Culinary tourism in Jambi offers an experience of enjoying delicious local dishes with authentic flavors that will tempt your taste buds.
Jambi, a province located on the eastern side of Sumatra Island, is not only known for its natural wealth and culture but also for its culinary delights that are sure to captivate food lovers.
From Malay to Minang cuisine, Jambi offers a wide range of flavorful dishes with distinct characteristics.
Whether it’s street stalls, restaurants, or legendary eateries, Jambi has plenty of culinary options that will satisfy your palate. Here are eight recommended culinary spots in Jambi that you must try when visiting the city!
1. Pempek Selamat Sipin
No need to travel all the way to Palembang to enjoy delicious pempek. In Jambi, you can savor authentic Palembang-style pempek at Pempek Selamat Sipin. Established in 1974, this legendary restaurant is well-loved by the people of Jambi.
They offer various types of pempek, such as Pempek Lenjer, Keriting, Kapal Selam, and Pempek Kulit, served with a delicious sour sauce.
Prices range from IDR 4,000 to IDR 25,000 per serving, and you can even buy raw pempek to take home. The authentic taste and affordable prices make Pempek Selamat Sipin a favorite spot for meals in Jambi.
2. Mie Pangsit Butkaw
If you’re looking for chewy wonton noodles in savory broth, Mie Pangsit Butkaw is the place to go. Located in Jambi, this restaurant is very popular among the locals and a top choice for wonton noodle lovers.
The noodles have a chewy texture, served with tender pork and savory broth. This spot is always bustling, especially in the mornings.
However, be sure to arrive early as Mie Pangsit Butkaw is only open from 6 AM to 11 AM. Don’t miss this culinary experience when visiting Jambi!
3. Rumah Makan Aroma Cempaka
For Minang cuisine enthusiasts, Rumah Makan Aroma Cempaka is a must-visit. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Minang dishes, including rendang, fried chicken, fried shrimp, pindang, and a range of fish dishes.
The food here uses rich spices, and the flavors are delicious, showcasing Typical Jambi Food. Additionally, the rice is served in traditional bamboo woven baskets.
The spacious, comfortable restaurant is always bustling with visitors. With affordable prices, Aroma Cempaka is a popular culinary destination in Jambi.
4. Pondok Pindang Sarinande
For pindang lovers, Pondok Pindang Sarinande is the perfect choice. This restaurant offers various fish dishes with a unique Jambi flavor. Their signature dish is pindang patin, a refreshing sour and spicy fish soup made with patin fish.
Besides pindang, you can also enjoy other dishes such as stir-fried crab, sweet and sour gurame, stir-fried clams, and stir-fried squid. The prices here are reasonable, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
5. Restoran Pondok Kelapo
If you’re looking to enjoy seafood in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, Restoran Pondok Kelapo is the perfect place. This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, such as pindang patin, grilled squid, Padang-style shrimp, and black pepper crab.
Pondok Kelapo has a traditional seating concept, creating a more intimate and enjoyable dining experience. With large portions and affordable prices, this restaurant is perfect for family or group meals.
6. Mie Celor Xaverius
Mie Celor is one of Jambi’s iconic dishes that you must try. Mie Celor Xaverius, located in front of SD Xaverius Pasar Jambi, serves delicious mie celor with a thick, savory broth. The noodles are served with tender shredded beef, and the prices are very affordable.
Mie Celor Xaverius is a favorite among many, especially for breakfast. This spot is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, as well as fast service. Don’t miss the chance to try this famous mie celor!
7. Warung Pindang Bi Cik
For a more unique Jambi culinary experience, Warung Pindang Bi Cik is the perfect choice. This warung is famous for serving tempoyak, a fermented durian dish that is one of Jambi’s iconic foods.
Tempoyak is served with pindang fish, creating a distinctive and delicious combination. In addition to tempoyak, Warung Pindang Bi Cik also offers various seafood dishes such as squid, shrimp, and clams, all cooked with rich spices. This place is popular among locals and tourists who want to experience authentic Jambi cuisine.
8. Kei Kopitiam
Kei Kopitiam is not just a hangout spot, but also a culinary destination offering a variety of Jambi’s traditional dishes. One must-try dish here is Nasi Gemuk Daging, which consists of coconut rice, boiled egg, shredded meat, and sweet Jambi sambal.
Kei Kopitiam also serves various types of toasted bread and traditional cakes that pair perfectly with coffee. With its comfortable atmosphere and classic yet elegant interior design, Kei Kopitiam is ideal for breakfast or simply relaxing while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Jambi is a culinary paradise with a wide selection of delicious and unique foods. From pempek and wonton noodles to pindang patin, you can enjoy a variety of mouthwatering flavors.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste these rich dishes of Typical Bengkulu Food and make sure to visit the legendary restaurants well-known among the locals. Plan your culinary journey to Jambi and enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience!
