Kemi Noodles, Legendary Old-School Noodles from Indramayu That Are Appetizing
By: H. Sujaya, S. Pd. Gr.
(DPP ASWIN Advisory Board)
Hunting for old-school culinary delights during the month of Ramadan in Indramayu is very exciting. Especially for lovers of old-school culinary delights that are legendary and typical of the region. Because each region has different noodle-based culinary delights, such as Bakmie Jawa (Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta), mie Aceh (Aceh), mie koclok (Bandung, West Java), mie kethek (Bantul, Yogyakarta), mie celor (Palembang, South Sumatra), mie mucus (Riau), mie titi (Makassar, South Sulawesi) and mie cakalang (Manado, North Sulawesi) etc.
In Indramayu, besides Mie Ragit, there is also Kemi, a typical Indramayu noodle that is usually found in simple food stalls in Indramayu which of course has a distinctive taste of the northern coast that is rich in spices.
Kemi is one of Indramayu’s typical noodle-based foods. This dish is similar to fried noodles, but has a distinctive taste because it uses traditional Indramayu spices.
The characteristic of kemi is using yellow noodles that are fried or stir-fried. Seasoned with shallots, garlic, chilies, sweet soy sauce, and special spices.
Usually served with eggs, sliced chicken or seafood, and vegetables such as mustard greens and bean sprouts. It has a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy taste, according to the tastes of coastal communities.
Kemi is often sold in food stalls or street vendors in Indramayu and its surroundings. This food is perfect to eat when warm, especially with the addition of crackers and chili sauce. The most legendary ones include Warung Kemi “Waiki” which is located at the Waiki intersection in Indramayu city and Warung Kemi at the Bojongsari Indramayu Reservoir intersection. The price is cheap and very affordable, one portion usually only costs IDR 5,000 per pack.
The philosophy of Kemi food, typical of Indramayu, reflects the simplicity, diversity, and richness of taste that reflects the character of the coastal community of Indramayu.
Here are some philosophical values of Kemi:
1. Delicious Simplicity
Kemi is made from simple ingredients such as yellow noodles, basic spices, and additional protein such as chicken or seafood. This reflects the simple lifestyle of the Indramayu people but can still create delicious and nutritious dishes.
2. Diversity in One Dish
The combination of various flavors—savory, sweet, and slightly spicy—symbolizes the diversity of the Indramayu people who come from various cultural backgrounds, including Javanese, Sundanese, and coastal cultural influences.
3. Symbol of Togetherness
Kemi is often served in portions that can be enjoyed with family or friends, illustrating the strong values of togetherness and family in Indramayu culture.
4. Local Wisdom and Natural Balance
Using local ingredients such as fish or shrimp from Indramayu waters shows the close relationship between the community and the surrounding nature and the wise use of resources.
With this philosophy, Kemi is not just food, but also a reflection of the life of the Indramayu community which is full of warmth, diversity, and local wisdom.
Are you curious? Come to the city of Indramayu, especially in the afternoon. The taste is great and perfect to be enjoyed with a popular atmosphere.
Indramayu. 8/3/2025
—
