Have you ever heard of surabi? Those coming from Parahiyangan area must be familiar with it. It is a kind of pancake made traditionally in the area of Bandung and the surroundings. Some other people call it serabi.
I myself have been familiar with surabi since I was a child because I was born in Bandung. However, I don’t think I already recognized it when I was just born.
Since I was still in Bandung, I often herd of surabi Bandung with “different” tastes. Many people said that the tastes were unique and delicious. Even, friends of mine from different places often ask me about this surabi Bandung. But I couldn’t answer as they expected as I had never tasted it at all. What I had tried was just regular surabi sold by some hawkers that you can easily be found in the neighborhood when I was a child.
I knew that the Resto of Surabi Bandung was across from NHI [Tourism and Hotel Insitute Bandung], and I pass by the place almost every day since I went to IKIP Bandung (now UPI). But I never wanted to try it. The first reason is that I am not that adventurous in food. Secondly, when I was in college, my money was just enough for transport and copies of course materials.
Now that I live in Jakarta and my friends know that I come from Bandung, they once asked me to go there. So, last September I became an accidental tour guide for them in Bandung. I took them to some places in Bandung, like Cihampelas, Taman Juanda Dago, and the last destination they wanted to go which was Resto Surabi Bandung.
They were so excited because they finally arrived at the “dream” place. When we arrived we are faced with a list of surabi with various topping. You can choose your own topping, from traditional flavor 'till international, from oncom [Sundanese peanut curd] to sausage, cheese, durian, and chocolate toppings. You ask them, they have it.
Everyone ordered surabi with different topping as they liked. I myself ordered it poured with durian. In my mouth the taste was not as superior as what I heard. It was just surabi! I think it should have tasted much better than that.
I by no mean want to damage the reputation of it, but, maybe, because the mouth-to-mouth promotion of the product was very good, and it make people want to try it.
I was disappointed because my tongue did not suit the taste of it. But now I can answer with confidence when people ask me about surabi bandung.
Above all, Bravo Surabi Bandung! Spread surabi to the world, spread love to all people!
