Explore a variety of mouth-watering Bandung specialties full of unique flavors, from traditional snacks to delicious main dishes.
Bandung, a city famous for its natural beauty and cool air, also has a culinary diversity that is no less interesting.
From snacks to heavy meals, Bandung’s culinary specialties always succeed in captivating the tongues of tourists and locals. Here are 10 Typical Bandung Foods that you must try when visiting this city.
1. Peuyeum
Peuyeum is a typical Bandung food made from cassava that goes through a fermentation process. This fermentation process is what gives peuyeum its natural sweet taste, as well as its chewy texture.
Peuyeum can be served in its usual form, but it is also often found grilled and doused with grated coconut and Javanese sugar water, creating a dish called Colenak.
Peuyeum was originally found in Cimenyan District, Bandung Regency, and was used as a substitute for rice during the colonial era. This food is rich in history and of course, an alluring taste.
2. Surabi
Surabi is a traditional Bandung snack made from a mixture of rice flour and coconut milk, cooked using a clay mold on a wood stove.
The unique cooking process gives surabi a soft texture on top and crispy on the bottom, with a slightly burnt taste that adds to the deliciousness.
Usually, surabi is served with various toppings, ranging from kinca (liquid brown sugar), spicy oncom, to a mixture of salted eggs. Its savory and sweet taste makes it one of the most popular snacks.
3. Shake Noodles
If you are looking for a soup dish in Bandung, Mie Kocok is the right choice. This noodle is made from flat noodles served with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts, and tender beef tendon.
The name “Mie Kocok” comes from the way it is served, where the noodles and other ingredients are “shaken” first so that the savory broth flavor is absorbed. Mie Kocok is one of Bandung’s signature dishes that always succeeds in tempting the appetite.
4. Bandros
Bandros is a traditional Bandung cake made from a mixture of rice flour and coconut milk. This cake is cooked in a concave mold, creating a crunchy texture on the outside but soft on the top. Before serving, bandros is usually sprinkled with grated coconut.
Its savory taste and unique texture make it the perfect snack to accompany afternoon tea time. Bandros can be found in many corners of Bandung, easily found in traditional markets or small shops.
5. Batagor
Batagor is an abbreviation of “Bakso Tahu Goreng,” which refers to the basic ingredients and how it is made. Batagor is made from fish dough mixed with starch, then fried until crispy.
Usually, batagor is served with thick peanut sauce and a little lime juice to give a fresh sensation. This food is very popular, not only in Bandung, but also in other cities. Batagor is the perfect choice for those of you who want a savory and delicious snack.
6. Steamed Rice
Nasi timbel is one of the traditional Sundanese dishes that is very famous in Bandung. Rice cooked in banana leaves gives a distinctive aroma and a more savory taste than regular rice.
Nasi timbel is usually served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, grilled fish, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables. In Bandung, enjoying nasi timbel in the traditional way, which is eating with your hands, is an unforgettable culinary experience.
7. Cireng
Cireng, which is short for “Aci Goreng,” is one of the most popular snacks in Bandung. Made from tapioca flour dough that is fried until dry and crispy, cireng is often served with spicy peanut sauce or rujak sauce.
Cireng is perfect to enjoy during the day or as a snack to break the fast. With its chewy texture and savory taste, cireng is a favorite snack for many people, both children and adults.
8. Maranggi Satay
Sate Maranggi is a typical Bandung satay dish made from beef cut into small pieces and seasoned with special spicy and fragrant spices. Although it originates from the Maranggi area in Sukabumi, this satay is very popular in Bandung.
Sate Maranggi is usually served with rice and spicy chili sauce, giving a very rich taste sensation. This food is perfect for those of you who like food with a savory and spicy taste.
9. Colenak
Colenak is a sweet food typical of Bandung made from roasted or grilled cassava. The roasted cassava is then doused with thick brown sugar sauce, creating a distinctive sweet taste.
Sometimes, colenak is also served with additional pieces of banana or sticky rice. This food is often the perfect dessert after enjoying a heavy meal, with a sweet taste that pampers the tongue.
10. Seblak
Seblak is a typical Bandung food that is very popular among the people, especially young people. Seblak is made from wet crackers cooked with vegetables, eggs, meat and spicy spices.
Seblak has a distinctive taste, namely spicy and savory, which makes it very popular. Although seblak can be found in various regions, the taste of seblak in Bandung has its own special qualities, which makes it not to be missed.
Bandung is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also for its culinary delights that are rich in taste and full of history. Each dish served has its own story and uniqueness, making every bite meaningful.
While exploring Bandung, consider taking Culinary Tours in Bogor to discover even more delightful flavors. Don’t miss the chance to taste these 10 Bandung specialties and experience a culinary sensation like no other!
