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There’s always that one comfort food spot or diner you can’t wait to revisit whenever you’re back in your hometown. In the streets of Tegal, Central Java, Warung Sahabat Pak Imron stands as one such place—a humble eatery serving coastal cuisine that evokes the warmth of home.
By lunchtime, the place is bustling with orders flying in. From the outside, it appears simple and unassuming, much like a familiar childhood home. Inside, the walls are lined with various advertisements—everything from light bulbs to housing ads. A Tong Tji tea advertisement adorns the menu board, a subtle nod to Tegal’s rich tea culture and plantations. A glance into the kitchen stirs a wave of nostalgia, its setup reminiscent of a traditional home kitchen, complete with old-fashioned tiles that add to its charm.
Photos courtesy of Syiva Zahra (2025).
The signature dishes, sayur asem and sayur lodeh, provide the perfect contrast to the scorching heat of the Pantura road. The former, with its tangy tamarind-based broth, offers a refreshing lightness, while the latter, enriched with coconut milk, delivers a heartier depth of flavor. These traditional vegetable soups strike a balance that feels both soothing and familiar.
While waiting for the main course, diners are served mirong—crispy shrimp fritters that achieve just the right texture, neither too crunchy nor too soft, and a taste that falls perfectly between savory and mild. These fritters set the stage for the heartier seafood and poultry dishes to follow.
Mirong & Ikan Pihi Goreng,
photos courtesy of Syiva Zahra (2025).
The menu caters to seafood lovers with a variety of options, from ikan goreng (fried fish) to pepes ikan or udang (steamed fish or shrimp wrapped in banana leaves) and pepes teri nasi (steamed anchovies with rice). For those craving a spicier kick, pecak ikan—grilled or fried fish served with a bold sambal sauce—provides the perfect choice. Poultry enthusiasts can opt for ayam kampung goreng, a village-style fried chicken known for its rich flavor and firm yet juicy texture. A standout dish, ikan pihi goreng (fried pihi fish), arrives in a generous portion, its flavors heightened by a spoonful of sambal that ties the entire meal together.
To accompany the meal, diners can enjoy a selection of beverages, including the regionally renowned Tong Tji tea, served hot or iced, or the classic poci (teapot) serving for four.
To end the meal on a sweet note, pisang rebus (boiled bananas) offers a simple yet comforting dessert—naturally sweet, warm, and filling. Take a stop by the warung and experience the nostalgia of home through its hearty dishes.