A Short Walk to Braga Street and Lunch at Braga Permai

 Bandung - After finishing my visit at the Asian–African Conference Museum, I decided to take a leisurely stroll towards Braga Street, one of Bandung’s most charming and historic areas. The walk was short and pleasant, taking me past colonial-era buildings, old shop lots, and lively sidewalks that still carry the nostalgic heartbeat of old Bandung. It felt like stepping from one chapter of history into another — from political significance to cultural charm.

As I approached Braga Street, the scene transformed into a vibrant stretch filled with cafés, boutique shops, restaurants, and creative displays. Despite being a relatively small street, Braga is packed with character. On both sides, you’ll find a mix of old Dutch architecture and modern touches, giving it a unique blend of Bandung’s past and present. The street is also known for local murals, vintage stores, and quirky items, making it a favourite stop for both tourists and locals looking for something special.

I decided to have lunch at Braga Permai, a long-standing restaurant that has been serving customers since the colonial days. It’s one of those places where you immediately feel a sense of nostalgia — from the white-tiled terrace to the classic décor that has remained faithful to its early roots. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, perfect for a break after a morning of walking.

For my meal, I ordered a mixed satay platter of mutton and chicken. To my surprise, the mutton satay was exceptionally tender, even more so than the chicken. It was juicy, flavourful, and grilled beautifully, making each bite satisfying. The chicken satay was decent, but the mutton definitely stole the show. 

I also tried their Rendang Nasi Goreng. The rice itself was aromatic and delicious, infused with the signature spices of rendang, but the beef was slightly tough — a contrast to the tender mutton I had enjoyed earlier.

To refresh myself, I ordered a whole young coconut, chilled and naturally sweet. There’s something wonderful about drinking fresh coconut water on a warm Bandung afternoon — pure, simple, and incredibly thirst-quenching.

After lunch, I continued my walk along Braga Street, exploring its small alleys and shops. The street may be short, but it is packed with interesting finds: handmade crafts, vintage artwork, local snacks, antique-style décor, and unique souvenirs. Each corner had something that caught my eye. Some cafés displayed pastries in glass counters, while others showcased Bandung’s growing art scene with paintings and handmade accessories.

The atmosphere was relaxed and delightful, with people taking photos, sipping coffee, and browsing through the small boutiques. The blend of creativity, history, and charm made my time on Braga Street feel both refreshing and inspiring.

Overall, this little afternoon journey — from the Asian–African Conference Museum to Braga Street — was a perfect mix of learning, culture, good food, and leisurely exploration. For anyone visiting Bandung, a stroll down Braga followed by a meal at Braga Permai is an experience not to be missed.

Day 2: A Morning at Jiwan Coffee – A Hidden Gem in Bandung

 Bandung - Tucked quietly in one of Bandung’s charming neighbourhoods, Jiwan Coffee is the kind of place you stumble upon once and end up remembering for a long time. I arrived for breakfast on a cool Bandung morning, drawn by the promise of good coffee and a calming space to start the day. What I found was far more delightful than expected — a true hidden gem where simplicity, flavour, and warmth come together beautifully.

The moment I stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed beans filled the air. Bandung has no shortage of coffee shops, but Jiwan Coffee has a special touch: it feels personal, crafted, and deeply connected to Indonesia’s rich coffee culture.

I ordered their brewed Americano, and the first sip was enough to convince me I had found something special. It was bold yet smooth, fragrant without being overpowering, and carried subtle earthy notes that reminded me why Indonesia is one of the world’s most treasured coffee regions. It was the kind of Americano you drink slowly, appreciating every flavour as it unfolds.

To go with my morning coffee, I ordered their Caesar salad — fresh lettuce, crisp croutons, a gentle drizzle of dressing, and just the right balance of savoury and creamy flavours. It was light, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying as a breakfast option. Jiwan Coffee takes simple dishes and elevates them by focusing on quality ingredients and clean presentation.

Indonesia has long been famous for its coffee, and a visit to a café like Jiwan is a reminder of this heritage. Among the many varieties cultivated across the archipelago, perhaps the most intriguing is Kopi Luwak, often called civet-cat coffee. This unique coffee is made from beans eaten and passed out by the Asian palm civet. The enzymes in the civet’s digestive system ferment the beans, producing a distinctive flavour that many describe as exceptionally smooth and less acidic. While controversial and often misunderstood, authentic, ethically sourced Kopi Luwak remains one of the rarest coffees in the world.

The global connection between Indonesia and coffee doesn’t end there. The word “Java”, which today is synonymous with “coffee” in many English-speaking countries, actually comes from the Indonesian island of Java, one of the earliest and most productive coffee-growing regions during the Dutch colonial era. For decades, coffee shipped from Java was considered among the best in the world, and over time, “a cup of java” simply became another way of saying “a cup of coffee.”

Sitting at Jiwan Coffee, sipping a beautifully brewed Americano, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Indonesia’s coffee culture is woven into its history, its land, and its people. Jiwan feels like a quiet tribute to this heritage — modern yet rooted, simple yet meaningful.

Durians and Dinner

 Bandung - Today’s little food adventure began at an unexpected place—a supermarket. I had wandered in looking for something simple to snack on, only to spot a pile of neatly pile opf durians sitting in a corner of the fresh produce section. The price caught my eye immediately: Rp8,500 per 100g.  I paid S$9.30 for one whole durian.   

The supermarket helper cracked the durian open for me, the first impression was a pale white flesh, not the golden hue of the premium varieties like Musang King. The aroma was mild, almost shy. Each piece of flesh looked generous at first glance, but once I tasted it, I realised the seeds were quite large, taking up more space than expected. The texture was decent but not as creamy or buttery as high-grade durians, but still smooth enough to enjoy. The sweetness was mild, lacking the rich depth and bold bitterness that Musang King lovers would crave.

Dinner: A Feast of Ribs and Crispy Pork

The evening ended on a much more indulgent note—a short walk to a BBQ ribs restaurant for dinner. The moment I walked in, the aroma of smoked meat immediately set the mood. The meal started with the highlight: a 300-gram serving of BBQ ribs. They were beautifully done—tender, juicy, and seasoned with the perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness. Each bite came off the bone effortlessly, the kind of ribs that make you pause for a moment just to appreciate how well they’re cooked.

Next came the three-layer pork, a dish the meat was a bit tough. The crispy crackling was the star—thin, crunchy, and packed with flavour. Beneath it, the alternating layers of fat and meat were savoury but tough. With each bite having a satisfying crunch.

It was a simple dinner, but deeply satisfying. The warm atmosphere, the smoky scents from the grill, and the comfort of hearty meat dishes made it the perfect way to end the day.