Scored the President's Menu! But this iconic Bogor spot's service... I can't even.
qponx
2026-03-04
Is the President-approved Kampung Kecil in Bogor worth the hype? This popular spot charms with its rustic, waterside gazebos and a large kids' play area, making it great for families. While the signature shrimp is a must-try, this guide also gives you the honest truth about the hit-or-miss service and how to avoid the crowds. Get all the essential tips to make your visit a success before you even go.
Recently, my social media feed has been flooded with posts about this Bogor restaurant, even President Jokowi has checked it out[1]! Honestly, at first, I was skeptical. How amazing could a place called 'Little Village' (Kampung Kecil) be? Well... there were some pleasant surprises and some things to complain about, so today I'm here to break it all down for you.
The moment I walked in, I was captivated by the rustic, countryside vibe. Individual `saung` (waterside gazebos) are built over a pond, and it's truly photogenic. For all the girls with kids, take note: there's also a pretty big kids' play area here, which is practically a paradise for freeing up your hands![2] The whole place is super spacious and is perfect for a large group of people to come and `nongkrong`.
We got straight to the point and ordered a few of their signature dishes. The udang kampung kecil (signature shrimp) gets a full score, the marinade was incredible, and paired with crispy garlic flakes, it was so delicious I wanted to buy it separately![3] There was also a fried tofu with chili sauce[4] that was surprisingly good. But to be honest, not every dish was a winner. For example, the `karedok` was a bit of a miss, the flavor is hard to describe[5], so you might want to avoid it.
The ambiance and some of the dishes were `Mantap`, but some parts of the experience really make you go `Anjay`… First off, the portions might be a bit small for guys[6]. Secondly, the service is really hit-or-miss. It's hard to find a waiter, and you actually have to go to the front cashier to order, making it feel like a food court, which really brings down the experience[7]. As for the price, some people think it's worth it, others find it a bit pricey[8], so it's a matter of opinion.
No-BS Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls 📝
- Time: Definitely don't go during weekend meal times! It gets so crowded you'll question your life choices, and it's impossible to just `chill`[9]. The experience is much better on weekdays.
- Payment: Bring cash or a Debit card! They don't accept credit cards or QRIS here[10], so you don't end up in an awkward situation.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go. The grounds get very muddy when it rains, and you might have wanted to take beautiful photos, but you could end up looking like you're 'planting rice in a paddy field'[11].
- Who should go: Family gatherings (especially with kids), company team-building events, or a large group of friends looking for a lively place to hang out. The place is spacious and definitely big enough for all your activities[12].
- A countryside-vibe spot[1] even President Jokowi visited! Dine in private, photogenic over-water gazebos that are perfect for your feed.
- The signature shrimp (udang kampung kecil)'s marinade is insane! Topped with crispy garlic, you'll wish you could buy the sauce separately[2].
- Perfect for families! The huge space and playground[3] let parents chill while the kids burn off energy[4].
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