Food In Palembang

Food History of Palembang, Indonesia

Palembang is one of Indonesia's oldest cities with a rich history that spans over a millennium, and this is reflected in its culinary culture. The food in Palembang has been influenced by various cultures, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian, as well as its own indigenous people. Historically, Palembang was a vital trading port, which contributed to its diverse culinary scene.

The city's most famous dish, Pempek, demonstrates this mix, being a blend of local fish with Chinese and Malay spices. Food in Palembang is noted for its unique flavors, often featuring a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Palembang for Tourists

1. Pempek - Non Veg: A savory fishcake delicacy made from fish and tapioca, usually served with a dark, rich sweet and sour sauce called cuko.
2. Tekwan - Non Veg: A soup dish consisting of fishcake balls, mushrooms, and vermicelli, flavored with shrimp broth and a hint of lime leaves.
3. Model - Non Veg: Similar to pempek but served in a bowl with a broth and noodles, a dish that combines various textures and flavors.
4. Laksa Palembang - Non Veg: A spicy noodle soup that often includes a coconut milk-based broth, fish, and noodles, garnished with cucumber and oncom.
5. Brengkes Patin - Non Veg: Steamed catfish in banana leaves, seasoned with traditional spices and coconut milk, delivering a rich and aromatic taste.
6. Pindang Patin - Non Veg: A tangy and slightly spicy fish soup that uses patin fish (a type of catfish) and is seasoned with tamarind and tomatoes.
7. Kerupuk Palembang - Non Veg: A crunchy fish cracker that is a popular snack or accompaniment in Palembang.
8. Martabak HAR - Non Veg (but can be made Veg): A folded pancake with various fillings, typically including eggs, meat, and spices, though vegetarian options may be available.
9. Gulai Kepala Kakap - Non Veg: Red snapper head cooked in a rich, yellow coconut milk curry, often flavored with turmeric and other spices.
10. Srikayo Palembang - Veg: A sweet dessert made from coconut milk, eggs, and pandan leaves, usually served with glutinous rice.

Top Famous Restaurants in Palembang, Indonesia

Rumah Makan Pempek Vico

Address: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.30, Palembang

Famous Food: Pempek - Non Veg

RM Pindang Musi Rawas

Address: Jl. Kapten Anwar Sastro No.1428, Palembang

Famous Food: Pindang Patin - Non Veg

Sari Laut Ocen

Address: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.363, Palembang

Famous Food: Brengkes Patin - Non Veg

Pempek & Es Kacang VICO BKB

Address: Jalan Tanjung Api-api KM. 4 No.1680, Palembang

Famous Food: Pempek and Es Kacang Vico - Non Veg

Rumah Makan Sri Melayu

Address: Jl. Rajawali No. 42, Palembang

Famous Food: Laksa Palembang - Non Veg

Restoran Garuda

Address: Jl. Gubernur H.A Bastari, Palembang

Famous Food: Srikayo Palembang - Veg

Martabak HAR

Address: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman no 3, Palembang

Famous Food: Martabak HAR - Non Veg (but can have Veg options)

Pempek Candy

Address: Jl. Kolonel H. Barlian, Palembang

Famous Food: Kerupuk Palembang - Non Veg

Pempek & Es Krim Akiaw 99

Address: Jl. Merdeka No.9-11, 20 Ilir D. III, Palembang

Famous Food: Pempek - Non Veg

Restoran Pagar Alam

Address: Jl. Veteran No. 1452, Palembang

Famous Food: Gulai Kepala Kakap - Non Veg