WEST BANGKA -- In the midst of the proliferation of modern cafes and fast food restaurants, Roemah Keboen, a simple and warm restaurant located in Mentok City, West Bangka Regency, still exists and continues to grow.
The beautiful, cozy atmosphere makes Roemah Kebun not just an ordinary place to eat, but also a symbol of the city.
not just an ordinary place to eat, but a symbol of family warmth, culinary heritage.
Established in 2008, Roemah Kebun is now managed by the second generation and carries the concept of a family restaurant, presenting warm nuances, authentic regional menus, and friendly service.
Roemah Keboen manager Desy Chrisdiniaty, who is the daughter of Roemah Kebun's owner, who is currently focused on managing and developing Roemah Kebun, said that the business they are running was started by her parents. At that time, PT Timah also played an important role in supporting their business by providing capital loans.
Since its inception, Roemah Keboen has consistently served home-cooked dishes with authentic flavors reminiscent of mom's cooking in the kitchen. The menu also features dishes that are usually served at home, as well as local specialties.
“Roemah Keboen was inspired by the garden houses in Bandung and the first time we opened it, it used to be a house with a garden around it, with breadfruit trees and coconuts. But little by little it was remodeled and developed as it is today,” she said.
The mainstay menu includes rib curry, grilled fish, rusip, lempah darat, and various seafood preparations. In addition to serving regional specialties, they also continue to innovate to present western menus such as steak, shabu-shabu and others. All dishes are processed from hereditary recipes without preservatives and still maintain traditional cooking techniques.
“For our menu variations, Bangka Belitung specialties, archipelago and also western. Now we are also trying to present menus such as shabu-shabu and grill,” she said.
Aside from focusing on maintaining food quality and service, Roemah Keboen also strives to improve convenience for consumers by obtaining halal certification, accreditation and catering services.
Consistency in maintaining quality and hospitality has made this restaurant not only known to the local community, but also a culinary destination for national figures, artists, and state officials.
The most proud moment was when Roemah Keboen was visited directly by the 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo in 2022. Joko Widodo, who at that time was conducting a working visit to Bangka Belitung, had lunch there.
“It was a moment we didn't expect, like a dream. I told my mom it was true that the number one person in Indonesia at that time wanted to eat here. We served our menu and he said our tempeh bacem was delicious,” Desy said.
The development of Roemah Keboen is very evident from the beginning, which was only a residential house, has now been expanded and can accommodate hundreds of people, in addition to the nine workers who are now 25 people.
“In addition to restaurants, we also provide food catering services, and we also serve people who want to party, celebrate birthdays or family gatherings here. We continue to innovate to maintain the taste, without changing the flavor and improving the service at an affordable price,” she said.
They even have regular customers, usually such as motorcycle communities, travel, tourists from various countries, especially during certain festive moments.
According to him, the development of Roemah Keboen cannot be separated from the support of PT Timah, even until now PT Timah still plays a role in supporting Roemah Keboen by making the garden house as one of the vendors who provide food for workers.
“You could say that the journey of Roemah Kebun is with PT Timah, there is a lot of support, besides we can borrow working capital, we are also given the trust to handle and provide catering for their workers,” she said.
Today, Roemah Keboen is not only known as a place to eat, but as a local culinary icon that is part of Mentok City. With a family-friendly concept, an open dining area, and an intimate atmosphere, it's a great place to stop by for lunch with family or to entertain out-of-town guests. (*)
