"Let's take a look at the "very Bandung" style noodles that you have to try!"
Talking about culinary delights in Bandung is a topic that never ends and always makes you miss the city. Bandung is famous for its food, which is rich in flavor and has its own unique characteristics. One of the "very Bandung" style foods is bakmie bakso (meatball noodles). For noodle lovers, you definitely don't want to miss this one. Let's take a look at the "Bandung style" noodles that you must try!
1. BAKMIE LINGGAR JATI
Located on Jalan Balong Gede, right in the city center, across from the Alun Alun Mosque. This restaurant has been around since the 1950s and only sells noodle dishes. The interior is full of a nostalgic, old-time atmosphere, painted in a salted egg green color. This restaurant serves bakmie bakso kuah (noodle soup with meatballs), sweet or savory yamien, and bihun bakso kuah (vermicelli noodle soup with meatballs), which can be supplemented with tripe or tofu. The noodles come in two sizes: a full portion and a half portion. The most popular drink here since the beginning is Es Alpukat (Avocado Ice). Its unique taste makes anyone addicted. This eatery is still one of the culinary tourist destinations in Bandung today.
2. BAKMIE NARIPAN
This is also one of the legendary noodle spots in Bandung.
It's named Bakmie Naripan because it's located on Jalan Naripan. This noodle shop has been around since 1965. Initially, the restaurant was only 25 square meters, but as more customers came, Bakmie Naripan expanded its space. The favorite menu items here are the sweet and savory yamien, served with meatballs and a delicious minced meat topping. You can also add tripe if you like it. Not only that, but the fried meatballs are also a must-try dish and can be enjoyed with either the sweet or savory yamin. Bakmie Naripan also opened its first branch in Jakarta, at MOI, Kelapa Gading.
3. BAKMIE KEJAKSAAN
Established in 1965, this legendary noodle eatery has a huge fan base. Don't be surprised if you find a long line here. You might even have to wait for more than an hour! This place is famous for its mie rica dish, which is served with meatballs, chicken feet, and mustard greens. The noodles have a soft, non-curly texture. In addition to the spicy mie rica, the batagor (fried fish dumplings) is also a must-try menu item. The batagor is served with two options: with peanut sauce and soy sauce, or with a savory broth. Bakmie Kejaksaan now has a branch outside of Bandung, specifically at Jalan Margonda Raya No. 239, Beji, Depok, West Java.
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4. BAKMIE ENCEK
If you want to go here, Bakmie Encek is on Jalan Guntur No. 24, in the Burangrang area. You have to try the savory yamien here. Like typical Bandung bakmie baso, the noodles are served with meatballs, tofu meatballs, or dumplings. Not only that, their fried meatballs are also famous and taste different from others. The broth is clear and savory. The noodles are also small and soft. The chicken topping is finely chopped and sprinkled on top of the noodles, along with a slice of scallion.
For a drink, don't forget to try their Baileys-flavored Encek Iced Milk Coffee. It's refreshing and will pamper your taste buds.
5. BAKMIE LEZAT
The unique thing about the noodles served here is that they come with a finely shredded chicken topping and are served with meatballs, dumplings, or tofu. The taste lives up to its name: "Lezat" (Delicious). The broth is clear and sprinkled with celery, which has an aroma that is even more tempting to try. There is also a bakmie rica dish that is quite spicy. For those who love spicy food, you must try their mie rica. Curious about this noodle spot? Just head to Jalan Luna, which is in the Jalan Jendral Sudirman area. It's open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM WIB. Additionally, Bakmie Lezat can also be found in Gading Serpong, specifically at Ruko Beryl 1 No. 30.
6. BAKMIE TJUN TJUN (CUN CUN)
This is a street food style Chinese noodle stall, but the taste is top-notch. The menu consists of mie bakso kuah (noodle soup with meatballs), sweet or savory yamien, which can be served with dumplings, meatballs, tripe, intestines, and dorokdok (skin crackers). What distinguishes Bakmie Tjun Tjun from other noodles is the marus (blood) menu item. The marus is an optional add-on that can be ordered according to your preference. Also, the meatball soup is served with radishes and vegetables. However, this snack stall is only open in the afternoon until late at night. So for those of you who are looking for a culinary experience at night, head straight to Jalan Gardujati or Jalan Cibadak to try these noodles.
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7. BAKMIE KARAPITAN
This culinary spot has a small space with a meatball cart at the front. However, this eatery has been around for 40 years. If it's busy, don't be surprised if people are lining up for their turn. Here, the fried dumplings taste different from others. They are crispy and crunchy on the edges, and the filling is savory. Bakmie Karapitan offers special noodles, savory yamien with meatballs, sweet yamien with dumplings, bihun bakso (vermicelli with meatballs), meatball, dumpling, and tripe soup, meatball soup, and fried dumplings. Curious? This noodle spot is located at Jalan Karapitan No. 66A.
8. BASO BINTANG AVON
Founded by H. Maryono in 1991. It was initially named Bakso Avon because the seller used to sell his noodles from his cart right in front of the Avon office. Avon is an American cosmetics company headquartered in New York City. Mr. Maryono makes his own noodles and meatballs. In fact, many other mie bakso vendors order noodles and meatballs from him. There are also two kinds of chili sauce: chili pepper sauce and garlic chili sauce. The garlic chili sauce is made from red chili peppers and garlic mixed with water. The broth is made from free-range chicken, so it can be said to be healthier. The meatballs have a dense texture with a savory taste. You can order not only smooth and tendon meatballs here, but Bakso Avon also serves tofu meatballs, siomay (steamed fish dumplings), and dumplings, which can be enjoyed with noodle soup or savory or sweet yamien. This bakso spot is located on Jalan Ahmad Yani No. 29A, not far from Simpang Lima.
Photo by Selina Thomas on Unsplash
9. BAKMI AKUNG
Starting with its first stall in the Lingkar Selatan area, specifically on Jalan Lodaya No. 123, this noodle shop is loved by many people. In fact, during lunchtime, this place is packed with visitors. The distinctive feature here is the bakmie baso (meatball noodles) which are served with chicken feet. For chicken feet lovers, don't miss this snack spot. The price for one portion of savory yamien with meatballs, siomay, and tofu meatballs is Rp 53,000 per portion. But it's worth a try.
10. BAKMIE BUNGSU
This noodle shop is located on Jalan Veteran (formerly called Jalan Bungsu), across from Mickey Salon. Uniquely, these noodles are served with meatballs, radishes, lettuce, and dorokdok (skin crackers). The menu includes mie bakso kuah (noodle soup with meatballs), sweet yamin, savory yamin, sweet yahun (vermicelli yamien), savory yahun, and bihun kuah (vermicelli noodle soup). The meatballs also come in two choices, smooth meatballs and tendon meatballs, and can also be served with tripe. The aroma of the broth makes anyone want to try it right away. The taste is even more delicious when eaten during cold or rainy weather. So, which of the 10 noodles mentioned above is your favorite?
