Koyotake Ramen: A Comforting Homemade Ramen in Yogyakarta

“No more Instagram ads, please. I’m scared too many people will come,” laughs my dad, the man behind Koyotake Ramen, Yogyakarta.

While most warung owners dream of bustling crowds, he prefers a steady stream of loyal customers who enjoy his homemade ramen. Tucked away in a quiey village in Bantul, Koyotake serves Japanese comfort food with heart – think rich Tori Paitan broth, savory Shoyu, and crispy gyozas.

From Five-Star Kitchens to a Small Ramen Dream

Back in the day, my dad worked in the fast-paced, always-hectic F&B department of various 5-star hotels. After years of juggling high-pressure environments, he decided to retire early in his 40s.

His dream was simple: to run a small ramen shop like the ones he admires in Japanese travel documentaries. Small but mighty.

Why ramen, though? And where did his love for Japanese food come from? To be honest – I’m not sure, haha! But after a few failed attempts (as all good stories go), he made that dream a reality.

Koyotake Ramen‘s Tori Paitan – Creamy Chicken Broth Ramen in Yogyakarta

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It all started in a food court in South Tangerang. At first, it struggled to attract customers, so he made the bold decision to close the outlet and reopen it at home. I thought it was a better idea – not only would he save on rent, but he’d also have more flexibility and time to rest.

With his passion, my mum’s support as sous chef and logistics manager (seriously, who’s better at market shopping than the ibu?), and my contribution as the self-proclaimed marketing manager, the little house warung began to gain traction.

They started with a simple menu; Tori Paitan and Shoyu ramen, and slowly expanded as the warung grew in popularity.

Tan Tan Men, also a favourite menu among customers

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Last year, my parents decided it was time to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and settle in a small village in Yogyakarta, where my mum originally comes from. Can’t blame them – city life can be overwhelming, especially at their age (honestly, even at mine).

They reopened their ramen warung at their new house in Bantul, and it didn’t take long for them to regain popularity. One day, a well-known food blogger secretly stopped by, had dinner, and posted a Reel on Instagram.

For weeks after, the warung was packed with people queuing for ramen, haha! Talk about a good problem to have, right? But now, they’ve settled into a nice rhythm, constant customers daily, not too crazy, just the right amount. So, thank you, Mr. Blogger, for bringing the unexpected blessings on my parents’ small business!

If you ever find yourself in Yogyakarta and crave some home-cooked Japanese comfort food, make sure to visit Koyotake Ramen. They have added more on the menu, and don’t forget to try the gyozas!

Must-try Dishes

Tori Paitan Ramen: Creamy chicken broth, slow-cooked for 8 hours.
Tan Tan Men: Spicy ground chicken ramen – a crowd favorite!
Homemade Gyozas: Perfectly crispy, filled with juicy chicken.

Visit Koyotake Ramen

📍 Address: Jl. Nitiprayan No.56, RT.02/RW.20, Jomegatan, Ngestiharjo, Kec. Kasihan, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55182
⏰ Open Tue-Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM

Ps. First person to guess what “Koyotake” means gets a free dinner on me! 😉

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17 Mar 2026 by Bella in Eats

Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations: Updated List 2026

I’m all about supporting local bakeries, especially since I was once a home baker myself - though my baking career only lasted two years during the pandemic lol. That short stint gave me a real appreciation for how challenging it is to run a home bakery. You’re basically a one-person show, handling everything from taking orders and buying ingredients to the actual baking, packaging, and delivery. It’s a non-stop hustle, and knowing that, I make it a point to support small, emerging businesses whenever I can. In this article, I have collected my top favourite home bakeries that I think deserve a spotlight. Whether you’re planning a celebration or just looking for a sweet treat to brighten your day, these gems will not disappoint. So, let’s dive in and show some love to these talented bakers! Homie BunsBakeOvenLocale BakedFika & StoriesI Bake You EatLittle G Bu Toha You may also like this article: 5 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas Homie Buns https://www.instagram.com/homiebuns They make breads ranging from simple shapes to adorable designs, with a variety of fillings like chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla, salted caramel, as well as cupcakes and cookies. They even have a special birthday edition that comes with candles and a lovely ribbon-wrapped box. Now, they regularly create hampers for special occasions like Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Chinese New Year, and Galungan, making them well worth checking out if you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for family and friends. Image credit: Homie Buns Instagram BakeOven https://www.instagram.com/bakeoven.id Their greatest hit is the cheesetart. And while the original is always a classic, my personal encore goes to the lemon tart, John Lemon, especially when enjoyed half-frozen! Trust me on this little trick and thank me later! 😉 And their menu is a symphony of puns: Edam Levine (yes, it features Edam cheese, lol), and Ayumi Hamachaki, a delightful choice for matcha lovers - highly recommended. You can order via Gojek, or catch them live at La Brisa Market every Sunday. Image credit: BakeOven Instagram You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie: Semarang’s Sweetest Escape Locale Baked https://www.instagram.com/localebaked When you think of scones, think of Locale Baked. They offer everything from classic plain scones to unique flavours like lemon glazed, salted caramel butter (their top three bestsellers), earl grey, double chocolate, and even savoury options like garlic butter herb and cheddar tomato basil. A friend recommended them, so I decided to order for another friend's birthday - and she absolutely loved it! If you go for the classic plain scones, they come with cream and jam. Besides scones, they also whip up choux, pound cakes, éclairs, and other special-edition sweet treats. Image credit: Locale Baked Instagram Fika & Stories https://www.instagram.com/fika_and_stories This one is a newcomer to Bali’s home-bakery scene, but it’s already getting plenty of attention for its delicious cinnamon buns. What makes it special is its focus on Swedish treats - fika is a Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee, usually with something sweet. Staying true to its name, they bake small batches of Swedish favourites like biskvi, a chewy almond base topped with buttercream and dipped in chocolate; kolasnittar, Sweden’s beloved cookies with crisp edges and a chewy centre; and thumbprint cookies, buttery shortbread filled with strawberry jam. Image credit: Fika & Stories Instagram I Bake You Eat https://www.instagram.com/i_bakeyoueat I ordered their carrot cake just for fun - no special occasion. But since they make whole cakes in a mini size (10cm diameter), it was the perfect little treat! They deserve the highest compliment an Asian can give a cake: NOT...TOO....SWEET!!! hehe. Besides carrot cake, they also make salted caramel coffee cake, matcha dark chocolate cake, and Dutch boterkoek. These cakes also come in a sharing size (18cm). Image credit: I Bake You Eat Instagram Little G https://www.instagram.com/littleghomebake They make whole cakes and I discovered Little G because so many of my friends have ordered from them over the years - so I figured, they must be good, right? One day, in true last-minute fashion (because I’m so organised like that, lol), I messaged them to order a birthday cake for my husband. Despite the short notice, they responded with a positive "can-do" attitude, accepted my order, and delivered exactly what I asked for. The birthday boy absolutely loved it, and as a serious cake lover, his review is trustworthy. I can’t say the same for myself since I don’t eat cake, but with his honest feedback and the rave reviews from my cake-loving friends, I wholeheartedly recommend Little G for your special occasions - just try to be more organised than me 😉 Image credit: Little G Instagram You may also like this article: Brunch in Bali - Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter Bu Toha https://www.instagram.com/butoha_ As a true Indo kid, I can’t leave out jajan pasar (various Indonesian traditional snacks, commonly found in markets), because they are a staple for special occasions. A few times, I’ve even sent jajan pasar as a birthday gift for friends. These traditional Indonesian treats aren’t just delicious and nostalgic; they also make for a beautiful and thoughtful present. My go-to place is Bu Toha. They offer stress-free packages if you want everything pre-arranged, but if you’re feeling picky, you can customise your own tampah (woven bamboo tray) hamper by ordering items individually (just keep in mind there’s a minimum order for each). They also make Balinese jajan pasar, which is perfect for friends celebrating Balinese ceremonies. Image credit: Bu Toha Instagram At the end of the day, what makes home bakeries special isn’t just the cakes or the cookies - it’s the heart behind them. Each order supports someone’s passion, creativity, and countless hours spent perfecting their craft, often from their own kitchen. So whether you’re celebrating something big or simply craving a little sweetness, choosing a local home bakery is always a good idea. And if you discover your new favourite homemade treats along the way, share it with me! I will happily try it and feature it in this article.

08 Jun 2026 by Bella in Eats

Restaurants in Legian and Seminyak: Kata Bella's Picks 2026

Restaurants in Legian and Seminyak. I know some of you might think these neighbourhoods aren’t as cool as they used to be. But for many families travelling with kids, they remain a top choice because of their proximity to the airport and the convenience they offer. You’ll find everything you need here - from great 5-star hotels and beaches to shops, supermarkets, medical centres, and, most importantly, plenty of places to eat. Legian and Seminyak are packed with fantastic restaurants, from breakfast spots to dinner favourites. I used to live around here, and on a recent visit, I spent some time exploring both old favourites and new openings to find the places that I’d happily recommend to my readers. So, here are some of the places that made the list. You may also like this article: Breakfast Spots in Canggu Worth Waking Up Early For Farmer's Daughter It's not ranked by favourites, but this new spot in Legian deserves to be at the top of the list. Not only is the place cute and cosy, but it also serves excellent pastries and coffee. If you're after a proper brunch or lunch, the menu has some interesting options like cauliflower steak and fried chicken waffles. For something quick to grab on your way to the beach - which is only a two-minute walk away, you can get one of their baguette sandwiches. And whatever you do, please save room for dessert! The pistachio kunafa mousse is a must-try, or come back just for the cakes because they're absolutely worth it. Makan Place This place is best known for its pork knuckle, which they say is enough for two. But I won't judge if you decide to take that as a personal challenge. Makan Place is my go-to pit stop whenever I'm running errands around Legian because the menu covers pretty much every craving. You can have some "sneaky holiday food" like a Korean fried chicken burger or chicken parmy, or opt for something a little lighter like my favourite Asian chicken salad or the pan-seared salmon. And if you've never tried Indonesian or Balinese food before, this is also a great place for your first taste. I'd recommend starting with the beef rendang or the fried duck - both are solid introductions to local flavours. Image credit: Makan Place Instagram You may also like this article: Bali on a Budget - Cheap Eats in Canggu for Under 100K Miya Social Another new spot in Legian, this one is perfect for families. The restaurant is spacious, with plenty of parking for both cars and scooters (important for Legian!), plus a dedicated playground area to keep the little ones entertained. Their signature dish is Miya's charcoal chicken, served with your choice of sauce ranging from mild and medium to spicy or sambal matah, and you can have it with sides like sweet corn and coleslaw. Another standout is the peri-peri chicken pizza, which is well worth ordering for the table. And then of course, dessert! Try their sticky toffee pudding with miso toffee sauce, almond streusel, and vanilla gelato. Three words: yum, yumm, and yummm! Wild Habit Pizza From the name, you can probably guess that wood-fired pizza is the star of the show here. Located on a corner lot in the heart of Seminyak, it's one of those places that's easier to reach on foot if you're already exploring the area, rather than dealing with traffic and parking. I've eaten here more than once, and these are some of my personal favourites: start with the charred octopus skewers and truffle & brie croquettes, then move on to the spicy salami & mozzarella pizza and spicy chorizo vodka pasta. If you're a truffle lover, the truffle pappardelle is also a winner. And please don't skip dessert! My favourite is the Italian flourless chocolate cake. Me Vui You can eaily spot this place when you're walking around Legian. Its bright yellow façade practically invites you in, and it looks just like an eatery you'd stumble upon in Vietnam. The menu covers all the Vietnamese classics you'd hope for; comforting bowls of pho, delicious banh mi, spring rolls, and many more. I've been here so many times and so far I haven't had a bad meal. It's the kind of place that's equally good for a quick lunch, or a casual dinner with friends. If you're not sure what to order, don't stress too much, because it's one of those places where almost everything you order is a safe bet. Image credit: Me Vui Instagram You may also like this article: My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 1 Sushimi I have so many fond memories from my younger years at this Sushimi branch, and I'm happy to report that they’ve managed to maintain their quality after all this time. If you're after a quick sushi fix, the sushi train is the way to go. They also have an a la carte menu of Japanese comfort food and snacks. If you're arriving hungry, I'd recommend the bento set. It's a meal in itself, with a little bit of everything; sushi, edamame, karaage, and more. It also comes with miso soup and iced or hot green tea. The space is quite small and there's no dedicated parking area, so I'd suggest coming by scooter, walking if you're nearby, or simply ordering a Gojek. Sinaloa When you arrive at Sinaloa, you'll be greeted by the giant skulls at the entrance - one of the restaurant's most iconic features. If you enjoy people-watching, grab a seat downstairs by the bar, and if you'd prefer something a little quieter, head upstairs where it's usually more relaxed. This Mexican-inspired restaurant is open from breakfast through to late evening for drinks. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasers, including nachos, burritos, tacos, and churros, alongside a good selection of cocktails and refreshing drinks. While newer neighbourhoods in Bali continue to steal the spotlight, Legian and Seminyak remain two of the island's most reliable areas when it comes to food and convenience. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee, a family-friendly lunch, local Indonesian flavours, or a long dinner that turns into a late night out, there's something here for everyone. And just like my other restaurant lists, this one will continue to grow as I discover more places worth sharing. I hope you find this guide useful, and I hope it leads you to some delicious meals along the way. Happy holiday and thank you for reading!

24 May 2026 by Bella in Eats

Vegan Cafes in Canggu: 5 Nice Spots for Your Daily Greens

Vegan Cafes in Canggu I’m not vegan, but when I really think about it, the Indonesian diet is actually heavily plant-based. I grew up eating tempe, tofu, steamed mushrooms, stir-fried vegetables, and vegetable soups without ever thinking of them as “vegan food” - they were just normal everyday meals at home. Meat was often more of a side dish or something for special occasions, while vegetables, soy-based proteins, rice, and simple home cooking were the real foundation of the diet. In my family, at least. So now that I’m an adult with free will and access to basically any food I want, I still naturally enjoy vegetables every now and then. My parents eat almost entirely plant-based these days too, so I guess I still follow that rhythm - and living in Canggu definitely makes it easy, because vegan options are everywhere. Here’s a mix of places I’ve personally tried myself, plus a few recommendations from my friends too. You may also like this article: 5 Must-Visit Best Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas The Shady Shack They’ve been around for ages, and they’re proof that vegan and vegetarian food doesn’t have to be sad. Find colourful nourishing plates, vegan burgers, smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and raw vegan desserts in a relaxed jungle-like setting hidden away from the main road. 📍 Jl. Tanah Barak No.53, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali⏰ Monday to Sunday, 7.30am-10.30pm Image credit: The Shady Shack Instagram I Am Vegan Babe This place has quite an extensive menu; vegan tacos, burgers, breakfast plates, desserts, cakes, smoothies, and comfort food that doesn’t feel “too healthy". hehe. The vibe is lively, social, modern, and it’s become pretty popular among travellers staying around Canggu. 📍 Jl. Tanah Barak No.49, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali⏰ Monday to Sunday, 7am-10pm Image credit: I am Vegan Babe Instagram You may also like this article: Things to do in Bali - Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit KYND Community When you spot a bright pink restaurant on Jalan Nelayan, that’s it, that’s KYND Community. And yes, the meals really are as cute in real life as they look on Instagram. You can build your own protein bowl, or go for pasta, burgers, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, and colourful brunch plates - because vegan food doesn’t always have to be salad, right? 📍 Jl. Nelayan No.31, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Bali⏰ Monday to Sunday, 7am-9pm Image credit: Kynd Community Instagram Warung Dua Hati I feel like this place is underrated, but if you’re craving vegan Indonesian food, give Warung Dua Hati a try. Alongside local dishes, they also serve Western meals and smoothie bowls too, so you still have plenty of options. Ps. “Dua Hati” means “two hearts,” so I’m guessing that’s why the rice is heart-shaped, hehe. 📍 Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan No.12D, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Bali⏰ Monday to Sunday, 7am-10pm Image credit: Warung Dua Hati Instagram Oma Jamu Here’s another vegan Indonesian spot worth trying. Oma Jamu has a warung-style display with ready-made dishes, which is perfect if you arrive starving and want to eat straight away. And from the name “Oma Jamu,” you can expect that they also have a great selection of homemade jamu (Indonesian traditional herbal drinks). 📍 Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.46A, Canggu, Bali ⏰ Mon–Sat 8AM–11PM, Sun 10AM–9PM Image credit: Oma Jamu Instagram Those are my five spots for now. But really, other than the vegan-labelled cafés, it’s super easy to find plant-based options everywhere in Canggu (and in Indonesia). Most restaurants are also pretty flexible these days and cater to all kinds of diets. Hope you find this useful, and stay tuned for more on the list.