Sop Buntut — known to the whole world as Oxtail Soup — is one of the most favourite traditional food in Indonesia. After doing some research on Sop Buntut, I just realised that there are actually different types of them; each has its own identity and characteristics. There is Korean Oxtail Soup, Chinese Oxtail Soup, South American Oxtail Soup, and so on.

In Indonesia, the oxtail is marinated with some herbs, then cooked until it is soft and fragrant. The soup is clear, and there are some vegetables inside, such as carrots and potatoes. Dapur Dahapati in Bandung serves classic Indonesian Sop Buntut. Here’s how it goes.

THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS

Dapur Dahapati is housed inside a colonial-era building at Cipaganti Street, a main street in Bandung. Back in the Dutch colonial times, Cipaganti was where all the beautiful villas and antique houses were built. Nowadays, most of them have been demolished and replaced with brand new buildings with minimalism concept. Being an antique, this place does not need many decorations because the architecture has spoken for itself; simple wooden chairs and tables complete the dining room. 

On the other hand, because it used to be a real house, it is really hard to get a parking space — especially during weekends and holidays when all the “B plate” cars are in town. If you can’t get any spot, try to park on the street in front of the house beside the gas station. Simply ask for help from the helpful parking man!

THE FOOD

Sop Buntut Dahapati (IDR 60k)

This soup reminds me of the famous Sop Buntut served in Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, which costs quite expensive (around IDR 200k, if I’m not mistaken). This is a much cheaper version of that Sop Buntut. The broth is quite oily; you can see it from the oil that floats on the top of the soup, as if making a “crack”. Despite that, it actually tastes quite delicious! The oxtail is soft and tender, and it doesn’t have too much fat content. Overall, it has that umami flavour.

Sop Buntut Goreng Dahapati aka Fried Oxtail Soup (IDR 62.5k)

The oxtail is cooked with onion until it’s fragrant and the sweetness of the onion comes out. Next, it is spiced with tamarind to bring some sourness and freshness into the dish, then fried. This Fried Oxtail Soup is served with some vegetables: potatoes, carrots, and celery. I really love the balance of sweet and sour of this dish; can I give it a 5/5 score?

The White Rice (IDR 7.5k)

I know it seems silly to talk about white rice, but when you’re eating Oxtail Soup, you can not eat them alone! They must feel so lonely :( In other words, rice is a mandatory side dish. Dapur Dahapati serves good quality rice; the rice is white (hopefully not because of whitening chemicals), fluffy, and soft. The shape is also good, not split. Last but not least, it melts in your mouth and tastes sweet, even when you eat it without the soup. Yes, I love good rice!

Sweet Iced Tea (IDR 15k)

The sweet iced tea tastes refreshing, with a hint of vanilla. It is nice.

Iced Cappuccino (IDR 12.5k)

It is everything you would expect of a twelve-thousand-and-five-hundred-rupiah iced cappuccino. In other words, they most likely are using pre-packaged instant coffee.

Hot Milk (IDR 12.5k)

This hot milk is made of condensed milk and hot water. If you like condensed milk, you’ll probably like this. If you don’t like condensed milk, you’ll probably hate it and wander why a restaurant is serving this thing. 

Hot Tea (Free)

The hot tea is free and free-flow. Similar to the Sweet Iced Tea, the tea itself tastes nice. And remember that hot tea can help the stomach in digesting fat. Free hot tea FTW!

THE VERDICT

Overall, I recommend this place when you are in Bandung. But if you are a first timer to Bandung, I suggest you to try Sundanese traditional food first, such as Ma’ Uneh or Gepuk Ny. Yong. 

Dapur Dahapati

Address: Jalan Cipaganti 146 Bandung

Phone: (022) 7101301

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21.30