Must-Try Foods In Kemaro Island (Palembang) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kemaro Island, Palembang, Indonesia

Kemaro Island, located in the middle of the Musi River in Palembang, Indonesia, is not only a significant cultural and historical site but also a place where visitors can experience the rich culinary traditions of South Sumatra. Being a region with a large community of Chinese-Indonesians, Kemaro Island offers an interesting blend of Chinese and traditional Indonesian cuisine, particularly known for its fish-based dishes due to the proximity to the river.

Pempek, for example, is one of Palembang's most famous culinary exports. This fish cake has a history intertwined with Chinese and Malay influences, becoming a symbol of Palembang cuisine. Additionally, the island's fare showcases a variety of spices and flavors typical of Indonesian cooking, such as lemongrass, tamarind, and galangal.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Kemaro Island, Palembang, Indonesia

1. Pempek (Non-Veg) - Savory fish cakes usually made from ground fish and tapioca, served with a dark, rich sauce called cuko.
2. Tekwan (Non-Veg) - A soup dish made from fish meatballs, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables, in a light shrimp-based broth.
3. Model (Non-Veg) - Similar to pempek, but shaped in a flat, round form and typically served with noodles and a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce.
4. Otak-Otak (Non-Veg) - Grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves with a distinctive aromatic flavor.
5. Kerupuk Palembang (Non-Veg) - Crunchy fish crackers that are a common snack or accompaniment to meals.
6. Lenggang (Non-Veg) - A variation of pempek, made by wrapping pempek dough around an egg before frying.
7. Srikaya Jam - A sweet spread made from coconut milk, eggs, and pandan leaves, often eaten with bread.
8. Laksa Palembang (Non-Veg) - A noodle soup dish with a coconut milk-based broth, served with seafood and sprinkled with fried onions.
9. Brengkes (Non-Veg) - Fish wrapped in banana leaves with a spicy sambal and steamed to perfection.
10. Martabak HAR (Veg) - A folded pancake with sweet or savory fillings, the vegetarian version may contain a mix of vegetables, egg, and spices.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kemaro Island, Palembang, Indonesia

Rumah Makan Pempek & Seafood Laut Biru

Alamat: Jl. Letkol Iskandar, Palembang
Famous Dish: Pempek (Non-Veg)

Restoran River Side

Alamat: Jl. Mayor Salim Batubara, Palembang
Famous Dish: Otak-Otak (Non-Veg)

Kapitan Resto

Alamat: Jl. Kapten Anwar Sastro, Palembang
Famous Dish: Laksa Palembang (Non-Veg)

Taman Sari Water Castle Resto

Alamat: Jl. Tasik, Palembang
Famous Dish: Tekwan (Non-Veg)

Martabak HAR

Alamat: Jln. Jendral Sudirman, No. 184, Ilir Timur, Palembang
Famous Dish: Martabak HAR (Veg)

Note that the addresses mentioned are for guidance as restaurants on Kemaro Island itself may be limited due to its size and nature as a cultural site. More diverse options can be found in the Palembang city across the river.