The traditional foods of Bogor offer unique flavors that captivate the taste buds, making them a must-try for any visitor.
Bogor, known as the “City of Rain,” is a popular tourist destination for many, especially those from Jakarta. In addition to its natural beauty and the cool Puncak area, Bogor also offers a rich culinary scene worth exploring.
Many people are familiar with Asinan Bogor, but there are plenty of other traditional dishes that will surprise your taste buds. Here’s a list of must-try traditional dishes from Bogor:
1. Doclang: A Blend of Ketupat and Peanut Sauce
Doclang is an iconic culinary dish from Bogor that should not be missed. This dish consists of ketupat (rice cakes), boiled potatoes, and eggs, all drenched in a savory, thick peanut sauce.
Doclang is usually served with a topping of crackers and fried shallots. The savory and sweet peanut sauce makes this dish perfect for any time of day, and it’s a delicious example of Typical Bogor Food.
2. Bapatong: A Unique Meatball Soup
Bapatong, short for “bakso kupat gentong,” is a unique Bogor dish that will tempt your taste buds. Ideal for meatball lovers, it’s especially comforting when enjoyed on a cool or rainy day.
The savory broth is combined with ketupat and soft meatballs, offering a different experience from regular meatball soup.
3. Cungkring: Beef Tendon with Peanut Sauce
Cungkring, meaning “tendon” in Sundanese, is a dish made from beef tendon and head meat. Cooked with sweet peanut sauce, cungkring is often served on skewers, much like satay, and accompanied by sticky rice. This dish is a great option for those who want to taste authentic traditional flavors.
4. Es Pala: A Refreshing Drink Full of Benefits
This traditional drink has been around since the Dutch colonial era. Made from fresh nutmeg slices and sugar, Es Pala has a sweet and slightly sour flavor.
Besides being refreshing, this drink is believed to have health benefits, such as helping with sleep problems and easing menstrual pain. Es Pala is perfect to enjoy after indulging in the heavier dishes of Bogor.
5. Asinan Bogor: The Iconic Bogor Dish
Asinan Bogor is a must-try and one of the most iconic dishes. This dish is a result of the fusion of Chinese and local cultures, creating a unique and distinctive taste.
There are two main types of Asinan: fruit and vegetable asinan. Its fresh, sweet-and-sour taste has made it a favorite among both tourists and locals.
6. Laksa Bogor: A Spicy Dish That Will Tempt Your Taste Buds
Laksa Bogor is a traditional dish that is often served at special occasions such as celebrations and weddings.
This dish is similar to a soup, but it contains ketupat, vermicelli, bean sprouts, basil leaves, yellow tofu, and hard-boiled eggs. The broth is rich in spices, providing a strong aroma and flavor, making it a popular dish that you can find when visiting Bogor.
7. Toge Goreng: A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
Toge Goreng is quite popular in Bogor. Despite its name meaning “fried sprouts,” this dish is actually boiled and served with lontong (rice cake), tofu, and oncom (fermented soy).
The dish is then drenched in a savory tauco-based sauce. The distinctive taste of tauco sauce makes Toge Goreng a special dish sought after by culinary lovers.
8. Mie Glosor: A Favorite Dish for Breaking the Fast
Mie Glosor is one of the traditional dishes from Bogor commonly served during Ramadan as a dish to break the fast.
Made from cassava flour and turmeric, the noodles have a distinctive yellow color. Typically served with peanut sauce, crackers, and fried foods, Mie Glosor provides a delicious and filling treat.
9. Roti Unyil: A Popular Snack for Souvenirs
Roti Unyil is a popular snack in Bogor, especially as a souvenir. As the name suggests, these are small-sized breads filled with a variety of fillings like chocolate, cheese, sausage, and shredded beef. Its soft texture and variety of fillings make Roti Unyil a favorite among both children and adults.
10. Ngo Hiang Gang Aut: A Chinese Culinary Heritage
Ngo Hiang Gang Aut is a Chinese dish that has become part of Bogor’s culinary scene. In its country of origin, this dish is made with pork, but in Indonesia, it is adjusted to use beef or chicken, making it suitable for a wider audience.
Ngo Hiang is served as pieces of meat wrapped in dough and fried, accompanied by sweet-and-sour sauce and refreshing pickled radishes.
The rich culinary offerings in Bogor provide an experience of unique, delicious, and historically significant dishes. From the spice-rich Laksa Bogor to the sweet treats like Roti Unyil, every traditional dish from Bogor has something special to offer.
If you’re visiting Bogor, be sure to explore and taste its delicious traditional food, along with some Typical Bandung Food, for an unforgettable culinary experience.
