Real Spanish mackerel · Palembang recipe

Savoury fish, cuko with a kick.

Pempek are fish cakes from Palembang, South Sumatra. Ours are made fresh every day from Spanish mackerel and good sago, and come with cuko, a sweet and spicy palm-sugar sauce. Choose your order, send it on WhatsApp and we'll deliver it to you in Palembang or Batam.

A plate of kapal selam pempek in cuko sauce
100%Spanish
Mackerel
Bestseller
Real Spanish MackerelNo other fish mixed in
No PreservativesMade fresh every day
Palm-Sugar CukoThick, sweet and spicy, Palembang style
Frozen PacksKeeps for up to a month in the freezer
How to Order

Three steps, straight to WhatsApp.

No account needed. Our admin confirms stock and the delivery fee by chat.

01Choose your foodAdd pempek and cuko to your cart.
02Check your orderAdjust quantities and choose your city.
03Send it on WhatsAppYour order reaches the admin in your city, neatly written out.
  • Delivery areaPalembang (Plaju and the surrounding area) and Batam (except Nongsa and Galang)
  • Order hoursEvery day, 08:00–20:00 WIB (GMT+7)
  • PaymentBank transfer, QRIS or cash on delivery
About Us

A taste of Palembang, made fresh in two cities.

Pempek Sikar started selling in May 2024 from a home kitchen in Batam. The idea was simple: pempek where you can really taste the fish, with a cuko that packs a punch, just like in Palembang.

We still make it the same way: real Spanish mackerel with nothing else mixed in, good sago, no preservatives, and palm-sugar cuko cooked down until thick. We make it in small batches every day, so it's always fresh when it reaches you.

Today Pempek Sikar is in two cities: Batam, and Palembang, the home of pempek. For now it's just these two, but we'd like to open in other cities too if we can.

Founded
May 2024
Main ingredient
Spanish mackerel
Cities
Palembang and Batam
FAQ

Common questions

Still have a question? Ask the admin in your city.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver in Palembang (Plaju and the surrounding area) and Batam (except Nongsa and Galang). In Batam, that includes Batam Kota, Nagoya, Bengkong, Batu Ampar, Sekupang, Batu Aji, Sagulung and Sei Beduk. Choose your city in the cart and your order goes straight to the admin there. For now we can't deliver outside these areas.

Are you in other cities?

For now Pempek Sikar is only in Palembang and Batam. We'd like to open in other cities later on, if we can.

How much is delivery?

Delivery follows instant-courier rates for the distance from our kitchen. The admin tells you the fee on WhatsApp before your order is processed, so there are no surprise charges.

When will my order arrive?

We take orders every day, 08:00–20:00 WIB (GMT+7). Orders placed before 15:00 are delivered the same day; later orders go out the next morning. Need it at a particular time? Just add it to your order note.

How do I pay?

Payment options: Bank transfer, QRIS or cash on delivery. The admin sends the payment details once your order is confirmed.

Is there a minimum order?

No. We'll deliver even a single kapal selam.

Are they delivered cooked or frozen?

The pempek are already cooked (boiled) and just need frying. Whether you'll eat them straight away or keep some for later, you can ask for them fresh or frozen in your order note.

How long do they keep?

As there are no preservatives, pempek keep for 1 day at room temperature, up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 1 month in the freezer. Cuko keeps for about 2 weeks in the fridge.

How do I fry them?

If they're frozen, leave them at room temperature for 15–30 minutes first. Heat the oil over a medium flame and fry for 3–5 minutes until golden. Cut a large lenjer into pieces first so it cooks evenly. Serve with cuko, sliced cucumber and yellow noodles.

Can I order a lot for an event?

Yes, for gatherings, office events and celebrations. Let us know on WhatsApp at least 2 days ahead so we can make your order fresh.