Night Shopping - Traditional Snacks Cimol And Batagor

It is Friday night, and I take my family to Bekasi Timur Regency, a lively housing area known for its bustling street food scene. The air buzzes with the sounds of vendors calling out and the aroma of fried snacks filling the evening breeze. Hundreds of traditional treats are sold from simple carts lined along the roads.

My children eagerly ask for Cimol, small, chewy balls made from fried tapioca starch, usually sprinkled with spicy chili powder. Alongside that, they choose Batagor, a delicious fried dumpling like snack made from tapioca and tofu, served with rich, savory peanut sauce. Both are favorites among kids and adults alike.

The best part is the price. Each snack comes in a small plastic bag and costs only 5,000 IDR—around $0.30.

After buying snacks, I forgot to refuel my motorcycle. Later, I went to Madura retail store and bought a bottle of fuel for 12,000 IDR (around $0.75). Though selling bottled fuel is prohibited, many still do it since the nearest fuel station is far, making it a common practice.

Tonight is clear with no rain all day, so many people go out to shop. I head home, enjoying the street lights. My kids love night rides.

At home, my kids hurriedly open the plastic bag, excited for the cimol and batagor. The savory aroma fills the room. As they eat, the sprinkle of chili powder makes them feel hot, their faces turning red but they laugh and keep going. Spicy or not, they love the taste and always ask for more.