Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in West Java for Culture and Food Lovers
🍽️ Introduction
West Java, Indonesia — The province of West Java proudly celebrates the recognition of 14 traditional dishes as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia (WBTB) 2025. The announcement was made by the West Java Tourism and Culture Office (Disparbud Jabar) as part of their ongoing efforts to protect, promote, and preserve Sundanese culinary heritage for future generations.
This recognition symbolizes more than just food — it represents the identity, philosophy, and history of the Sundanese people through flavors passed down for centuries.
🏆 14 Dishes Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage
According to the 2025 heritage list released by the Ministry of Education and Culture, the following 14 dishes from West Java have been officially recognized:
Batagor (Bandung) – fried dumplings and tofu with peanut sauce, a legendary street food of Bandung.
Mie Kocok (Bandung) – a savory noodle soup with beef tendon and thick broth.
Tahu Cibuntu (Bandung) – silky tofu from Cibuntu, known for its unique texture.
Gula Kawung (Sukabumi) – traditional palm sugar made from aren sap.
Rujak Ciherang (Bandung Regency) – mountain-style fruit salad with local peanut sauce.
Surabi (Bandung) – pancake made from rice flour, cooked on a clay stove, now innovated with modern toppings.
Sundanese culinary traditions emphasize simplicity, gratitude, and harmony with nature. Each dish carries deep cultural meaning:
Lotek & Karedok reflect the balance between cooked and raw — nature and civilization.
Surabi symbolizes creativity using humble local ingredients.
Tutug Oncom embodies modesty and respect for traditional flavors.
Food, for the Sundanese, is not only nourishment but also a reflection of life philosophy — “Hirup kudu ngukur kana awak sorangan” (live within your means).
🏛️ Government’s Vision: Preserving Heritage Through Culinary Identity
Head of Disparbud Jabar, in his official statement, emphasized that culinary preservation must go hand in hand with cultural documentation and economic empowerment.
“We encourage every region to document their unique culinary practices and transform them into creative economic assets,” he said.
This recognition is also expected to boost local tourism and strengthen West Java’s branding as the culinary capital of Indonesia.
🎉 The 2025 West Java Culinary Festival at Gedung Sate
To celebrate this milestone, the West Java Culinary Festival 2025 was held at Gedung Sate, Bandung, featuring dishes from 27 regencies and cities. Visitors experienced live cooking demos, food exhibitions, and performances of traditional Sundanese music and dance.
The event attracted thousands of visitors and became a key highlight in promoting the province’s rich culinary diversity.
Beyond the recognition, West Java’s culinary treasures serve as a reminder that taste is part of identity. Each recipe, from Batagor to Tutug Oncom, tells a story of resilience, creativity, and love for local heritage.
“To preserve the flavor is to preserve the culture.”
The government, culinary experts, and local communities continue working together to ensure that traditional recipes remain alive, documented, and passed down to younger generations.
