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Explore the rich flavors of Pempek Palembang—Indonesia’s chewy fishcake with spicy-sour sauce. A must-try dish with deep cultural roots!
Iconic Cuisine from Palembang that Tempts the Palate
Pempek is a specialty food from Palembang, South Sumatra. This dish is made from finely ground fish mixed with sago flour. It has a savory taste and is usually eaten with a distinctive black sauce called cuko.
Pempek (fish cake in English) has a rich history in Palembang dating back to the 16th century. Originally, pempek was called “kelesan” and was created out of concern by an apek (Chinese gentleman) who saw abundant fish catches that weren’t being processed properly. The apek then created pempek by mixing fish with sago flour (before tapioca became popular).
The name “pempek” comes from the call “empek-empek” in local markets. Now, pempek comes in various types, such as Pempek Kapal Selam – containing egg inside, Pempek Lenjer – elongated in shape, Pempek Adaan – round and fried directly (without boiling first), Pempek Kulit – made from a mixture of fish and fish skin, Pempek Tahu – containing tofu inside, which are loved throughout Indonesia.
Pempek began being sold by Chinese people in 1916 by peddling from village to village on foot, usually in the palace area which is now the area of the Grand Mosque and Old Mosque of Palembang. Pempek is often served at family events, celebrations, or festivals, making it a versatile dish for all occasions. Pempek is usually served with cucumber slices, yellow noodles, and drizzled with cuko sauce. This dish is not only popular in Palembang but is also widely known throughout Indonesia.
Why Foreign Tourists Love Pempek
What makes pempek very attractive to international tourists is the unique combination of taste and texture not found in Western cuisine. The chewy and soft texture of the fish cake combined with the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in cuko creates an unusual taste sensation that makes many tourists fall in love.
Local residents often gather at pempek stalls, making it a place not only for eating but also for socializing. For tourists, the experience of enjoying pempek in its place of origin provides an authentic impression of Indonesian culinary culture.
Types of Pempek You Must Try
- Pempek Kapal Selam – Contains boiled egg inside. Most famous and widely loved.
- Pempek Lenjer – Long shape, smooth texture. Suitable for beginners.
- Pempek Adaan – Round, fried directly. Savory and crispy.
- Pempek Kulit – Uses fish skin, more aromatic and savory.
- Pempek Tahu – Contains tofu, soft texture.
From Fresh Ingredients to Special Dishes
Pempek is made by grinding 300 grams of Spanish mackerel, then mixing it with egg white, salt, pepper, and 150 grams of sago flour while gradually adding ice water until smooth. Shape the dough as desired, boil in boiling water until it floats for about 15 minutes. Some types like Pempek Adaan are directly fried after shaping.
Cuko is made from a mixture of palm sugar, garlic, vinegar, and bird’s eye chili. It tastes sweet, spicy, and sour. For tourists who can’t handle spicy food, you can ask for milder cuko or just a little.
How to Order Pempek for Beginners:
Many local vendors may not be fluent in English, so a translation app can help. Learn basic Indonesian phrases for ordering food, such as:
- Say “Saya mau pempek” (I want pempek)
- Ask “Ada yang tidak pedas?” (Is there a non-spicy option?)
- Request “Cuko-nya sedikit saja” (Just a little sauce please)
For beginners, start with “Pempek Lenjer” – it has a simple shape and doesn’t contain egg. Prepare cash (Rupiah) as many traditional pempek stalls don’t accept card or digital payments yet.
Tips for Eating Pempek for Foreign Tourists
Pempek is not only delicious but also has several health benefits. Because it’s made from fish, this Palembang specialty contains lots of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for heart and brain health. Per piece (15g) contains 60 calories and is a good source of protein.
For foreign tourists trying pempek for the first time, this experience can feel unique and unforgettable. Its chewy texture, distinctive fish filling, and the sweet, sour, and spicy cuko sauce create an unusual flavor combination. To enjoy pempek comfortably and maximally, here are some tips to follow:
1. Taste Without Cuko First
Before pouring the cuko sauce, try a little of the pempek first to get familiar with its texture—chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, especially if it contains egg (pempek kapal selam).
2. Use a Spoon, Not Your Hands
Pempek is usually served in small pieces with cuko sauce. Use a spoon or fork to maintain politeness, especially when eating in public places.
3. Pour Cuko Little by Little
Cuko (sweet-sour-spicy sauce) can be quite strong for those not used to it. Pour a little first on top of the pempek, taste it, then add according to your preference.
4. Ask About Spice Level
Many places provide cuko with different spice levels. If you can’t handle spicy food, say: “Boleh cuko yang tidak pedas?” (Can I have non-spicy cuko?). Eat with cucumber and crackers to neutralize the spicy taste.
5. Try Various Types of Pempek
Don’t just eat one type! Try Pempek Lenjer, Adaan, Kapal Selam, or Kulit. Each has a unique taste and texture.
5 Best Pempek Restaurants in Indonesia Every Tourist Should Try
Are you visiting Indonesia and looking to taste one of its most iconic local dishes? Pempek, a savory fishcake delicacy from Palembang, is a must-try Indonesian street food. Made from ground fish and tapioca, and served with a tangy, spicy-sweet vinegar sauce called cuko, pempek is a unique flavor experience you won’t forget. To help you enjoy it like a local, here are 5 famous pempek restaurants in Indonesia that are highly recommended by locals and featured in national media.
1. Pempek Candy – Palembang, South Sumatra
Famous on social media and adored by Palembang locals, Pempek Lince is celebrated for its soft-textured pempek and homemade-style cuko sauce. The place may look simple, but the flavor speaks volumes.
Must-Try Menu: Crispy Pempek Kulit, a local favorite
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNEX9gDWnmGRv9TH7
2. Pempek Lince – Palembang, South Sumatra
Famous on social media and adored by Palembang locals, Pempek Lince is celebrated for its soft-textured pempek and homemade-style cuko sauce. The place may look simple, but the flavor speaks volumes.
Must-Try Menu: Crispy Pempek Kulit, a local favorite
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zpHDGGHtqWPSVeW4A
3. Pempek Pak Raden – Jakarta
Why You Should Visit:
Craving authentic Palembang pempek while in Jakarta? Pempek Pak Raden delivers the real taste of South Sumatra right in the capital. With branches in several major cities, it’s a reliable spot for quality pempek.
Must-Try Menu: Pempek Kapal Selam, Lenjer, Adaan – with bold cuko for true flavor
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GSkY9u4NnZY6rdR87
4. Pempek Beringin – Palembang & Jakarta
One of the most well-known pempek brands in Indonesia, Pempek Beringin is loved for its consistent quality and milder cuko, suitable for all palates. Their products also make excellent souvenirs.
Must-Try Menu: Frozen pempek for takeaway or delivery, great for sharing the taste at home
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VuepzjuzFnQqvq6D7
5. Pempek Ny. Kamto – Yogyakarta
Serving in Yogyakarta since the 1980s, Pempek Ny. Kamto offers a Javanese-style take on the Palembang classic. With its slightly sweeter cuko, it’s perfect for travelers exploring Central Java who want a milder introduction to pempek.
Must-Try Menu: Pempek with sweet cuko—great for pempek beginners
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8fQEN3vUfS493ka17
Indonesian Cuisine Terms Glossary
- Pempek: Fishcake from Palembang
- Cuko: Sweet-sour chili sauce
- Kukus: Steam
- Rebus: Boil
- Goreng: Fry
- Tepung tapioka: Tapioca flour
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal
- Ikan dori/kakap: Dory/snapper fish
- Sambal: Chili sauce
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