Enjoy a variety of unique flavors at the culinary destinations of South Sumatra, offering authentic and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Palembang is not only famous for pempek but also offers other delicious local dishes such as tekwan, model, and authentic coffee.
For those visiting or passing through Palembang, exploring its culinary spots is an activity not to be missed. Here are some iconic places you can visit to savor the flavors of Palembang and its surroundings:
1. Pempek Candy
Pempek is a must-try dish when in Palembang. Though widely available across Indonesia, the pempek in Palembang retains a distinctive, authentic taste. Among the Things to do in South Sumatra, exploring its culinary delights is a must.
Pempek Candy is one of the best-known eateries, offering a variety of pempek types such as lenjer, kapal selam, and the trending pempek bakar. Besides pempek, Pempek Candy also serves other local dishes like mie celor, model, and tekwan.
2. Martabak HAR
This martabak has a long history in Palembang. Haji Abdul Razak introduced Indian-style martabak and adapted it to local tastes.
Unlike Indian martabak, Martabak HAR is served with a milder goat curry and potato side dish. Its crispy crust and lighter curry make for a unique and delicious combination.
3. Pondok Pindang Lis
Pindang is a signature South Sumatran dish rich in spices, and Pondok Pindang Lis is one of the best places to try it. Here, you can enjoy various types of pindang, from pindang patin, baung, and toman, to pindang tulang.
The prices are wallet-friendly, starting at IDR 25,000, making it accessible to everyone seeking authentic Palembang cuisine.
4. Rumah Makan Sederhana Padang
cuisine also holds a place in the hearts of Palembang locals, and Rumah Makan Sederhana is a top choice for authentic Padang dishes.
Located on Jalan Lintas Raya Muaraenim, this restaurant also has branches in other areas, including Tanjung Enim. The diverse menu, starting at IDR 25,000, is sure to satisfy fans of Padang food.
5. Rumah Makan Legenda
In Pagaralam, you’ll find Rumah Makan Legenda, which offers various Indonesian dishes with the distinct flavors of Pagaralam.
The eatery features a cozy, traditional lesehan dining style amidst mountainous scenery surrounded by tea plantations, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
6. Lesehan Lembur Kuring Karjak
Located in Tanjung Agung, Pagaralam, this lesehan-style restaurant serves Malay specialties and seafood.
The highlights here are the karjak shrimp and grilled fish with a tantalizing sweet-and-sour sauce. Despite occasional complaints about the service time, the taste of the dishes makes it worth the visit.
7. Mie Celor 26 Ilir
Mie celor is another Palembang specialty worth trying. At Mie Celor 26 Ilir, you can enjoy authentic mie celor with a rich broth made from a blend of shrimp stock and coconut milk.
This dish is completed with shrimp, dried shrimp, boiled eggs, and bean sprouts, offering a flavor profile unlike any other noodle dish.
8. Pasar Cinde
For those looking to sample various Palembang snacks and dishes in one place, Pasar Cinde is the perfect choice.
From snacks to es kacang merah (red bean ice), you’ll find it all here. This market is also famous for its godo-godo, a popular snack among locals and tourists.
9. Saung Kuring
Situated on Jl. Raya Air Paku Tanjung Enim in Lawang Kidul, Muaraenim, this restaurant provides a relaxing ambiance with karaoke facilities, perfect for unwinding while enjoying a variety of Indonesian dishes such as pindang, soups, and seafood.
The restaurant also has special vegan and children’s menus, along with open-air and VIP dining areas.
10. Warung Makan Chef Dadang Pagaralam
When in Pagaralam, don’t miss Warung Makan Chef Dadang, serving Indonesian and international dishes adapted to local tastes.
This eatery features an open-air atmosphere ideal for relaxing with family or friends. It has several branches on Jl. Pesirah Ratu Saniun and Jl. Mayor Ruslan in Pagaralam Utara, South Sumatra.
With these diverse culinary spots, Palembang and its surroundings offer a true culinary destination worth exploring.
Among the Tourist Attractions in West Sumatra, each place offers a unique ambiance and flavor, allowing you to enjoy various culinary delights and satisfying experiences in South Sumatra.
