Jalan Subang was already packed to the brim even during the afternoon, and as the dying embers of the day flickers its last light, the crowd grew even larger. The night felt more alive with the passing cars and the tent-covered stalls that had just opened for business. The variety of food here will satisfy any foodie here in Central Jakarta, ranging from Bakso (meatballs), Mie Ayam (chicken noodles), Sate Ayam (chicken satay), Sate Padang (Padang satay), Soto (meat soup) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) to dim sum and Bubur Ayam (chicken porridge).

One particular warung that caught my attention was Nasi Goreng dan Bubur Ayam Bang Roby. I waited as the people behind the venture set up their shop so that I could sample the creations of a renowned hawker that has been given the seal of approval by a few culinary websites. “We should’ve opened at 5.30pm, but we ran late and ended up getting under way at 7pm instead,” replies one of the waiting staff while he was arranging a number of plates after I asked him regarding their opening time. Fortunately, their tardiness, however, did not extend to their swiftness in preparing my order.

As I waited for my fried rice, I opted to continue my conversation with the waiter. He informed me that Nasi Goreng dan Bubur Ayam Bang Roby was established in 1998, and its main selling points are its Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Bubur Ayam, and an assortment of fruit juices. One aspect that sets this joint’s fried rice apart from its equivalents is its topping. While most fried rice would be adorned with chicken, mutton, bitter beans, sausage, corned beef or seafood, Bang Roby’s version uses cakwe (fried breadstick). Yes, you read that right: the same cakwe that you’re used to eating with a warm bowl of chicken porridge. This is the very reason why I was so fascinated by its Nasi Goreng Komplet Cakwe (complete fried rice with fried breadstick).

Although brownish in colour, its fried rice is not spicy at all. If you prefer it to be hot, you can either ask for additional peanut sauce prior to cooking or pour it on your fried rice yourself.
Savoury and sizeably portioned to ensure you go home well fed, it consists of cuts of cakwe, meatballs, sausages, and chicken meat. For those who are looking to eat a lighter meal, have a go at its chicken porridge instead, which can be consumed with egg, sausages, or corned beef.

Jl. Sabang, Menteng (opposite Robinson Department Store),
Central Jakarta
T: 0813 8753 3500
Open daily from 5pm-2am
Rp.40,000/US$3 per person