With Bandung's endless list of eateries, it’s difficult to pick which ones to hit on your weekend break in town.
No worries. The Jakarta Post Travel has picked five great places to go for a fun Sunday brunch in Bandung, each with its own niche.
Miss Bee Providore
Situated around the Ciumbuleuit area at Jl. Rancabentang No. 11a, this newly opened restaurant is where you should go for a posh and happening brunch atmosphere for the whole family. With the buzz of the new restaurant, expect long lines.
Miss Bee Providore occupies a large old house from the colonial era that has been renovated to feel rustic and homey yet modern and chic.
The restaurant also features two children's playgrounds that will make both parents and children happy; a glass house where the open beverage bar is located; a small store selling cookies, lemonade and an array of well-designed home living items; and a quite large front yard.
The glass house and the al fresco dine-in spots are perfect for those wishing to dine overlooking the yard -- though it can be pretty hot during day time.
Miss Bee Providore offers mostly Western dishes with a few fusion Asian foods. Its recommended dishes include the "Bee Favorite" of Feeling O'Fish Sandwich (priced at Rp 59,500), which is basically a battered fish burger with tangy tartar sauce and lettuce; battered and crispy fried Portobello mushroom (Rp 44,500); a classic fish and chips (Rp 54,500); and a milkshake topped with KitKat called Kitty Kat (Rp 39,500).
The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Do book prior to your visit to cut your waiting time.
Bumi Sangkuriang
Located at Jl. Kiputih No. 12, this restaurant has a long history as a place for relaxation during the colonial era. In the past, it had a club house for preanger planters (a term used for plantation owners) to take it easy during weekends.
Occupying a vast site that includes a small forest and a wide green field, Bumi Sangkuriang has a children's playground, outdoor pool and pool bar in addition to its restaurant. In short, it's a perfect place to spend the weekend brunching while taking a dip in the pool or letting the children wander freely on the field.
Its palatable choices of Indonesian and Western dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), bitterballen, fresh fruit juices and various steaks means you will have plenty of options to pick for brunch. And, best of all, the prices are quite affordable, starting from Rp 31,000 (US$2.59) for its famous Nasi Goreng Bumi Sangkuriang.
The restaurant opens as early as 7 a.m.
Little Subway
Last April, Little Subway at Jl. Maulana Yusuf No. 2 launched a series of Scandinavian fusion dishes, such as gravadlax and fermented herring called surstromming that are quite unique options for your Sunday brunch.
During the restaurant’s grand opening, guests were invited to sample the grilled sandwich with egg, oysters and cheese, squid with beetroot puree and a really delicious orange cake for dessert.
Other than Scandinavian fusion dishes, Little Subway also offers a variety of Indonesian and Western dishes that are quite nice too.
As for the venue, its semi-lounge concept is also attractive with a casual but cool and happening ambiance that makes for a perfect lazy and relaxing late brunch accompanied with a bottle of cold beer.
Mom's Bakery
Located at Jl. Progo No. 18, Mom’s Bakery makes its own array of healthy breads and cakes without any preservatives.
It is the place to go for gluten free sandwiches paired with a nice cup of tea or coffee. The price for a sandwich starts at Rp 35,000 and customers can choose their own preference of bread, the filling vegetables as well as the sauces or the dressing.
For newcomers, popular items include smoked salmon sandwich (priced at Rp 58,500), cheese whole grain bread (Rp 8,500), almond croissant (Rp 27,500) and guilt-free baked whole grain pita chips.
What's also great about Mom's Bakery is that when you order a beverage, it will come with an adorable mini cupcake.
Since the dine-in space at Mom's Bakery is rather limited, it is a good idea to come after breakfast or lunch hour.
Rasa Bakery
Rasa Bakery is one of Bandung's legendary bakeries that has been around for decades. A typical scene in this eatery is families coming in large groups containing three generations – all looking to savor its lasting delicacies.
Other than being famous for its bread, Rasa Bakery is also known for their delicious ice cream and an array of dine-in dishes from Indonesian to fusion Western, Japanese and Chinese.
Among its favorite dishes are various styles of fried rice, laksa, lontong kari (chicken in coconut soup served with rice cake and crackers), kerupuk oncom (crackers served with oncom sambal), Es Cincau Rasa, chicken wings and choices of Rasa Bakery's favorite ice cream flavors, such as Royale Coconut (priced at Rp 27,500).
The Royale Coconut, which comes in a coconut bowl with fresh cut fruit, is a fun dessert to share with your loved ones while happily ending your Sunday brunch.
Do notice that Rasa Bakery encourages cash payment and thus only accepts credit cards for purchases above Rp 250,000.
Rasa Bakery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
