Lotek Mahmud — Restaurant in Bandung City

This is surely a hidden gem smacked right in the middle of Bandung city.

Basically the place is the garage and front of house, the owner probably still living at the back part of the house. Not air conditioned - could be rather hot at noon. Located in an alley just the width of a car - recommended to park outside the alley and walk in.

It serves local favorites such as Lotek, Nasi Bakmoy (contains pork), Nasi Bakut (contains pork), Nasi Rames, Gado Gado, and such at slightly lower price than in restaurants - about IDR 25k. Hot tea is complimentary on the house, and kerupuk (crackers) at IDR 0.5-1k. If you are not sure of which to order, ask the waiters and they will tell you the contents of the dishes.

One of places locals visit. Recommended to try the dishes here. Avoid lunch time as it could be really crowded, good to arrive 30 mins...

It's a humble place inside a small alley, but the taste of the veggie dish (lotek) with that peanut sauce is a bliss. They have other menus but I haven't really tried them, I kept coming back for the lotek! Not directly related but adding to the experience is the tahu gejrot vendor outside the place (but you can bring the food into the premises). I love having that tahu gejrot as an appetizer of sorts, and after burning my mouth with the chilli (cengek) in the tahu, I eat my lotek and the peanut sauce soothes the chilli. An experience!! Downside of this place is the location itself, you will be hard pressed to find convenient parking during busy times, and as a result you sometimes have to...

Personally it is a perfect place to have a quick after-church lunch. They also serve non-halal food, and I think people should know about this place. The place is just fine for quick lunch, as it is often crowded and noisy. The waitresses shout orders to each other, but trust me, it makes our order come so fast (less than 5 minutes)! Somehow I am amazed by how the waitresses work relentlessly and efficiently. The food is outstanding. The 'lotek' is fresh and the dressing is creamy. Their dessert is exquisite and very refreshing. I also think that their 'nasi bakmoy' is worth to try. Price is a little high for a 'lotek' dish, but it is quite tolerable. I would definitely come back...