Avrila Bayu admits early on during our conversation regarding his love for eating. “I eat everything. As long as it tastes good, I’ll like it,” he laughs. As the keyboardist for pop band Zivilia, Avrila gets the chance to tour around the country and also taste a variety of local delicacies. Born on April 6, 1985, the man who had just assisted in the completion of the original soundtrack to local film “Bulan Terbelah Di Langit Amerika Part 2” gave us his favourite choices of local restaurants and their dishes.

Five Favourite Dishes and Where to Find Them

Gudeg Yu Jum

A popular Gudeg (unripe jackfruit stew) joint in my hometown of Yogyakarta, I would always stop by at Gudeg Yu Jum for its mouth-watering Gudeg whenever I find myself there. It tastes like home to me.

Jl. Wijilan No. 31, Panembahan, Kraton, Yogyakarta
T: 0813 2832 2222
Open daily from 6am-10pm

Bakso Sony Haji

I have yet to sample a bowl of Bakso (meatballs) as good as Bakso Sony’s. The beef composition within the meatballs and the seasonings are really addictive. If I’m there, a bowl or two would

never be enough for me.

Jl. WR. Monginsidi, Durian Payung, Tj. Karang Pusat, Bandar Lampung
T: 0857 6413 9899
Open daily from 10am-6pm

Coto Nusantara 2

I found out about Coto (beef stew) and sampled it for the first time at this place while during a trip to Makassar. I’ve always been back ever since every time I’m in town. It will leave an unforgettable mark on your palate after you eat it.

Jl. Merpati No. 2-3, Kunjung Mae, Makassar
T: 0813 4385 4785
Open daily from 6am-6pm

Nasi Goreng Kebuli Apjay

The location of this Nasi Goreng Kebuli Apjay is quite near from where I live. Due to its close proximity to my home and its late opening hours, I always try to find the time to stop by. Its deliciousness means that I will never get tired of it regardless of the amount of times that I eat it.

Jl. Panglima Polim IX, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
T: 0812 835 9996
Open daily from 5pm-2am

Dandito Restaurant

One of my favourite places to dine in while in Balikpapan. Its crab dishes are simply the best ever. I always order its delectable Kepiting Lada Hitam (black pepper crab). I would recommend this eatery to anyone who’s planning to go to Balikpapan.

Jl. Marsma Iswahyudi No. 71, Sungai Nangka, Balikpapan Selatan
T: 0811 532 368
Open daily from 9am-10pm