Denpasar –
Gudeg, which is synonymous with Yogyakarta, is now quite easy to find in Bali. One of the gudeg stalls that has been around for a long time in Denpasar, Bali, is Gudeg Joglo Bu Retno.
Bu Retno’s Gudeg Joglo has been established for 22 years, to be precise in 2002. Retno Arya Bayuaji, the owner of the stall located in the center of Denpasar City, Jalan Badak Agung Number 23A, Sumerta Kelod, East Denpasar, admitted that he took the initiative to open the Gudeg Rice stall because it wasn’t there before. someone is selling.
Before Retno and her husband decided to open on Jalan Badak Agung, in the first and second years they opened on Jalan Arjuna.
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“I was there for two years because many areas were closed, so I looked for a location here,” said Retno when met detikBali, Saturday (2/11/2024).
“But at that time I didn’t even think about why it was here (Badak Agung), I’m just sure. The proof is that two weeks of opening from getok tular (mouth to mouth) is more effective, yes and it has survived to this day,” he added.
In order to create an authentic and consistent taste, the woman from Malioboro also prefers that some ingredients be sent from Yogyakarta.
Retno also opened a branch in the Kuta area. He succeeded in reaching gudeg lovers in the tourist area. However, he thinks that selling gudeg cannot be abandoned and must be monitored.
 Gudeg Joglo menu display with an angkringan concept. (Photo: Rizki Setyo Samudero/detikBali) |
Because customers will know exactly if the gudeg is not hand-crafted by Retno. He was overwhelmed going back and forth from Denpasar to Kuta and decided to close the outlet in Kuta to focus on Denpasar.
“I think when it opened in Kuta, Penjaringan, the area there was busy, then I closed it. I thought the customers had disappeared, but it turns out they came here too, even though it was a long journey,” he said.
During his 22 years of selling, the number of customers who still buy gudeg at his shop has increased. Not infrequently they come from outside Denpasar, even musicians and famous people, such as musicians Indra Lesmana and Katon Bagaskara, to lawyer Juan Felix Tampubolon.
“I used to like hanging out here because I used to open an angkringan,” explained Retno.
Apart from famous people from Indonesia, Retno also said that her gudeg is also popular with foreign nationals (WNA) who live in Bali.
“For those in Ubud, they actually live in Ubud, some of them are mixed husband and wife, some have lived in Yogya, studied in Jogja and finally gathered here,” said Retno.
 Warung Gudeg Joglo Bu Retno on Jalan Badak Agung, Renon, Denpasar. (Photo: Rizki Setyo Samudero/detikBali) |
There was also a time when a lecturer from Malaysia whose favorite food was gudeg asked to be sent to Malaysia on the recommendation of Retno’s relations in Dili Serdang.
He does not deny that his shop is legendary. However, he leaves that assessment up to his customers. What is certain is that Retno’s initial goal was to open this shop for people who miss gudeg, so they don’t have to go all the way to Jogja.
He also made the concept of his shop like a typical Joglo house in Jogja. There are lots of knick-knacks and antiques such as large gongs, onthel bicycles from the 50s, trishaws, petromak lamps, Javanese paintings, statues and several puppets.
“Yes, I really like (interior design). It’s not just food, my concept is to make money, but I also look for relatives and friends, they feel comfortable here,” he said.
 Bu Retno’s Warung Gudeg Joglo is visible from the outside. (Rizki Setyo Samudero/detikBali) |
Retno explained that the taste of her homemade gudeg is not only predominantly sweet like most gudeg in general in Yogyakarta. However, it packs what’s inside with a variety of sour, sweet and spicy flavors all in one.
detikBali had time to try Retno’s gudeg. People have always judged gudeg because it is predominantly sweet, but Retno’s gudeg has a different taste.
This is what makes Retno have a lot of customers because her gudeg is not like gudeg in general.
One portion of Bu Retno’s Gudeg Joglo can be priced at IDR 30-40 thousand. The prices for packages that use complete kendil for a large meal also vary, starting from IDR 250-350 thousand.
Gudeg Joglo Bu Retno is open Monday-Saturday 08.00-17.00 WITA.
(hsa/hsa)
