Chandra: the Visionary Entrepreneur

In the never-stopping pace of Causeway Bay, there is Kampoeng: a large spaced restaurant with an authentic variety of menu and enchanting traditional interior, paving its way since the early 2000s. Boasting a wide range of offerings—from Ayam Geprek (spicy smashed chicken), Cendol Ice, to Gado-Gado (Indonesia’s signature salad with peanut sauce)—Kampoeng brings the rich diversity of Indonesian cuisine to the heart of one of Hong Kong’s liveliest areas.

Meet Chandra, the Relentless Entrepreneur

Born and raised in Lombok, Pak Chandra’s life started on the streets—an adventurous soul growing up amid challenges. Early on, he felt the pressing issue of “waste in society” and eventually became a migrant worker, first arriving in Hong Kong in the 1990s to work as a domestic helper. The experience was a shock to his culture, and after working for three years, he hit a low point, feeling lost and uncertain about his future. Lacking capital but driven by ambition, he noticed many migrant workers taking days off and needing meals. This insight led him to selling nasi asongan (street-side rice meals) around Victoria Park. Without any system or support, he did everything by hand from scratch, learning through sheer effort and perseverance. Despite having zero prior knowledge, he managed all aspects alone. However, this grassroots approach also fostered deep community engagement, which later enabled him to start a money transfer service upon requests from friends. Visa challenges between 1997 and 2003 led him to move back and forth between Indonesia and Hong Kong, continuing his remittance work from Surabaya.

With growing capital, he turned back and opened the first Indonesian supermarket in Causeway Bay in the early 2000s catering to the needs of migrant workers with a broad range of products. This store was the first Indonesian grocery in Hong Kong, making Pak Chandra a true pioneer. He is a forward thinker, saw the potential of Indonesian restaurants in Hong Kong despite lacking a cooking background. The very first Indonesian restaurant opened in 1968 in Hong Kong, but Pak Chandra’s bigger venture, Kampoeng, started in the early 2000s as a small, humble shop opposite the Indonesian Consulate (KJRI), later relocating as the area was redeveloped.

Running Kampoeng was not easy: sourcing cooks, ingredients, and matching local tastes required dedication and learning. Pak Chandra strongly believes in helping people who want to work and always pushing forward. Despite minimal marketing efforts, Kampoeng remains a place where many Indonesians feel at home, a nostalgic taste of “kampung” (village/home), located in the heart of Causeway Bay, a strategic area connected to the Indonesian community’s evolution in Hong Kong.

Sustaining Kampoeng

Kampoeng embodies the spirit of home for many, offering authentic Indonesian flavors in an international city. From a small warung (stall) to a full-fledged restaurant, it offers a connection to Indonesian culture amid Hong Kong’s fast pace. The choice of Causeway Bay reflects historical ties and the presence of many Indonesian migrant workers. Throughout many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Pak Chandra attributes his resilience to faith and relentless effort. He acknowledges the importance of adapting to the digital era, innovation, and support from his wife in sustaining the business as a family venture. His hope is for Kampoeng to become a sustainable business passed down through generations.

Beyond the Kitchen

Kampoeng’s reputation is built on trust, quality, and community ties. Pak Chandra emphasizes that business success comes from relationships and continuous learning from experience, despite risks. Maintaining honest pricing and genuine engagement is core to their operation. The restaurant also serves as a community hub, encouraging sharing, mutual help, and cultural connection. Despite the other emerging Indonesian restaurants across Hong Kong, the bold history, strong authenticity , and warm hospitality make Kampoeng a beloved Indonesian home away from home, that is now expanding to be the to-go-Indonesian place for tourists in Hong Kong. In today’s fast-moving Hong Kong, Kampoeng remains a rare spot where food tells stories of migration, belonging, and the enduring taste of home.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Pak Chandra’s advice is clear: never give up, face challenges bravely, and always be grateful. He believes success results from the harmony of faith and hard work. Building trust and community connections are vital, as is being open to learn and adapt. For Pak Chandra, entrepreneurship is more than business—it’s about helping oneself and others toward a better future.

Step into Kampoeng and experience the warmth, heritage, and authentic taste of Indonesia right here in Causeway Bay. To learn more about the inspiring entrepreneurs we spotlight, contact us at info@guidefong.org and stay tuned for more stories.