Wiskul Cirebon

 

After collecting references from fellow foodies and stalking through online reviews, we gathered a list of culinary destinations in this port city east of Jakarta, about four hour's drive. 

There was a four days long weekend and everyone was available, so the timing couldn't be better. Besides, the image of having nasi campur has been residing in my mind for a couple of weeks, and Nasi Jamblang Cirebon would be the perfect cure, right? 

Besides Nasi Jamblang, Cirebon as a port city, and closeness to Central Java also the birthplace of numerous unique dishes and products, like Empal Gentong, Docang, Mie Koclok, Yamien, and Empal Gentong less known sibling Empal Asem, among others.

Cirebon is also known for amazing condiments like Kecap Oedang Sari, shrimp-infused sweet soy sauce, with its ticklish savory sweet flavor. 

Here are the highlights from our recent wisata kuliner (culinary tour) in Cirebon, West Java, in no particular order:

• Nasi Jamblang Ibu Fitri
• Nasi Jamblang Mang Dul
• Nasi Jamblang Ibad Otoy
• Nasi Jamblang Ibu Nur
• Mie Koclok Gombang Pak Rasita
• Mie Koclok Jatimerta Mas Eko
• Empal Gentong dan Empal Asem Amarta
• Docang Pak Kumis 

Individual review coming up, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can browse through the complete list (46 places) in Google Maps here.

By the way, Cirebon in the Sundanese language loosely means "Shrimp waters", as in the older days harvesting and processing rebon (tiny shrimps) was the local's main income.

Cirebon is also one of the few cities in West Java that has keraton, or palace, as it used to be the capital of a couple of ancient kingdoms.

During the Dutch occupation, its name was also changed into Cheribon, hence nowadays you'll still find businesses there using "Cheri" as part of their name.

 (byms)