The Kei islands aren’t Paris (or Jakarta) but there are some good places to eat.  It isn’t easy to find restaurant information in Kei so this post should be helpful:

1.  Forganza Cafe

This isn’t really a cafe but it is a superb restaurant. There is a beautiful view and a tranquil seaside atmosphere as well. In addition, the prices are quite reasonable. It is popular with locals and I highly recommend eating here at least once during your stay in Kei! My favourite dish is the squid with oyster sauce but everything I’ve ordered has been excellent. Forganza is a definite step above everywhere else in Kei. (Forganza Cafe Facebook page)

2.  Grand Vilia Hotel (Hive restaurant)

The most upscale place to eat in Kei has a varied menu with items you won’t find at other Kei establishments.  It is however a bit on the expensive side, especially for Indonesia.  They also have a good buffet breakfast included if you choose to stay with them. The dishes I recommend most are the Kung Pao chicken and sweet and sour chicken. The restaurants are on the top (5th floor) and ground floors of the hotel. There is a pretty good view in the daytime from the rooftop restaurant. Interestingly, Grand Vilia decided not to build a 4th floor so the restaurant is located on the 5th floor. Seriously, the elevator and floor numbers are 1,2,3, 5!

3.  Warung Makan Sederhana

Located near Gota, this restaurant is very different from Grand Vilia.  It has basic decor but excellent and very cheap gado gado.  I love gado gado!

4. Ten Cafe

Ten Cafe has a great location overlooking Pasir Panjang (Ngurbloat beach). The food isn’t amazing but it’s a good place to eat when you’re in the area.

5.  168 Junction food court

This food court in Tual has some Japanese and Cantonese options not available in other places. I wasn’t that impressed but some of my Kei friends love it!

6. Green Hills

They have a large affordable menu although some of the menu options weren’t available when I ate here last time. They have good food and very friendly servers.

7. Mamocha Cafe

This is another good place to eat.

8. Mas Joko

There are BBQ fish and chicken meals on offer. They have inexpensive and good food that is popular with locals (evenings only).

9. Food stands and local baking

There are a lot of food stands at Pasir Panjang (Ohoililir/ Ngurbloat) beach and some at other villages as well. In most villages you can also find local baking (bread, doughnuts, fried bananas, etc). You’ll have to ask around though because they are often just normal houses with no signage. I put the Ohoidertawun baking places on the map page.

10. Other options

There is a large supermarket and fast food place at Gota (Langgur) Also, the Langgur and Tual markets both have fresh fruit and vegetables along with a lot of smaller shops and food stands. If you are in Kei during Ramadan, don’t miss the nightly food stands near the Langgur-Tual bridge.

See also

The map page has the location of the places mentioned in this post.  Selamat makan!