Who says Lampung has no good food? This HK seafood's taste is Mantap, but the service is Anjay
qponx
2026-03-06
Don't let the old storefront of Chef's Kitchen in Bandar Lampung fool you! This spot is a hidden gem for authentic Hong Kong seafood. Dive into incredible dishes like the rich Singaporean-style crab and garlic steamed clams, all at a surprisingly affordable price. While the food is five-star "Mantap," be prepared for unpredictable "Anjay" service and tricky parking. This no-frills eatery is all about amazing flavor, proving you can't judge a restaurant by its cover.
Honestly, if it weren't for my local foodie friend dragging me here, I would've been totally turned off when I saw the storefront of Chef's Kitchen on the streets of Bandar Lampung. 🤷♀️ It looked so old and worn-out, felt like one of those old shops that haven't been renovated in decades. I was wondering to myself, is this place even legit?
But as soon as I walked in and went down the stairs to see rows of tanks filled with lively seafood, I instantly swallowed all my complaints about the ambiance. Since we're already here, let's just go ahead and order!
The flavor is seriously impressive, you just have to admit it!
It just goes to show, you should never judge a "restaurant" by its cover! The moment the food arrived, I knew I had come to the right place. That signature Singaporean-style Sauce Fried Crab[1], the sweet, sour, and spicy sauce coated every piece of crab meat, it was unbelievably rich! Pairing it with fried buns to dip in the sauce is simply the ultimate way to eat it, they really get it! 🦀
And then there was the Steamed Clams with Garlic and Vermicelli[2], which are locally called Kepa, and they were cleaned super well. The aroma of the garlic, the smoothness of the vermicelli, combined with the natural sweetness of the clams—one bite and it's just a capital Mantap! It has the comforting feel of a home-cooked meal. I heard the chef is from Hong Kong[3], no wonder it tastes so authentic.
Alright, let me give you some real talk…
Even though the food gets a five-star rating from me, this place is a bit "willful." The service is basically up to fate. The vegetable dish we ordered came out slowly only after we had almost finished everything else[4], which was just ridiculous. I've also heard friends complain that sometimes the food arrives cold[5], and some people even felt unwell after eating because there was too much MSG. Luckily, I didn't run into any of those landmines this time.
Key takeaways! Must-read tips to avoid pitfalls if you plan to go 👇
- Book in advance! It gets super crowded during meal times. If you don't want to wait forever while starving, it's best to call ahead to book a table and pre-order your food![6]
- Don't drive! Parking spots are pitifully few[7]. Take a taxi if you can, otherwise, just looking for a parking spot will make you question your existence.
- Hidden perk! You can bring your own even fresher seafood (like big lobsters and stuff) and have them cook it for you[8], which is awesome!
- Great value for money! The prices are genuinely affordable. Our meal came out to less than 200,000 IDR per person, and some dim sum dishes are only around 22k[9], which is definitely a steal for live seafood. Perfect for family dinners or for friends to come and Nongkrong
- Singapore-style Chili Crab: Crab in a sweet, sour & spicy sauce. Mop up the gravy with fried mantou—a soul-snatching local move [1].
- Steamed Clams with Garlic & Vermicelli (Kepa): Super clean, with fragrant garlic, silky noodles & sweet clams. A savory HK homestyle classic [2][3].
- Pro-tip: Bring your own live seafood! Get a huge lobster cooked for cheap. A total game-changer [4]
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