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Where to find authentic pempek in Jakarta
As Palembang's most popular traditional dish, pempek (fish cake) is loved by many and can be found all around Jakarta. If you're a fan of this food, you may already have a favorite place that you go to whenever you have the cravings. But if you are open to suggestions, below is list of eateries in the capital city where you can expect to find authentic pempek.
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A traditional dish from South Sumatra, pempek is basically a fish cake that is usually served with sweet, spicy and sour sauce. (Shutterstock/-)
A
s Palembang's most popular traditional dish, pempek (fish cake) is loved by many and can be found all around Jakarta. If you're a fan of this food, you may already have a favorite place that you go to whenever you have the cravings.
But if you are open to suggestions, below is list of eateries in the capital city where you can expect to find authentic pempek.
If you define the originality of pempek by the strong fish taste, then Pempek Pak Jenggot is your perfect spot. Thanks to its generous servings of various types of pempek, such as kapal selam and adaan, and affordable prices, it is no wonder this place is one of the most favorite pempek eateries in Jakarta.
Kemayoran in Central Jakarta is popularly known as the center of pempek as many vendors of this dish can be found within the area. Among all the eateries available there, Pempek Garuda at Jl. Garuda No. 38 is a good choice to start thanks to its perfect combination of soft fish cake and delicious sweet-and-sour sauce.
(Read also: Fall in love with these traditional snacks)
Technically, Sari Sanjaya is not just a pempek restaurant since it also offers a variety of traditional Palembang cuisine. But its not-so-chewy and soft characteristics will easily lead you to fall in love with this genuine taste of pempek.
Located not far from Cikini train station, Pempek Megaria was established in 1989 so no wonder it has become legendary among the locals. Besides being famous for its delicious pempek, this place has also been known as a great hangout spot for over two decades now.
Pempek Pak Raden is particularly praised for its incredible sauce and another great thing about this eatery is you can find it in several places around Jakarta, from Kota Kasablanka in South Jakarta to BSD in Tangerang.
In Pempek 161, you can spend less than Rp 100,000 (US$8) when dining with a friend and expect a satisfactory experience. Serving several types of pempek, this place also serves other traditional Palembang dishes including the deliciously crunchy krupuk (crackers) Palembang. Pempek 161 is also available in several different places including Tebet in South Jakarta and Kelapa Gading in North Jakarta. (kes)
