Discovering Bandung's Hidden Gems: A Guide to Cihapit Market's Local Eateries

Just as Jakarta boasts the renowned Santa Market in South Jakarta, Bandung takes pride in its own culinary gem, Cihapit Market. This isn't your typical market. Beyond the usual array of fruits and vegetables, Cihapit Market stands out as a hub for unique culinary adventures.

Nestled close to Bandung's tourist heart, it's no surprise that Cihapit Market becomes a hotspot for tourists on weekends, eager to indulge their taste buds. While the market springs to life early in the morning, the real magic begins at 8 am when the culinary stalls open their doors.

TRAC has handpicked five must-visit stalls at Cihapit Market. Our curated list includes a delightful mix of sweet treats, aromatic coffee, and time-honored Sundanese dishes. Ready for a culinary journey? Let's dive into the flavors of Cihapit Market.

Top 5 Must-Try Eateries at Cihapit Market

Bien Patisserie: Hidden Gems in Cihapit Market

For those with a sweet tooth, Bien Patisserie is a must-visit. It's no exaggeration to say that Bien adds a special buzz to Cihapit Market each morning. The shop opens at 8 am, but eager patrons start lining up before 7 am. Here's a tip: grab a queue number early, then enjoy a leisurely stroll around the market until it's your turn.

Bien Patisserie is renowned for its array of exquisite pastries, showcasing everything from Madeleines and Croissants to Tarte and Quiche, all beautifully presented.

Must-tries include the Earl Gray Madeleines, offering a delightful balance of sweet and the robust aroma of Earl Gray tea; the surprising Ayam Woku Croissant; the stunning Strawberry Lemon Danish; and the intensely chocolatey Chocollatta Tarte. Seriously, is it even legal for cakes to be this delicious and beautiful?

Warung Nasi Ibu Eha: Legendary Culinary

Warung Nasi Ibu Eha, also known as Warung Nasi Ma' Eha, is a true culinary legend at Cihapit Market, predating even the market's establishment.

This humble rice stall offers more than just rice; it's a full-fledged eating experience, serving up home-cooked meals that are deceptively simple yet unrivaled in taste. Here, you'll find a typical Sundanese spread, complete with fried specialties like chicken, various offal, and fish.

Locating Warung Nasi Ibu Eha is easy, as it's a well-known joint among Cihapit Market regulars. Additionally, it's quite noticeable, occupying several stalls. Just a heads-up: plan your visit between Monday and Saturday, from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, as the stall is closed on Sundays.

Gang Nikmat

Tucked away behind a small door in one of the entrance alleys to Cihapit Market, Gang Nikmat is a hidden gem that promises a culinary adventure beyond the ordinary. This spot challenges your taste buds to venture beyond familiar flavors and embrace the unexpected.

The standout dishes at Gang Nikmat are the Ayam Gulung Isi Telur Asin (Chicken Rolls filled with Salted Egg) and Sidat Asap Gulai (Smoked Eel Curry). The Ayam Gulung is a creative concoction where chicken fillet is ingeniously stuffed with salted egg yolk, rolled, and then fried in non-gluten flour.

This dish is perfectly complemented with wansui (cilantro leaves), pickled cucumber, and Gang Nikmat's signature sauce. Meanwhile, the Sidat Asap Gulai offers a unique taste experience with smoked eel (unagi) immersed in a curry sauce, enriched with spicy gendot chilies and wild sintrong leaves.

Bakmi Feng

Bakmi Feng offers a culinary journey reminiscent of China's rich noodle tradition. This eatery stands out for its authentic approach, featuring both delicate, smooth noodles and broader, chewier options. At Bakmi Feng, the key to deliciousness lies in their restrained use of spices, allowing the natural flavors to shine.

The shop's youthful innovation is evident in its creative selection of toppings and playful menu names. Take Bakmi Naga Merah, for example, which pairs noodles with red grilled chicken and minced chicken, or Bakmie Gyu Moong, a delightful mix of noodles with Short Plate Bulgogi.

Then there's Bakmie Rica Membara, enticing diners with its spicy rica-rica chicken and crispy skin. For those preferring a simpler flavor profile, Bakmie Khek with minced garlic chicken topping is a perfect choice. Each dish is complemented by a savory broth and crispy kailan, ensuring a well-rounded meal.

Los Tjihapit: Where Coffee and Conversations Blend

Los Tjihapit Coffee Shop, established in 2014 amidst the hustle of Cihapit Market, has played a pivotal role in rekindling the market's popularity, particularly among the youth. This isn't just another coffee shop; it's a vibrant meeting point offering a variety of fresh drinks, snacks, and meals.

But Los Tjihapit offers more than just a place to satisfy hunger and thirst. It has become a favored spot for local activists in Bandung to engage in lively discussions. Topics range from football and politics to art and philosophy, and the shop even hosts film screenings.

Spontaneous debates on current issues add to the dynamic atmosphere. Picture this: a cup of aromatic coffee in hand, deep in conversation, all set against the backdrop of a bustling market. It's an extraordinary experience that's hard to find anywhere else.

Explore Bandung Culinary with TRAC Car Rental

Cihapit Market is a must-visit destination in Bandung, especially in the morning. It's not just about savoring the culinary creations of Bandung's young and creative chefs; you can also shop for daily essentials. From fresh vegetables and fruits to a wide array of spices and kitchen herbs, the market has it all.

Begin your Bandung adventure at Cihapit Market before moving on to other attractions like Gedung Sate or Alun-alun Bandung. Opt for the convenience of a Bandung car rental from TRAC to make your journey smoother, especially if you plan to visit multiple spots in one day.

With TRAC, one of Bandung car rental services offering vehicles for rent without a driver, you gain the comfort and flexibility of driving yourself, free from the inconvenience of traveling from your hometown. Choose your preferred locations for car rental drop-off and pick-up, be it a station or your hotel.

If you prefer not to drive yourself through Bandung's traffic, or if you're looking for a more relaxed exploration of the city, TRAC's car rental service with a driver is an excellent choice. It promises a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable journey.

Book Bandung car rental through the reservation page on the TRAC website. Or you can also use the TRACtoGo application which can be downloaded on Google Playstore and Apple Appstore. Don't forget to register for membership to enjoy promos and attractive offers from TRAC.

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