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

You may also like this article: Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois

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

You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie – Semarang’s Sweetest Escape

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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23 Apr 2026 by Bella in Eats

The Ultimate Canggu Restaurant List by Kata Bella

Canggu Restaurant List. Canggu might be a teeny, tiny spot on the map of Bali, but it has pretty much everything you need. From places to stay, entertainment, gyms to most importantly...food, the options are endless. We are spoiled for choice here, with everything from Indonesian and Asian to Western favourites. It almost makes the chaotic streets feel… worth it, lol (for those who keep asking why I live in Bali’s busiest hotspot). With so many places to try, there’s no way I can squeeze everything into one article - so I’m breaking it into two (maybe even three). So here’s part one: my Canggu restaurant list for light bites and healthy options. FOR QUICK LUNCH AND BITES Deli CangguTony’s New York PizzaTygr SushiHoi An by MeVuiHEARTWARMING COMFORT FOODSoogi RollYumei NoodlesAnagaWei To GoFOR GIRLS NIGHT OUTS, BIRTHDAYS, AND OTHER CELEBRATIONSDing Ding Hot PotKhao BaliMuda by/SukaSazónDella TerraBEAUTIFUL SPOTS WITH GREAT FOOD FOR PROPER DATE NIGHTSCureShelterNumero QuattroLulu BistrotTHE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVESUnibowlTaco CasaWarung Coco You may also like this article: 10 Aesthetic Canggu Cafes and Restaurants FOR QUICK LUNCH AND BITES Deli Canggu Sometimes it gets so hot in Bali that you don’t even feel like eating hot meals. On those days, I either drive to Deli Canggu or GoFood for their sandwiches. They literally only do sandwiches on the entire menu, plus a few sides and drinks. My number one pick is the beef pastrami sourdough sandwich, followed closely by the roast chicken focaccia. 💰 Price range: IDR 75K-85K ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 6am-6pm 📍 Address: Jl. Nelayan No.73c, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Deli Instagram Tony’s New York Pizza Who knew my jiu jitsu coach would turn out to be a pizza-preneur, and a good one too?! It started with a small pizza joint in Pererenan, I blinked and now I’ve lost count of how many branches he has across Bali alone. Anyway, I’m not just saying this just because I like Tony (halo Pak!) but the pizzas are good. Nice crispy dough, great sauce, generous toppings…everything just hits right, the way a proper New York slice should. Pepperoni is a must-have, but my personal favourite is the buffalo chicken pizza, paired with one of those lemony fizzy drinks from the fridge and lots of ice. Mantap! 💰 Price range: IDR 50K-150K ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 11am-12am, Sat and Sun 11am-1.30am 📍 Address: Jl. Raya Tiyingtutul No.25, Canggu, Kec. Mengwi, Badung, Bali Image credit: Tony's Pizza Instagram Tygr Sushi This is also where I go when I don’t feel like having hot meals, plus it’s a closed, air-conditioned space - which already makes it a win in Bali heat for me. They serve Japanese comfort food like sushi, curry rice, karaage, and gyoza, and I always have to save room for their matcha mochi ice cream, which very often sells out. 💰 Price range: IDR 100K-250K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 11am-11pm 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.55, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Tygr Sushi Instagram You may also like this article: Best Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas Hoi An by MeVui Reasonably priced delicious Vietnamese food in a cosy spot. They’ve opened a few other branches now, but since I live in Canggu, this is my go-to. When I need something quick after the gym, I usually get com ga (gilled boneless chicken with a sunny-side-up egg and rice). If I’m feeling a bit tired or under the weather, their hearty beef or chicken pho always hits the spot. And when I’m feeling a little snacky (and naughty), I can’t resist their deep-fried spring rolls. 💰 Price range: IDR 35K-150K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 9am-10pm 📍 Address: Jl. Padang Linjong, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Hoi An by MeVui Instagram HEARTWARMING COMFORT FOOD Soogi Roll If you enjoy watching Korean dramas, this place looks exactly like something straight out of one. They’ve recently moved to a new space that’s bigger and more comfortable, making it even better for a cosy meal. It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving something warm and soupy, like ramyeon or sundubu. They also serve the all-time favourite Korean gochujang chicken and, of course, Korean sushi rolls. 💰 Price range: IDR 150K-250K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10am-10pm 📍 Address: Check their Instagram for the new location Image credit: Soogi Roll Instagram Yumei Noodles You should try Yumei if you like Sichuan-style noodles. The noodles are made fresh daily. Their braised beef noodles are the star on the menu, but I prefer their dry noodles - you can have it spicy, medium spicy, or not spicy at all. The portions are big for me, so I usually share one with a friend and order wontons on the side. It’s the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal that hits the spot every time. 💰 Price range: IDR 150K-250K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 11am-2am 📍 Address: Jl. Nelayan No.34, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung Image credit: Yumei Instagram Anaga Sometimes I wake up from a nap on a slow Sunday craving good Thai food. And when that happens, I head straight to Anaga for their tom yum, which tastes just like the ones I've had in Thailand. If I'm going with a group of friends, we'll usually order a few dishes to share, like the pad thai, Thai fried chicken, fish cakes, and red curry. Ps. They have shirataki tom yum fried "rice" on the menu if you're trying to cut back on carbs but still want to indulge a little *wink wink 💰 Price range: IDR 150K-250K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 11am-10pm 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.88, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung Image credit: Anaga Instagram You may also like this article: Bali on a Budget - Cheap Eats in Canggu for Under 100K Wei To Go I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Chinese food. I love all kinds of food and international cuisines, but I’m almost always in the mood for warm rice with stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, noodles, honey sesame chicken, or black pepper beef. So yeah, that’s how I know I was meant to be born in this world as an Asian. 💰 Price range: IDR 150K-250K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 11am-10pm 📍 Address: Jl. Sempol No.26, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung Image credit: Wei To Go Instagram FOR GIRLS NIGHT OUTS, BIRTHDAYS, AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS Ding Ding Hot Pot Hot pot and karaoke with your favourite people - I guarantee you’ll have a great time. Plus, it’s arguably a healthier alternative to a typical night out… because, well, hot pot. If you’re coming in a group of 8–10, you can book a VIP room with a minimum spend of IDR 1.8 million in total. There are two seating times: 5pm and 8pm. You’ll find a variety of soup bases and an extensive selection of fillings; vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and premium meats - so there’s something for every diet. And oh, there’s a dedicated corner for you to mix your own sauces. 💰 Price range: From IDR 300K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-12pm 📍 Address: Jl. Padang Linjong, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Ding Ding Instagram Khao Bali Thai food, but make it premium - that’s Khao Bali. The space is casual, with a lovely outdoor area at the back overlooking a lush garden. But at the same time, it’s also the kind of place where you can dress up a little with your friends and treat yourselves to something nice. All the Thai classics are still there, like tom yum, curries, fish cakes, and they’re just as flavourful as they are in Thailand. But with added finesse, using locally sourced ingredients from Bali. 💰 Price range: From IDR 200K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-11pm 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Khao Bali Instagram You may also like this article: Breakfast Spots in Canggu Worth Waking Up Early For Muda by/Suka “Asian cuisine with a twist,” as food reviewers would say. 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There’s also a private room if you’re after something more intimate. 💰 Price range: From IDR 350K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-12am 📍 Address: Jl. Munduk Catu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali You may also like this article: Vegan Cafes in Canggu - 5 Nice Spots for Your Daily Greens Shelter Candlelit tables, a tropical ambience, an open-air space and most importantly, amazing food - that makes a perfect date night. I always start with the hummus with a crunchy surprise that I like, and warm, comforting flatbread. Then it’s mains to share: roasted scallops, roasted king prawns, and barramundi. And of course, cocktails. Sometimes I stick to the classics, but other times I go for Kembang Desa (the village star); gin with jasmine, lychee, and lemon. 💰 Price range: From IDR 250K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm-12am 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.133, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Badung, Bali Image credit: Shelter Instagram Numero Quattro One cannot simply go to Numero Quattro without having their pasta - it’s kind of the whole point. That said, the grill section makes a very convincing argument too, with options like rib-eye, and pork chop quietly stealing the spotlight. And did I mention the tiramisu is mandatory? It’s not optional. It’s not your typical pasta joint either - the space leans more urban chic with a hint of coastal vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up if you feel like it, but it’s more effortless chic than full-on fancy. 💰 Price range: From IDR 250K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat-Sun 12pm-12am 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan No.4, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Numero Quattro Instagram Lulu Bistrot “Voulez-vous dîner avec moi ce soir?” - I like to imagine I can magically speak French after a proper French dinner, hehe. When you step into Lulu Bistrot, you almost forget you’re in Bali. The ambiance is sophisticated, but not snobbish - if you know what I mean. I’m not usually a big fan of red meat, but with something as good as their steak… yes, puh-lease. It might sound exaggerated, but everything on the menu is muachh! *chef’s kiss. 💰 Price range: From IDR 250K/ person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-12am, Sat-Sun 11am-12am 📍 Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.72, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Badung, Bali Image credit: Lulu Bistrot Instagram You may also like this article: My Go-To Gyms in Canggu for Strength Training, Classes, and Recovery THE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES Unibowl If you want salads that don’t make you sad, Unibowl is the one. You can have it with rice, like a poke bowl, or go all-in on greens - it’s already super filling because of the generous portion (sometimes I can’t even finish). You can also build your own bowl - which I always do because I’m picky, hehe. I usually go for miso prawn or chimichurri chicken for the protein, along with all the beaaans!By the way there’s also another Unibowl in Umalas Bumbal. 💰 Price range: IDR 65K-150K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 12pm-9.30pm 📍 Address: Jl. Sempol No.17, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Badung, Bali Image credit: Unibowl Instagram Taco Casa Another option for delicious, health-ish food: Mexican (well… if you don’t go too hard on the sour cream and crispy tortillas lol). Go for a naked burrito with chicken, or their soft tacos with the protein of your choice. It’s never a bad idea to grab a quick lunch at Taco Casa. You can also check out their other locations in Petitenget or Ubud. 💰 Price range: IDR 65K-150K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 10am-10pm 📍 Address: Jl. Batu Mejan Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali Image credit: Taco Casa Instagram Warung Coco Healthy doesn’t always have to mean salad, right? And you really can’t separate Indos from nasi campur (rice with various side dishes), hehe. I like Warung Coco because the food tastes clean and light, not oily like a lot of Indonesian or Asian food can be. It also doesn’t feel too heavy on the salt or seasoning. I’ve always ordered it online through GoFood or GrabFood, but you can also dine in at their warung. 💰 Price range: IDR 50K-100K per person ⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 11am-5pm 📍 Address: Tumbak Bayuh, Mengwi, Badung, Bali Image credit: Warung Coco Instagram Ok that's my list for now, it will keep growing as Kata Bella team and I discover more places we like. Hope you find this article useful and thank you for reading! 🙂

04 Feb 2025 by Bella in Eats

Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois

I’ve got a pretty busy schedule and travel for work sometimes, but I refuse to be that person whose life is just work. So whenever I have to be out of town for a business trip, I make sure I squeeze in some me-time between meetings. I was recently in Bandung for a few days. I know Bandung has a cool coffee culture and is a fashion hub, but I only had a few hours to explore the city before my flight, so I had to be picky about where I went. In the end, I chose Theo’s Wife Lois. From what I gathered from their Instagram and menu, Theo and Lois are husband and wife who share a passion for adventures, art, and, of course, food - Theo in the hot kitchen and Lois in desserts. I somehow imagined them as Wes Anderson characters. Together, they created this charming restaurant. You can instantly sense their fun and quirky personalities the moment you step inside. I arrived quite early around 8am, and unlike in Bali, where breakfast spots are packed by 7am, the place was still empty. Or maybe I just got lucky? Because apparently, this place gets really busy. If I'm not mistaken, you are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 2 hours (but I didn't need that much to finish my breakfast so it was no biggie). Naturally, the first thing I did was explore the middle island, where all the cakes and pastries are displayed - sweet tooth represent! Since it felt like a bit of a holiday, I decided to indulge in a matcha scone and a Mochilembu - a Cilembu sweet potato flavoured bomboloni with clotted cream and a surprise mochi inside. Yum yum! Both were absolutely delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness. And let’s not forget the coffee - it was smooth and easy to drink. I think the pastry and cake varieties change every day or every other day. But when I was there, they had bombolonis with various fillings; Lembang berries, apple, azuki - and donuts with fun toppings like vanilla yuzu, peanut butter and jelly, cookie crumble, and pistachio. There was also a selection of financiers and pretzels, ranging from original and chocolate to almond nougatine. And if you're feeling a little naughty, they even had cheesecake and cookies - we make the rules when we're adults, so we are allowed to have them for breakfast right? Hehe. I didn’t see until I needed to go to the toilet that they have more seating at the back - oh, and a proper dining menu too, which looks amazing! Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try it this time… but next time for sure! Being there, I realised that when something is made with so much love and passion, it shows in all the little details; the sweet creations, the interior, the colour palette, the witty quotes, the bright pink takeaway boxes, the sticker sets, and even the little mementos they’ve collected during their travels. I honestly feel like I could be good friends with Theo and Lois! Hahaha - if you two are reading this, hellooo! ;) If you’re ever in Bandung, this place should definitely be on your must-visit list. Whether you’re after a quiet morning treat or a full dining experience, Theo’s Wife Lois is a gem that truly reflects the love and creativity behind it. Can’t wait to go back and try more! Stay tune at Kata Bella! Ps. I did bring home more matcha scones and a yuzu one, and they were still just as good a few days later (I kept them in the freezer). Theo's Wife Lois - Jl. Progo No.23, Citarum, Bandung

27 Feb 2025 by Bella in Eats

Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie: Semarang’s Sweetest Escape

Travelling around Java, especially Central Java is becoming more popular, thanks to new the toll road from Jakarta that makes the drive possible in just five to eight hours. While Yogyakarta has always been a tourist favourite, Semarang is starting to steal the spotlight. Some visit for its iconic landmarks like Kota Lama and the historic Lawang Sewu, while others are all about the street food. But did you know Semarang’s cafe, restaurant and bar scene is also flourishing? I won’t go into all the great spots in this article, but I have to share a little gem that stole my heart and keeps me coming back every time I’m in town; Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie. The lively and inviting space in the lobby of Padma Hotel Semarang - image by Goolali Located in the city’s current “it” spot - Padma Hotel Semarang, which has been the talk of the town since it opened, Goolali is home to over 35 flavours of gelato (well, the name does have "gelato bar" in it, hehe). They also serve beautifully crafted mini gâteaux with unique flavours, macarons, bonbons, and oh! I have to rave about the pastries! Their croissants and danishes are out of this world, especially when they’re fresh from the oven (you have to show up early in the morning for this, but it’s totally worth it!). Another highlight of visiting Goolali is their afternoon tea. Instead of the usual tiered setup, they’ve gone for a whimsical-magical-fantastical style that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. And it’s very…I hate to say this word..."Instagrammable". There, I said it. A very unique afternoon tea experience - image by Goolali The name Goolali is a playful twist on the traditional snack gulali. The overall ambiance is fun and vibrant, with bright colours and quirky dessert monster illustrations adorning the packaging and interior, created by Bandung-based artist Addy Debil. Though located in a luxury hotel, Goolali has a warm and welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home, even if you’re just stopping by for a sweet treat (yes, they happily welcome outside guests!). Some of the #TravelwithGoolali collection - image by Goolali The cute packaging makes Goolali a great gift or oleh-oleh from Semarang. Take home some homemade jams, dragées, or cookies and don’t forget to hashtag #travelwithgoolali when posting on social media! They also create beautiful hampers for special occasions, and with Ramadan around the corner, they’ve got a special collection ready. Follow @goolalisemarang on Instagram to keep an eye on their mini gâteaux of the day. Plus, be ready for the chef’s special surprises! Stay Tune at Kata Bella for more! Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie 📍 Padma Hotel Semarang Jl. Sultan Agung No.86, Wonotingal, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50252 ⏰ Opening Hour: 8am - 10pm WIB