Cinere is renowned not only for being a cosy place to live filled with trees and greenery but also for its many fine restaurants. Among them is Bakmi Villa – a no-frills Bakmi (noodles) joint found within the Villa Cinere Mas housing area.

You may be questioning the existence of such an eatery that offers delicious noodles at affordable prices as you enter the posh Villa Cinere Mas complex. It is not located at the anterior of the area or in the heart of the neighbourhood, rather further down the back of the complex nearer to the houses outside of it. Its appearance resembles more of someone’s home, and upon entrance, you could see its large menu pasted on its wall including the prices of its food. Besides its various Bakmi Goreng (fried noodles) and Bakmi Rebus (boiled noodles) choices, it also offers an assortment of Bihun (vermicelli) and Kwetiau (flat rice noodles) dishes, Capcay (stir-fried vegetables), Fuyunghai (omelette with meat and vegetables) and other Chinese delicacies.

Established in 1985, it used to be my family’s favourite dining place when we were still residents of Villa Cinere Mas in 1988. As it was the first time I dropped by after quite a while, it felt like a blast from the past from the moment I stepped foot inside. Everything is still as I remembered, including the chairs and the tables. The parking area is still as small as it was back then, with a capacity of about five cars. Bakmi Villa once opened a branch on Jalan Cinere Raya that has since closed down.

Also read: Jakarta: Bakmi Jhon 

As I sat down, I ordered a portion of its Pangsit Goreng (fried wonton). It didn’t take long for it to arrive on my table. The Pangsit Goreng here more than matches those that are served by big-name noodle joints. The crust was crunchy to the bite and its beef stuffing was delicious. Its price is very wallet-friendly, considering that it consists of ten pieces per portion. Up next was its Bakmi Bakso Besar (large meatball noodles), with its soft and wide noodles that are unlike those served by cart-pushing roadside wonton noodle sellers. Savoury and delectable, a few extra dabs of sambal and soy sauce will make the experience even more pleasurable.

Eating at Bakmi Villa brought back those childhood memories that I sorely miss; when the whole family would descend upon this place for a spot of lunch. A very simple meal, yet one that is full of nostalgia.

You can also read this article on Bakmi Villa: A simple yet nostalgic meal

Jl. Pluto Dalam No. 43, Pisangan, East Ciputat, South Tangerang
T: 021 743 4870
Open daily from 9am-9pm
Rp.50,000/US$3.70 per person