Lunpia Gang Lombok — Restaurant in Semarang

Since I'm a local, I only frequent this place whenever I have an out-of-town visitors. I doubt many local people come here on regular basis. And this review is not meant to disparage the cuisine and the culture of Lunpia and Semarang.

The Lunpia in this place is just average lunpia that I can get anywhere else in the city. There is nothing special in this lunpia that other vendors do not serve up (at a cheaper price, I might add). To me, almost all lunpia that you can get all over Semarang, taste almost the same, with very little variance.

The place itself left lots to be desired, as the location is right across from a non-flowing river. As you can imagine, as the day goes by, the stench from the river can be overpowering by noon.

Given the quality of the food and the cleanliness of the place, I would say the price is a bit over what it should be. Again, everyone has different opinions about this. This is just my humble opinion.

With all that being said, every single one of my out-of-town visitors have never failed to ask me to drive them here to try their lunpia, and even bring them back home in boxes. They obviously enjoy something that I failed to see.

If you happen to visit Semarang, then do drop by and see if you like the food. If you're a local and you've never chanced this place, I would say you are not...

Personally, I 've never liked Lunpia/lumpia. Bare in mind, the lunpia that I' ve tried growing up in Jakarta have never been the so called authentic lunpia Semarang. Always an interpretation or someone's version of lunpia Semarang which either too sweet, too oily or too smelly (one of it"s stuffing is young bamboo shoots which if not processed correctly will have the smell of amonia).

My journey in finding Lunpia Gang Lombok started when I accompany my wife in her research on Chinese tradition which brought us to Semarang's own China Town. As we walk to the shop, my wife said to me how this is the true-most authentic and delicious lunpia she'd ever tasted. Never been the fan of lunpia, I just shrugged her comment. But then my wife insist I try at lease one bite after coming all this way.

She was right, it taste nothing like I ever tasted. The crunchyness, the subtle sweetness, the fresh leek and pickles that accompanies it, even the transparent sauce that usually comes off too sweet in other shop, in lunpia Gang Lombok they're just perfect. If this is what they meant lunpia should taste like..... It is so damn delicious and I've become a...

So many versions of this delicacy are available in this city. After trying out numerous versions, i came to a conclusion that this was my favourite. It is unique in their smoky taste of the filling. Due to their popularity, long line of people waiting for their turn to order often appear outside their stall. Information from google map was useful for identifying which timing is best to visit. Surely enough, at the time when we visited, it was “quieter” and we managed to get a seat to try the deep fried version which is best to have right at the stall itself, fresh from the wok. We bought the fresh skin version to bring back. Due to the lack of preservative used, the food had to be kept in the refrigerator, max only for 3 days. I feel that this should be listed in the Michelin’s Bib Gourmand. The location can be tricky to find. However, as long as you mention: the oldest Chinese Temple in Chinatown area of the city, it’s easy to find. The stall is located just next to the...