Empal Gentong cost only 23rb, Perfect your dish with Kerupuk Kulit (8rb) and Nasi Putih. Based on my local friend, this is one of the most underrated empal gentong in town. When I try it, it does taste good! The soup thick, rich, and super tasty with all the meat and jeroan! The only downside is the “authenticity” of the place, or simply said it looks like it was never cleaned since the 90s.
Overview
Located in the heart of Cirebon, Empal Gentong Bu Darma offers an authentic taste of traditional Indonesian cuisine that has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Situated at Jl. P. Diponegoro No.21, RT.06/RW.03, Kesenden, Kec. Kejaksan, Kota Cirebon, Jawa Barat, this restaurant specializes in a unique and flavorful dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region-empal gentong.
Empal gentong is a popular dish from Cirebon, known for its delicious beef broth and tender meat, often served with a side of rice or lontong (compressed rice cake). The dish is characterized by its deep, savory flavors, with a broth that's made from a mix of spices, herbs, and a slow-cooked beef base. At Empal Gentong Bu Darma, the recipe has been perfected over the years, maintaining its authenticity while delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city, particularly for those who love to explore regional Indonesian dishes.
The restaurant’s interior gives off a cozy, traditional vibe that complements the rich flavors of the food. The simplicity of the decor reflects the restaurant’s focus on providing an authentic, no-frills dining experience where the food speaks for itself. Whether you're visiting for lunch or dinner, the atmosphere at Empal Gentong Bu Darma always feels welcoming, with friendly staff eager to share their expertise on the menu.
One of the restaurant's standout features is the way they prepare their empal gentong. The beef is always fresh, and the spices are blended perfectly to create a broth that is rich but not overpowering. The meat is tender and flavorful, falling apart easily with a simple stir of the spoon. The dish is served piping hot, making it perfect for the cool evenings in Cirebon. It's a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, comforting and heartwarming.
Another great option on the menu is the empal gentong tahu, which combines the classic beef-based broth with tofu. This variation allows diners to enjoy the same rich flavors but with the added softness and subtle flavor of tofu, making it an excellent option for vegetarians or anyone looking to try something different. Regardless of whether you choose the original or the tofu version, each dish is prepared with the same care and attention to detail.
For those who are looking to complete their meal, Empal Gentong Bu Darma also offers a variety of side dishes and drinks. From sambal (spicy chili paste) to refreshing es cendol, a traditional Indonesian dessert made with coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar, the restaurant has everything you need to enhance your dining experience. It’s these little touches that make each visit special and keep customers coming back for more.
One thing that truly sets Empal Gentong Bu Darma apart from other local eateries is its dedication to maintaining the authentic taste of Cirebon’s beloved empal gentong. The owners and chefs take great pride in using traditional cooking methods and high-quality ingredients, which has earned the restaurant numerous positive reviews from both locals and tourists. The restaurant's reputation for consistency in both quality and service has made it a go-to spot for anyone craving authentic Indonesian flavors.
In terms of location, Empal Gentong Bu Darma is conveniently situated, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists exploring Cirebon. Whether you’re spending the day visiting historical landmarks like the Keraton Kasepuhan or enjoying the sights of Pantai Kejawanan, stopping by for a bowl of empal gentong is the perfect way to refuel and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The blend of flavors, the warmth of the service, and the comfort of the surroundings make Empal Gentong Bu Darma a standout destination in Cirebon’s vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indonesian cuisine or new to the flavors of Cirebon, a visit to this restaurant is sure to leave you satisfied and eager to return.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ FireplacePopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Assistive hearing loop ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Counter service ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 708 reviews
Like every empal gentong I've ever eaten. Beside the 'small gentong', I couldn't see what's so special in it. At least the place was not crowded at all and they provide lots of menus. Their maranggi also tastes good.
Empal Gentong Bu Darma is one of the most underrated spots in town for enjoying the classic Cirebon delicacy. Known for its thick, rich, and flavorful soup, this humble eatery deserves more recognition among food enthusiasts. The empal gentong here is nothing short of exceptional. The soup is thick, rich, and flavoured, perfectly complementing the tender meat and jeroan (offal). Each bite is a testament to the authenticity and expertise of preparing this dish. For anyone visiting Cirebon, this is a must-try experience. The ambience at Bu Darma’s is lively and bustling, especially during peak hours. While it can feel hectic when crowded, the vibrant atmosphere adds to the charm of enjoying local food in its most authentic setting. It’s important to note that this eatery only accepts cash, so be prepared. The straightforward and unpretentious setup focuses entirely on delivering great food rather than frills. Empal Gentong Bu Darma is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every food lover’s itinerary when visiting Cirebon. Its rich and tasty soup, generous portions of meat and jeroan, and authentic local vibe make it a delightful culinary experience. Just remember to bring cash and be ready to embrace the hustle and bustle!
Delicious! Lamb satay was really top notch, soft tender and juicy. They cooked the empal gentong using woods. Love the smpky flavor on the empal gentong.
The food here is truly amazing, especially when compared to other well-known restaurants. The service provided by the servers is exceptional and the cleanliness of the place is impeccable. I also appreciated that there was no smoke while they were preparing the skewers. Overall, a fantastic place to eat in Cirebon – clean, tidy and offering the best service!
All Good for the Taste, price, and Fair portion keep it up on delicious traditional local food #CirebonPride
Good recommendation from a friend living in Cirebon, found out it was the original Empal Gentong
I bought empal gentong "take away". The taste is nice and price affordable.