The Halal Pempek Palembang Locals Swear By: Here's Why You Should Skip the Fried Rice

Every time I come to Palembang, someone always rushes me to update my Pempek guide. Alright, time to turn in my homework today! This place, Pempek Flamboyant assegaf, has a 4.6 rating on Google with thousands of reviews, and during mealtimes, the entrance is a total traffic jam. The scene is seriously Anjay!

The moment you walk in, it's packed with people, and the air is filled with the sweet, sour, and spicy smell of Cuko (the fishcake dipping sauce). Ordering here is super straightforward and generous; the waiter will bring a huge platter of assorted Pempek directly to your table. You just take whichever one you want to eat, and they count the plates to tally the bill at the end. It gives you the feeling of having Cantonese dim sum.

So, is it actually good? To be honest…

First, the verdict: It's delicious, but you have to know what to order!

Must-tries 👍:

Approach with caution 👎:

Overall, you should just focus on their main specialties, the Pempek and Tekwan. Don't randomly order the other miscellaneous stuff.

• Pempek Kulit (fish skin cake): It's fried to a perfect crisp, has a super strong fish flavor, and a soft, chewy texture. Definitely one of the best things on the menu[1].
• Tekwan & Model (fish ball soup): These two are soup-based. I ordered the Tekwan[2], and the broth was incredible. The shrimp flavor was so rich and savory, one sip warms you right up. Lemak nian (so delicious)!
• Nasi Goreng (fried rice): Anjay, I'm speechless! The flavor was so hambar (bland) it made me question my existence. It felt like the chef forgot to add salt. Everyone should just avoid this one[3].
• Some of the fishcakes: Some friends complained that certain ones were too salty, and some of the fish didn't even seem freshly made. The texture just wasn't quite up to par compared to other old, established shops.

Before you go, a few things you must know

Although this place is famous, it has quite a few downsides. If you don't want your experience ruined, you have to read this!

【Pro Tips | A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls】

• 1. The unwritten rule of ordering: Let me repeat, once you eat a fishcake from the platter on your table, you've bought the whole plate! So don't touch it unless you're sure[4].
• 2. Want it fried? You have to ask!: Some Pempek are steamed or boiled by default, so if you're a fan of fried food, make sure to make a special request with the waiter when you order[5]!
• 3. Parking is a huge headache: There are pitifully few parking spots out front, and it's guaranteed to be jammed during mealtimes. I recommend taking a taxi/ride-hailing service, or be prepared to circle the area looking for a spot[6].
• 4. Service is a matter of luck: During peak hours, the place is like a warzone. The staff is incredibly busy, so slow service and slow responses are the norm. Just keep calm and the main vibe is to Chill[7].
• 5. Muslim friends, you can go without worry: This place is owned by a Muslim, so they've got the Halal aspect on lock. You can eat with complete peace of mind[8].
• 6. Don't expect to get work done here: Thinking of replying to emails while you eat? Forget about it. There are basically no power outlets, and the Wi-Fi signal is spotty. It's a place purely for eating[9].