I'm always excited when I find old-style restaurants in my city nearby. That means there will be lots of nostalgic things and local and traditional foods that I can find.
Like my trip this time, I found an old-style restaurant dominated by Javanese style. I am also someone who was born in the Javanese tribe.
Well, Indonesia has many tribes from various regions in this vast Indonesia. One of the largest and most popular tribes is the Javanese tribe. In ancient times, several areas dominated by the Javanese had successful kingdoms.
That's why there are many old-style restaurants in the royal style of the heyday of Javanese society.
We can see the slogan in front of this restaurant. Java In Binjai. That means this restaurant gives Javanese vibes. While Binjai is the name of the city where I live.
Actually, this restaurant has been around for a long time, but I only found out about it now. Because they are quite closed at the front and I couldn't find the restaurant's name plaque on the front of the restaurant itself. Well, I found out about this restaurant from social media, especially reviews on Google Maps. :)
OLD STYLE DESIGN
Let's talk about the design of this restaurant while waiting for my food and drink order to arrive. As I said before, this restaurant offers Javanese vibes. So, we will find many ornaments connected to Javanese stories in Indonesia.
As far as I know, the Javanese style dominates wood. Be it strong solid wood, to wood used as woven material.
We can see the building pegs using wooden materials. It looks sturdy and is also lacquered with a nice shiny color.
The benches and tables are all dominated by brown wood and wicker. With the addition of "BATIK" ornaments to decorate the table, BATIK is a traditional Indonesian cloth made using painting techniques.
Meanwhile, as decoration to sweeten the surroundings, an old-style bicycle was placed. So, I remember about my late father who gave me a piggyback ride, my late father took me to school using an old bicycle. Old, but golden memories!
If I could go back in time, I would like to ride a bicycle again, ridden by my late father, to ride around the city. :)
In another area, we can see a large collection of bonsai which I think is the personal collection of the restaurant owner. The extended bonsai collection is truly beautiful, with pots that are also classic.
For my preferred table section, I chose the restaurant section. Because when I arrived, the front of the restaurant was full of visitors. A long and large table that can be used for a large family.
We can see how sturdy this table and bench are. Meanwhile, the area behind the table uses a wall that is also made of wood. Also, combined with bricks typical of the past kingdoms, to build temples.
On the side of the table, there is a traditional musical instrument called "Gong" which is usually used for Puppet arts performances.
We can see the symbols of WAYANG art on this wall. Like dolls, which used to be played by someone with various available roles. Like a storyteller who uses storytelling tools.
Next, we will talk about food and drinks that bring me beautiful nostalgia.
DINNER TIME
A waiter set my table nicely. With the addition of chicken food. Then, first came the drink menu I ordered.
An old-style drinking kettle, with a glass, also made of melamine, old style. This reminds me of our cutlery utensils from ancient times, with the same motif. Green and white :)
We will fill our own glasses. I'm really excited. Filling my own glass turned out to be really satisfying!
Hot ginger tea with palm sugar. Suitable for a body warming drink when it's a little rainy like that night.
Then, my food order menu came. RAWON. Rawon is a traditional soupy food that is familiar to Java.
Gravy is black from soy sauce, with lots of spices and herbs. For the filling, use pieces of meat. The characteristic of this rawon dish is the use of mung bean sprouts. With sprouts that are still not long. Just small sprouts.
This black gravy soup is served with rice. Rice topped with fried onions. :) As a complement, what you don't miss is the cracker. Also, salted egg and chili sauce!
I really enjoyed the nostalgic food and drinks in a warm restaurant. Even though it was a little rainy that night but I can feel the warmth from various sides of the atmosphere of this place. So, worth visiting. :)
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
Contact Person: authoranggreklestari@gmail.com
Discord: anggreklestari#3009