By Rido Ivanus
For some reasons: the atmosphere, the taste, and the brand is one of the best I’ve ever felt.
Bandung is a large city in West Java with endless opportunities to explore. The creativity of the locals, the city’s architecture, and its natural beauty are three essential reasons why Bandung is so popular with travelers. Even after numerous visits, many people never tire of it. Some even have a list of must-visit spots when visiting Bandung. So, this is a special story about the must-visit spots for local food souvenirs.
The fundamental reason why this shop frequently visited
Of course, everyone’s perspective on the good and bad of a place will differ. But one thing’s certain and fundamental, in my opinion:
” If someone loves a particular spot, if it can provide many sweet memories and the best benefits for them and their immediate environment .”
Unforgettable sweet memories of a place will lead people to return again and again, hoping for that sweet moment to happen again.
Furthermore, the place can make them feel comfort and has provided many meaningful benefits for themselves and their loved ones. This spot as a souvenir food shop, in my opinion, has provided all of that for many people.
Ok, let me explain in more detail.
Brand: Prima Rasa – Bakery & Pastry
This Bandung’s legendary shop selling specialty food souvenirs is called Prima Rasa – Bakery & Pastry. This cake shop was founded by Ibu Theresia in 1986 and started out as a home kitchen. Currently has eight branches across Bandung. However, the location I’m referring to the title mentioned above, is one located at Jl. Kemuning No. 20, Merdeka, Bandung. Why?! It’s simple: this shop’s location is unique—simple, meaningful, and brings joy to those who stop by.
Judging from its structure, this spot is placed in a sturdy, clean, and comfortable old house. Located in a residential neighborhood with shady trees lining the street. Next to and in front of the house are other houses offering restaurants, selling local snacks, and light, homemade treats. In front of the shop, there are also several locals selling homemade souvenirs clearly benefiting the surrounding area.
The place isn’t overly crowded, but it’s quiet and peaceful. You can interact with them and learn about the authenticity of the locals while shopping or enjoying a pastry. Once, this place was just an old house selling a few homemade pastries. Now, it offers a wide variety of delicious pastries. Among the most popular are banana bolen cake, brownies, steamed sponge cake, cheese rolls, and more. The taste of these pastries is undeniable; they are renowned internationally, especially among Asian tourists.
It’s simple to imagine and taste it. If in Paris you might be happy enjoying croissant with coffee at a street cafe, then in Bandung you’ll be happy enjoying a warm banana Bolen cake in an old bakery house while interacting with locals or your beloved family. So, the conclusion is simple: happiness and simplicity 😊
Unique values and experiences
” Traveling is a time when we can gain the best experiences and insights for our future lives. Gleaned from the stories of others we met.” – (Rido)
In front and inside this cake shop, there are many people with their own stories and struggles, each shopping for cakes and serving them. You can share stories with new acquaintances about the joys, sorrows, and challenges of navigating life here. While shopping and enjoying cakes.
I often hear people chatting and laughing, or see children running around the shop’s courtyard, waiting for their mothers to queue to buy cakes. The atmosphere is very supportive, calm, and peaceful as we sit in the courtyard of the old bakery house.
Prima Rasa: Happiness and Simplicity
One more thing. The story of this cake shop brand can recharge our mind about business brands, loyalty, perseverance, and the passion we possess in life. The brand born from a housewife who had a recipe for delicious cakes, perhaps initially just for her child. Then, selling them, perhaps also for her child’s future. Then, it became the legendary and large cake shop for today.
But, wait. Large…?! I haven’t seen this brand aspire to become as big as most business brands, at least until now. Let alone a desire to dominate and monopolize the business market. From the opinions of several foreign travelers I’ve heard, this brand is already famous in most of South East Asian markets. Especially in Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. But I haven’t seen this brand open branches outside Bandung or sell franchises for years. Even though that’s possible and perfectly legal. Or maybe it’s just unnecessary for a business like this. I don’t know.
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What I see and feels that perhaps the owner is more concerned with upholding the values of simplicity and bringing happiness to others through her homemade cakes, rather than developing a huge business that might not even be possible. That’s a very expensive proposition, and that’s what I mean. A business that provides meaning and sustainable benefits to many people. A brand of happiness and simplicity that makes me want to return to this cake shop again and again. One of the best brands I’ve ever seen. 😊
