Listen up, Medan girlies! This president-approved floating village is a photo goldmine
qponx
2026-03-06
Discover Kampung Kecil in Medan, a stunning floating village restaurant that's a true photo goldmine. Dine in charming thatched-roof huts over the water and soak in the incredible nighttime ambiance—an atmosphere so great, it's even president-approved! The menu features authentic and affordable Indonesian dishes like fresh seafood and savory Nasi Liwet. With its unique village vibe, it's the perfect spot for a memorable gathering with friends or family, offering a king's taste at a people's price.
Right after I arrived in Medan, my friend mysteriously dragged me to this place, Kampung Kecil, saying they had a surprise for me. To be honest, I didn't have high hopes at first, after all, I've seen plenty of traditional Indonesian restaurants. But the moment I stepped inside, I was just Anjay! 🤯 This is hardly a restaurant; they've basically moved an entire small village in here!
Throwback to Chill Times at Grandma's Country House
The thatched-roof huts (lesehan) on the water are arranged in a charming, staggered way, lit with warm yellow lights, giving it a super nice feel[1]. You can sit cross-legged on a mat and Nongkrong with friends, or choose regular tables and chairs, totally depending on your mood. When we went, it was just getting dark, the lights were reflecting on the water, and the breeze was cool and so comfortable I just wanted to lie down. No wonder even President Jokowi has visited[2], the atmosphere is truly incredible!
The food is authentic Indonesian flavor, and it's got a real kick! There were a lot of us, so we just went ahead and ordered all their signature dishes. Seafood[3] was super fresh, the fish was incredibly tender. Fried Chicken with Nasi Liwet[4] was also a perfect match; the rice soaked up all the flavor from the spices, and one bite was so satisfying. There was also a fried tofu dish called ke-tahu-an[5], the texture was chewy and bouncy, very unique, I recommend trying it!
Can't Just Sing Its Praises, Let's Get Real for a Sec
Of course, there were good points and bad points. I think their fruit juice was a bit of a miss[6]; it felt a bit watered down, and the flavor was kind of weak, so you're better off just ordering a bottled drink. Also, the seat we were initially given was too close to the kitchen, and after the meal, I felt like I had just finished a shift cooking in the back, covered in the smell of cooking fumes… It was much better after we moved to a different spot.
Honest Recs & A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
Finally, for the girls who plan on checking this place out, I've put together a few tips:
- Choosing your seat is key! Definitely choose the thatched-roof huts on the water (Lesehan), the vibe for photos is maxed out! Remember to tell the staff you want to be far from the kitchen! Otherwise, you'll instantly turn into a walking range hood.
- Be zen when ordering. Their ordering system is a bit confusing[7], so don't rush, take your time; anyway, good food is worth the wait.
- Order without worry, you can get leftovers to go! They pack leftovers for free, which is a huge plus, so you don't have to worry about your eyes being bigger than your stomach.
- Super suitable for family/friend gatherings! The place is big enough, so there's no stress bringing the whole family or a big group of friends. The prices are also just like their slogan says, “A King’s Taste at a People’s Price”[8], the value for money is Mantap
- Indonesian village vibes! Overwater huts create a Chill Nongkrong spot, even visited by President Jokowi. [1][2]
- Fresh seafood & melt-in-your-mouth fish. The chicken with Nasi Liwet[3] has spiced rice that's a flavor explosion! [4]
- Perfect for groups, with free takeaway! It's "the taste of a king, the price of the people"[5]. Amazing value
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