Hi, everyone. It’s been a minute..
But I’m back with a new post from Gulapadi Bandung. We went to Gula Padi Bandung on a Friday around 11:20 AM, just in time for lunch. Gula Padi Bandung is a casual restaurant located inside the historic Pos Indonesia Building on Jl. Asia Afrika no. 49.
When we arrived, the place was surprisingly quiet. We later found out that Friday’s last order is at 11:30 AM then one hour break for Moslem’ Friday Prayer. So we basically walked in, sat down, and immediately ordered everything. Thankfully we made it just in time.
Gula Padi occupies part of the old Pos Indonesia complex, and I really love how they kept the character of the old building instead of turning it into another generic modern restaurant. The combination of the old architecture, dark green walls, red shutters, terracotta-colored floors and warm pendant lights gives the whole place a very charming vintage feel.
Gula Padi Bandung is also spacious. No need to worry if you want to bring a big group. The building itself is also a big part of the dining experience—the kind of place where I kept taking photos cause every corner is instagenic.
The only downside is there is no AC. The fans helped but with this warm weather we are having, an iced drink was definitely mandatory to keep cool.
Gula Padi serves Indonesian comfort food, with a pretty extensive menu and some traditional snacks and donuts as well. The prices are also very wallet-friendly, which makes sense for the casual warung-style concept.
We ordered Es Semangka (Rp 18k) and this was exactly what we needed on a hot day.
It’s made with watermelon syrup/juice and actual chunks of watermelon, so it’s sweet, fruity and very refreshing. The little chunks of watermelon make this drink much more fun than a regular juice.
Husband ordered Nasi Goreng Kambing (Rp 32k). The Nasi Goreng Kambing was delish especially if you like your fried rice heavy on the spices.
It has that fragrant, savory rempah flavor that immediately hits you when you take a bite. For me though, the spices were quite strong. Still, definitely flavorful and satisfying for a hungry stomach.
The Ayam Bakar Broiler (Rp 26k) was another winner.
I chose the broiler chicken since I wanted more protein, but there is also Pejantan version.
The portion was generous. The chicken was tender and the grilled slightly sweet savory flavor went really well with the rice and sambal.
We also ordered bala-bala (Rp 15k) awhich is a fried batter filled with veggies. It was yummy but I wish it was thinner. I like my bala-bala on the crispier side. But, still a decent fried goodness.
And then… the donuts 🍩
Now, if you’ve heard of Gula Padi before, chances are you’ve probably heard about their donuts. The donuts are actually what made Gula Padi go viral in the first place, and after trying them ourselves, I can see why.
They’re so soft and chewy, with that slightly bouncy texture that makes you want to keep eating them. And the best part? They’re only Rp6,500 each.
Yes, Rp6,500. 😂
For something that became one of the restaurant’s most talked-about items, I was half expecting them to be overhyped. But nope—they’re genuinely good. Soft, chewy, simple and very addictive.
They also have a little donut counter where you can pick them up separately, so you don’t necessarily have to sit down for a full meal just to try them.
Honestly, if you’re coming to Gula Padi for the first time, don’t leave without trying the donuts. They’re probably the one thing I’d specifically come back
So, Is Gula Padi Worth a Visit?
Worth a visit if you’re around Asia Afrika/Braga and don’t know where to eat.
I wouldn’t necessarily say you have to make a special trip across Bandung just for the food, but Gula Padi has a nice combination of things going for it: affordable food, generous portions, good service, a huge dining space and, most importantly for me, a really charming old-building atmosphere.
And if you’re already exploring the Asia Afrika area, it’s an easy place to stop for lunch.
Personally, I’d come back for the donuts and the vintage atmosphere.
Gula Padi Bandung
Jl. Asia Afrika no. 49, Braga
Open everyfay from 6 AM to 9 PM
Below is Gula Padi Bandung menu.
0 comments
Comments away! Thank you for taking time to leave a little note. Will definitely try my best to get back to you. Please leave your blog link so I can easily find you :)