Empal Gentong Cirebon Becomes The Prima Donna For Hungry Homecomers

CIREBON - It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic cannot stop the curiosity of travelers to get around and taste the local food that is typical of the area they visit.

Talking about local food, it is indeed very interesting and fun when enjoyed with family or close friends. The food, which is served by utilizing the best local ingredients, is able to produce a distinctive taste and warms the heart.

Take Haji Apud's Empal Gentong for example. Who does not know the food that is the result of a combination of savory coconut milk and tender local beef of this choice. Entering three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is still attached to the hearts of travelers. “I stopped in Cirebon to go home while breaking my fast. Incidentally, my friend recommended it. You have to try Empal Gentong, he said," said Ahmad (32) one of the travelers from Cikarang, Bekasi, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, April 26.

The house for the prima donna of Cirebon was originally established on the basis of the owner's interest, Haji Apud, in Empal Gentong only. His interest, succeeded in persuading his little heart to open a business using minimal facilities. Starting from its establishment in 1994, Empal Gentong Haji Apud was sold using only one cart and one chair. It's simple, but the taste can be applauded for five thumbs up at once.

Year after year, from a small cart, Haji Apud managed to expand his business on a larger scale. He founded a place on a plot of land that he owned and it continues to grow until now.

The manager at this time, Nia Kenia said the taste of their food can be different from others because of the role of local beef from Slaughterhouses (RPH) in their area.

The meat, which is chewy and tender without being imported, is cooked by his side on the spot. One quintal of meat comes on weekdays, while two to two and a half quintals of meat come on holidays such as when going home.

There is no word frozen meat, Nia said. All the meat that comes, must be processed immediately and finished on the same day.

For travelers who stop by, maybe you can already guess what it's like. The meat is cut into small dice, soaked in a yellowish coconut milk sauce that is savory and hot.

The visuals are also more eye-catching after being sprinkled with green sliced scallions.

It's not complete if it's not chewed with the crunch of the crackers. For spicy lovers, chili powder in a small red bowl can help to get a more appetizing savory taste.

One bowl of Empal Gentong in that place is only IDR 25 thousand. However, it seems that it will be less delicious if it is not accompanied by sweet and delicious young goat satay which is priced at IDR 60 thousand, or beef satay for IDR 70 thousand.

Timeless

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a huge blow to everyone without exception. Empal Gentong owned by Haji Apud was indeed closed due to a lack of buyers.

In the month of Ramadan, they are even only able to open from 09.00 to 21.00 western Indonesia time.

But apparently not this year. ANTARA at the viewing location, many homecomers filled the dining area while enjoying Empal Gentong.

Together with their families they enjoy the distinctive taste even though outside the road passing vehicles shout loudly.

Crowded is the most appropriate word to describe Empal Gentong Haji Apud's condition. As many as 75 employees there seemed busy pacing back and forth taking orders. The food continues to come out without a break whether for visitors who come on the bench in front of the terrace or inside.

It was the crowd that finally made them open again from 11.00 to 21.30 western Indonesia time. This is proof, Empal Gentong is still the belle of travelers.

Curiosity from the whispers of people, encourages them to stay in Cirebon City even though COVID-19 is still roaming around looking for prey around us.

Talking about being curious because of these whispers, another homecoming fighter, Ahmad Mukhlisin (26) admitted that he still wanted to experience Empal Gentong, even though he only arrived in Cirebon when the sky was dark.

"It feels like going home is different, after fasting we want to eat and beat up wanting to eat delicious food, then I know. Empal Gentong is the recommendation," he said while chewing the food in his mouth.

Ahmad was amazed, the sauce he tasted really matched what the public said. Tiredness paid off with Empal Gentong typical of the city of Cirebon. He enjoyed the food with crackers and a glass of sweet iced tea with his friends.

Nia, who also agrees with Ahmad and Agus, because of its unique and truly famous taste, has made an innovation to put Empal Gentong in cans so that travelers both domestic and foreign can still taste it, even though the packaging has an expiration date of one year.

Nia proudly admits that Empal Gentong is not just a nice whisper. Empal Gentong is a treasure of Cirebon City that must be enjoyed when visiting the city which has the nickname the City of Shrimp.

“Please try the typical Cirebon Empal Gentong. If you go to Cirebon, it won't kick if you don't try Empal Gentong," said Nia.