouth shaved ice dessert that's worth the trip alone. Enjoy huge, shareable portions of tteokbokki and cheesy fried chicken in a cozy, Seoul-like atmosphere. It's a student-friendly paradise, offering discounts, free printing, and board games, making the amazing food and great value an experience you won't want to miss.
Attention Palembang digital nomads, you've found your next office
Palembang's Socio Space is the ultimate new office for digital nomads. This revamped cafe is a work-from-cafe paradise, offering fast Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets in a chic, Instagrammable setting. Fuel your productivity with unique creations like the signature Dirty Black Mango or the flavorful Nasi Goreng. It's the perfect spot to work or hang out, but visit during off-peak hours to snag a quiet corner and check for money-saving promos before you go.
This legendary Bakmi in Palembang: I'm telling you, don't expect the place to be Chill
Don't expect a fancy spot at Palembang's legendary Mie Celor Poligon! This humble roadside stall is all about the food. Its signature Mie Celor is a must-try, featuring thick noodles swimming in an incredibly rich and creamy shrimp-coconut broth. While the setting is hot and basic, the unforgettable flavor, generous portions, and budget-friendly prices make it a local favorite. This is a get-in, eat, and get-out kind of place where taste truly triumphs over comfort.