Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Bandung: A Culinary Journey Through the City of Flowers

Bandung, often called the “Paris of Java”, is not only famous for its cool weather, creative community, and breathtaking landscapes, but also for its vibrant street food culture. If you stroll through the city, you’ll quickly realize that food is more than just something to eat — it’s a lifestyle, a shared memory, and sometimes even a reason to gather with friends and family.

From spicy snacks that will make you sweat, to sweet desserts that melt in your mouth, Bandung is a paradise for food lovers. In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the top 10 must-try street foods in Bandung. Get ready, because by the end of this read, you might already be planning your food trip to the city!

1. Seblak – The Spicy Chewy Delight

Let’s start with something truly Bandung-original: Seblak. This dish is not just a snack; it’s an experience. Made from chewy boiled crackers, stir-fried with chili paste, garlic, and sometimes combined with meatballs, sausages, eggs, or chicken feet, Seblak has become an icon of Bandung’s street food.

What makes Seblak special is its spicy and savory kick. Most vendors allow you to choose the level of spiciness, from mild to “are-you-sure-you-can-handle-this” level. Locals love challenging their taste buds, and Seblak gives exactly that fiery adventure.

Eating Seblak in Bandung, especially on a rainy evening, feels comforting — the warmth of the chili broth blends perfectly with the cool city weather.

2. Batagor – Fried Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

If you ask anyone in Indonesia what food represents Bandung, chances are they’ll say Batagor. Short for Bakso Tahu Goreng (fried tofu and fish dumplings), Batagor is crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside.

The dumplings are deep-fried until golden, then served with a generous splash of sweet-savory peanut sauce, a drizzle of sweet soy sauce, and sometimes a squeeze of lime to add freshness.

Batagor has not only conquered Bandung but also found its way to other cities in Indonesia. Still, trying Batagor in its hometown feels different — it’s fresher, crispier, and somehow more authentic.

3. Cireng – Fried Tapioca Snack

Simple yet addictive, Cireng (short for Aci Digoreng or fried tapioca) is one of the most beloved street snacks in Bandung. It’s chewy, crispy on the edges, and usually served with chili sauce or spicy peanut dip.

The magic of Cireng lies in its texture. When you bite into it, the outside gives a crunch while the inside remains soft and chewy. Nowadays, creative vendors fill Cireng with cheese, chicken, or spicy meat floss, making it even more tempting.

It’s the kind of snack you can munch while walking around the city, hanging out at a park, or chatting with friends at a roadside stall.

4. Cilok – The Bandung Meatball on a Stick

Next up, we have Cilok — chewy tapioca balls that are boiled and served with peanut sauce, soy sauce, or sambal. The name comes from Aci Dicolok, which literally means “tapioca balls on a skewer.”

Cilok is often compared to meatballs, but its texture is more elastic and chewy because it’s made primarily from tapioca flour. Some vendors add fillings like minced chicken or quail eggs to make it heartier.

The best way to enjoy Cilok is standing at a roadside cart, chatting with the seller while dipping the skewer into spicy sauce. It’s cheap, filling, and absolutely a must-try.

5. Cuanki – The Warm Comfort Soup

If you’re looking for something comforting, try Cuanki. It’s a warm bowl of meatballs, fried dumplings, tofu, and sometimes noodles, all swimming in a savory broth.

Cuanki is often sold by street vendors who roam neighborhoods, calling out “Cuanki!” to let customers know they’ve arrived. The broth is lighter compared to typical Indonesian meatball soup, but that’s what makes it refreshing.

Imagine sitting by the sidewalk in the cool Bandung evening, sipping hot broth and biting into dumplings — that’s the Cuanki experience.

6. Martabak Manis – The Sweet Pancake Extravaganza

No food trip in Bandung is complete without Martabak Manis, also known as Terang Bulan. This thick, fluffy pancake is cooked in a large pan, then loaded with toppings like chocolate, cheese, peanuts, sesame seeds, or condensed milk.

Modern versions are even more decadent — think Nutella, Oreo, matcha, or red velvet fillings. The pancake is folded in half, creating layers of sweetness that melt together with every bite.

Martabak Manis is usually enjoyed at night, making it the perfect dessert after exploring Bandung’s lively evening scene.

7. Martabak Telur – The Savory Sibling

While Martabak Manis satisfies your sweet cravings, Martabak Telur takes care of the savory side. It’s basically a stuffed omelet, made with eggs, ground meat, and chopped onions, all wrapped in thin dough and pan-fried until crispy.

The aroma is mouthwatering, and the taste is bold yet balanced. Typically, it’s served with pickled cucumbers and chili sauce on the side, giving that fresh tangy kick to balance the richness.

If you’re traveling with friends, Martabak Telur is a perfect sharing food — one portion is usually huge!

8. Lotek – Bandung’s Take on Vegetable Salad

For those who want something lighter but still flavorful, Lotek is the answer. It’s Bandung’s version of vegetable salad, made from boiled veggies like spinach, bean sprouts, and cabbage, topped with a thick peanut sauce dressing.

What makes Lotek unique is the blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors in the sauce, often enhanced with tamarind and palm sugar. Some say Lotek is similar to Gado-Gado, but the seasoning in Bandung is distinct, with more bold and sweet notes.

It’s a guilt-free street food — tasty, filling, and relatively healthy.

9. Surabi – The Traditional Pancake with a Twist

Surabi is another legendary Bandung snack. It’s a small pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk, traditionally cooked on clay pans over charcoal.

The classic version is topped with simple ingredients like coconut sugar or oncom (fermented soybean). But in modern Bandung, Surabi has been reinvented with toppings like cheese, sausage, chocolate, and even ice cream.

Eating Surabi feels like traveling back in time, while still enjoying today’s creative food scene.

10. Es Duren – The King of Fruits in a Cup

To end this culinary journey, let’s go with something refreshing: Es Duren. As the name suggests, it’s a dessert made from durian fruit, served with shaved ice, syrup, condensed milk, and sometimes jelly or chocolate sauce.

Durian may be controversial — some love it, others can’t stand the smell — but in Bandung, Es Duren is a beloved treat. Sweet, creamy, and icy, it’s perfect for cooling down after walking around the city.

Why Bandung Street Food Stands Out

Bandung’s street food culture isn’t just about eating — it’s about community, creativity, and comfort. Many dishes here are born from simple ingredients like tapioca flour (aci), but turned into endless variations such as Cireng, Cilok, and Seblak.

What makes it even more special is how affordable it is. For just a few dollars, you can try multiple snacks in one evening, hopping from one cart to another. And because Bandung is a student city, food vendors are always experimenting with fun flavors to attract young crowds.

Final Thoughts

Bandung is a city where food tells stories — of family traditions, of local creativity, and of the spirit of sharing. Whether you’re into fiery spicy dishes, crispy fried snacks, or sweet indulgent desserts, Bandung has something for you.

If you ever visit this city, don’t just stick to restaurants or cafes. Hit the streets, explore the night markets, and follow the aroma of sizzling oil and boiling broth. That’s where the real culinary magic of Bandung lives.

So, are you ready to taste Bandung one bite at a time?