Every weekend thousands of people from Jakarta travel to Bandung to visit the many factory outlets and dine out at hotels, resorts and open air restaurants. Hoping to escape the traffic jams of Jakarta, many are disappointed to find that Bandung suffers a similar fate at the weekend, with thousands of B plated cars clogging the roads. In this brief article I would like to share a few ideas on out of town eating places where the traffic is not quite as severe as down town Bandung.
Kampung Daun - One the best known attractions in the surrounding hills around Bandung is this unique and remarkable place which offers a wide choice of food; perhaps best known for its Indonesian cuisine, it also offers western favourites such as steak, pizza and pasta. This traditional and cultural centre comprises dozens of suang (traditional huts) catering for small groups or larger gatherings. The whole complex sits amongst an array of native ferns and other exotic tropical plants, located in a small canon where the water races over red rocks – this native garden setting is a treat for your eyes. After dining, it is almost irresistible to lie down on the comfy cushions and listen to the cascading water or steady rain – look around; you will be one of many soaking up the tranquillity and dosing off – ahhh, just bliss! For directions it is best to look the location up on the net, or hire a local car and driver. Guaranteed not to disappoint.Mandarin - If you are travelling through Lembang on way to the volcano or hot springs at Ciater, there is a Chinese restaurant located just up from the small fruit market on the left hand side of the road. Situated on a sharp right hand turn in the middle of town, the Mandarin is an unassuming small rumah makan, run by the same married couple for nearly 30 years and in all that time it has offered some the best food in the Bandung region. Its signature dish is kangkung cha, served in a sizzling plate with tender slices of steak and quail eggs, this is a regional delicacy that all the locals come to enjoy. Other favourites here include the crab and asparagus soup, fantastic frog’s legs, and all the seafood. The decor is plain, but the food; sensational.
Burgundy Restaurant - Not far from Lembang on the road to Marabaya, this is a complete contrast to the Mandarin. Located on ridge overlooking a beautiful green valley, it offers a wide range of cuisine in a delightful setting. One of the many food offerings here is the tempura – a tasty combination of prawns and local vegetables in a light batter, or you can choose from a variety of western dishes, washed down with a glass of fine wine, of which there is quite a good selection. The Burgundy Restaurant is a cool place, and l mean this in both terms – it is a great place to hang out and enjoy the view, but it can get cold, so bring a light jacket, particularly if dining in the evening.
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