BATAGOR RIRI

What is BATAGOR?

BATAGOR stands for Bakso Tahu Goreng (fried meatballs and tofu). This is one of Bandung's original invention and also one of the most popular side dish
Batagor is a true Bandung invention and one of the most popular ones as well. The basis for the recipe is a ‘golden oldie' called baso tahu and siomay fish/tahu meatballs in a tasty broth. The innovation of Indonesians spurred them to modify this dish by boiling the balls instead of frying them. This marked the birth of ba-ta-gor: baso tahu goreng , literally ‘fried tahu meatballs'.

The fried baso consist of snapper fillet mixed with tahu and tapioca flour. It is then coated in kulit pangsit which is equivalent to spring roll sheets. They come in two different varieties. It can either be served dry or in a broth. The dry version is prepared with a bowl of spicy peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce and a sprinkle of lime juice.

The broth version is drenched in a thick sambal and soy sauce soup. Both versions are equally yummy and both constrasting as well. The tasty broth and peanut sauce is so addictive that you'll find yourself craving for more.

The most famous batagor institution is Batagor RiRi which was established in 1985. Their place on Jalan Burangrang is invaded by batagor lovers from all over Bandung . The place is designed in a fast-food style fashion with a counter displaying everything that's on the menu accompanied by life-size pictures.

You wouldn't say this is a traditional establishment judging from the modern décor. The walls however are adorned by signed pictures of Indonesian celebrities who took the pain of getting out of their mansions to taste the real thing.

Since it is probably the most prevalent of Bandung specialties, you would have no trouble finding batagor. Batagor Riri is not without reason the most popular spot. Second generation owner Chris explains: ‘Our batagor is a family recipe and we use fresh snapper fish and fresh tahu everyday'. That is probably the key to Batagor Riri's success and the key to the fresh and crispy taste. In an attempt to minimize cost, some of the street vendors use fish paste rather than real fish to mimic the taste.

Chris still eats batagor everyday as a quality control check. To the question if he ever gets tired of it he smiles: ‘No, me and my family still enjoy eating it. I was born in a world of food: Bandung '. When the word 'batagor' is uttered, Bandung is the first place that comes to mind. Give it a try and I assure you, you'll get hooked.

Address: Jalan Burangrang No.41 Tel.022-7303-349/7321629 Branch: Paskal Hypersquare a21 Tel.022-70303349 http://www.batagor.com/

BATAGOR RIRI

What is BATAGOR?

BATAGOR stabds for Bakso Tahu Goreng (fried meatballs and tofu). This is one of Bandung's original invention and also one of the most popular side dish, but some people have it for their main course.

The fried baso consist of snapper fillet mixed with tahu and tapioca flour. Then coated in kulit pangsit (spring roll sheets). There are two varieties. Served dry or in a broth.

1. The dry version is prepared with a bowl of spicy peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce and a sprinkle of lime juice.

2. Both are drenched in a thick sambal and soy sauce soup. The tasty broth and peanut sauce is so addictive that you'll find yourself craving for more.

The most famous batagor shop is Batagor Riri (established in 1985) and located on Jalan Burangrang. Many travellers (not just from the Jakarta area) comes to this place to east or even takes it home as a "souvenir".


Address:
Main store: Jalan Burangrang No.41 Tel.022-7303-349/7321629
Branch: Paskal Hypersquare a21 Tel.022-70303349
website: http://www.batagor.com/

Shopping in Bandung

Bandung is well known for its cool climate, food and numerous factory outlets. Bandung is also known as Paris van Java. Visiting Bandung without ever going to one of the many factory outlets is like eating chocolate without the chocolate, having a romantic dinner without your partner and so on. So, make sure that you drop in on one of the many factory outlets (FO) scattered across this beautiful city!

Rumah Mode is one of the biggest FO in town consisting of various branded clothes for all ages! Don't be alarmed if you can't get inside. It's usually packed during the weekends and holidays. Why is that? Because, it only takes about 2 hours to get there! That's why. Trust me, I go there a lot! Why is that? My family lives in Bandung.

Just to give a glimpse of what you will be facing once you arrive in one of the FOs. For example, Esprit blouse for Rp 70,000, Nike swimsuit for Rp 50,000, Abercombie jogging pant for Rp 60,000, Oakley sunglasses for Rp. 75,000 and lots more. But, don't be surprise to see the label marked "MADE IN HONG KONG" or "MADE IN CHINA".

FOs on Jalan (street) Dago, Martadinata and Setiabudi are the best. Try going to Cihampelas Street. Cihampelas street is actually the first FO in Bandung. If you are looking for a "non-branded" jeans and t-shirts, then, this is the right place. The best thing about Cihampelas is the lay out. On both sides of the main street you will see numerous shops selling their goods. You’ll find jeans, shoes, food and leather. The other unique thing is, the place is packed with cartoon and super hero figures. There's Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Ali Baba and King Kong. You have to come and see it yourself.

Othe FOs that you should see is on Dago Street called Up Town Factory diagonal from Kartika Sari (a bakery shop that sells the greatest brownies I've ever tasted!). Try visiting www.kodilcorp.com. The web is still developing, but you'll get some great ideas on where to stay the night, shop, eat and many more.