Who says Cilegon is a food desert? Even the President visits this Sundanese spot—is it really that divine?
qponx
2026-03-04
Discover Kampung Kecil, a unique Sundanese restaurant in Cilegon so popular even the President has visited. This spot offers a divine dining experience in traditional gazebos built over a fishpond, creating a chill, village-like atmosphere. Feast on must-try dishes like Spiced Lemon Shrimp and fall-off-the-bone Grilled Beef Ribs. It’s the perfect place for a memorable meal with family and friends, offering a "king's taste" that lives up to its reputation.
Anjay! Just got to this restaurant in Cilegon called Kampung Kecil, and I almost thought I was in the wrong place. The entrance looks pretty ordinary, but once you go inside, there's actually a photo of President Jokowi and Gibran on the wall[1]?! I was thinking, what's the story behind this place? I have to try it for you guys to see if it's really "a king's taste at a commoner's price"[2].
Eating over a fishpond, this vibe is way too Chill!
The ambiance here is seriously amazing! It's not a regular restaurant at all; it's basically a small village built on a fishpond. Individual Sundanese-style gazebos (Saung) are scattered across the water, and you can even see fish swimming around your feet. With the evening breeze, it's just incredibly comfortable to Nongkrong here[3].
The dishes are authentic Sundanese cuisine, and you basically can't go wrong ordering anything.
A special shout-out to a few dishes:
- Spiced Lemon Shrimp (Udang Rempah Lemon): You have to order this![4] The crispy fried shrimp are coated in spices with a fresh aroma of lemon zest. The slight spiciness is super appetizing, and you can't stop eating them one after another.
- Grilled Beef Ribs (Iga Bakar): Meat lovers, go for this one![5] The beef ribs are stewed until they're super tender, falling right off the bone with a gentle touch of a fork. No effort needed to chew them at all. The sauce is sweet and savory, perfect with rice.
- Sundanese Set Rice (Nasi Liwet): As a main course, this Nasi Liwet[6] tastes very authentic. It's exactly that flavor you'd expect from a Sundanese restaurant, Mantap!
However, I have to be honest about a few things...
The ambiance and food are undeniably great, but for all the friends who want to check it out, take note! This place gets super crowded during meal times, and waiting in line is the norm[7], so it's best to come during off-peak hours. Also, because it's an open-air, on-the-water environment, a mosquito army will inevitably attack at night. Remember to wear long pants or bring your own mosquito repellent[8], otherwise, you'll just be an "extra meal" for the mosquitoes 🦟.
Pro-Tips & Ordering Guide, Here's a Cheat Sheet!
✅ How to get there?: Driving yourself is the most convenient. Their parking lot is huge, so you don't have to worry about parking at all[9].
✅ How to choose your seat?: If you want the full Indonesian experience, choose the Lesehan gazebos where you sit on the floor—they look amazing in photos! If you're with elders or aren't used to sitting cross-legged, opt for a regular table.
✅ When to go?: Avoid the peak hours of 12-1 PM for lunch and 7-8 PM for dinner to save a lot of time waiting in line.
✅ What to wear?: Light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants. They'll protect you from mosquitoes and look good in pictures.
Overall, the food and ambiance live up to the hype. It's especially great for a meal with family and friends—definitely the kind of place that will have your elders praising you for your excellent choice
- Spotted a photo with President Jokowi[1]! You know the food's good when it's president-approved.
- Dine in a floating pavilion[2] with fish swimming below. The evening breeze makes the whole vibe so chill!
- Crispy Spiced Lemon Shrimp[3] coated in fragrant spices and lemon zest. So crunchy and aromatic, you'll want three plates
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