cirebon cultural tourism 
If you’re a true spicy food lover, then Cirebon has a fiery treat waiting for you. Nestled in the heart of Gamel Village, Plered Sub-district, Rujak Gamel is more than just a dish—it’s an explosion of flavors, traditions, and cultural heritage. So, don’t call yourself a chili enthusiast if you haven’t tried this one!
What is Rujak Gamel?
Rujak Gamel is a traditional Indonesian mixed vegetable salad originating from Gamel, a village located in the Plered area of Cirebon Regency. This dish combines fresh vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, water spinach (kangkung), cassava leaves, eggplant, and yardlong beans, all drenched in a tantalizing, spicy sambal (chili sauce) that teases your taste buds.
To take the flavor game up a notch, you can choose between two additional sambals—sambal asem (a tamarind-based spicy sauce) or the legendary banyu pindang. For those unfamiliar, banyu pindang is a savory fish broth-based sambal with a distinct salty, umami-rich flavor and a deep fish aroma. It’s truly a unique taste experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Here are the top 3 must-visit warungs (traditional food stalls) to get your Rujak Gamel fix:
1. Rujak dan Kerupuk Teles Mba IPA Gamel
Tucked inside a quiet alley in Gamel Village, Mba IPA’s warung is the definition of a hidden gem. Mba IPA, the owner, has been serving Rujak Gamel for years and now employs several local women from her village—a true women-empowering icon!
Here, you can customize your rujak with a mix of vermicelli (bihun), yellow noodles, kerupuk teles (a type of soft cracker), kerupuk mlarat (a traditional Cirebonese cracker), and fried snacks (gorengan). The price? Only around Rp 10,000 per portion. You can even order online via WhatsApp or through local personal shoppers (jastip).
So, if you’re ready to walk into a narrow lane and walk out with a full heart and spicy lips, Mba IPA’s place is your go-to.
2. Rujak Gamel Mba Wati
Located in Sarabau Village, at Blok Weringin, Mba Wati’s warung is a beloved local spot. Fun fact: Sarabau and Gamel were once one village before administrative changes in the early 2000s, so many locals still consider them a shared community.
Set beside the sacred Ki Buyut Weringin and the historic Bale Panjang, this warung offers not just rujak—but a cultural immersion. You can enjoy your meal under the shade of an old banyan tree, surrounded by historical vibes. The Bale Panjang, built in the 1400s by Ki Gede Gamel, was a place for community discussions and remains a cultural site for ceremonies today.
Prices start at Rp 15,000 per portion, and in 2023, this warung was even featured on the national TV show “Makan Receh” (Cheap Eats) on TRANS7, giving it well-deserved fame.
3. Rujak Gamel Saung Tani
If you want a peaceful village vibe with a pinch of romance, Saung Tani is the dream. Located in Sarabau Village, just after the train crossing, this spot gives you a full-blown culinary and nature escape.
Enjoy your spicy salad surrounded by rice fields with a sunset view, trains passing by in the distance, and the majestic Mount Ciremai painting the skyline. Aside from the usual crunchy add-ons, Saung Tani also offers telor pindang—a boiled egg prepared in a rich, herbal marinade using traditional tannin-based seasonings.
The best part? It’s budget-friendly. One portion costs around Rp 7,000–8,000, and adding an egg is just Rp 3,000 more.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Rujak Gamel?
While these are just a few recommendations, Gamel and its surrounding areas are full of warung rumahan (home-based eateries) selling Rujak Gamel. You’ll easily spot them along Syekh Datul Kahfi Street in Plered. Whether you’re a local foodie or a curious traveler, this is a culinary experience that goes beyond taste—it’s a journey into the spicy soul of Cirebon’s village life.
But here is a little advice from your local people—know your limits! Rujak Gamel’s spice level can set your mouth on fire, so make sure your body is ready before you take that brave bite.
So what are you waiting for, my spicy fellas? Go explore the streets of Gamel, treat yourself to a bowl of boldness, and let your lips dance with flavor. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or the countryside charm, Rujak Gamel will never disappoint.
Because sometimes, the hottest love affairs… begin with sambal.
