Bali is indeed famous for its beach clubs, restaurants with rice field views, and aesthetic cafes that almost always make it into tourists’ itineraries. But if you’ve been in Bali for a few days and are starting to crave something simple, cheap, spicy, and filling, Mie Gacoan could be an interesting choice.
For Indonesian tourists, the name Mie Gacoan might already be very familiar. However, for foreign tourists or those who have never tried it, Mie Gacoan is a noodle restaurant chain known for its combination of spicy noodles, dim sum, sweet drinks, and relatively affordable prices.
In Bali itself, its outlets are quite easy to find in various areas such as Kuta, Legian, Canggu, Jimbaran, Dalung, and Denpasar.
So, what exactly makes this restaurant so crowded?
What is Mie Gacoan?
Mie Gacoan is a restaurant that focuses on noodle dishes with a choice of flavors and spice levels that can be adjusted.
The concept is actually quite simple. You choose the type of noodles, determine the level of spiciness, and then usually add some dim sum as a side. After that, don’t forget to order a cold drink because the spice level can be quite serious.
Its main noodle menu is currently known as Mie Suit, Mie Hompimpa, and Mie Gacoan. These names replace the old menu names and take inspiration from traditional Indonesian games. Mie Gacoan restaurant has also received halal certification for its restaurants since June 2023.
For foreign tourists, eating here can also be a different experience. Instead of just trying restaurants made specifically for tourists, you can see what one of the casual eateries very popular among local Indonesians looks like.
Mie Gacoan Menu You Can Try
If it’s your first time coming, the noodle choices might be a bit confusing because the names don’t directly explain the taste.
Mie Suit
Mie Suit is the safest choice if you don’t really like spicy food.
Its flavor profile is more dominant savory and not spicy, with noodles served with toppings like minced chicken and wontons. This menu is suitable for children, foreign tourists who are not yet accustomed to Indonesian sambal, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy noodles without having to sweat.
Mie Hompimpa
If your goal in coming to Mie Gacoan is to seek a spicy sensation, Mie Hompimpa could be the choice.
Its taste tends to be savory, salty, and spicy. The spice level can also be chosen so you don’t have to immediately take the highest level.
For first-timers, it’s better to start with a low level first. The standard of spicy food in Indonesia can sometimes differ quite a bit from what is considered “spicy” in other countries.
Mie Gacoan
This menu, which uses the restaurant’s own name, has a slightly different flavor character.
Mie Gacoan tends to have a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, making it suitable for those who like noodles with a more complex taste and not just spicy and salty. This noodle is also available with several spice level options.
If you come with friends, the most fun way is to order several different types of noodles and then try each other’s.
Don’t Miss Its Dim Sum Menu
Coming to Mie Gacoan but only ordering noodles feels incomplete.
One of the reasons many people return here is precisely because of its dim sum selection. Some common menus include Udang Rambutan, Udang Keju, Lumpia Udang, Siomay Ayam, and Pangsit Goreng.
Udang Rambutan is one of the easiest to recognize. Its outer part has a crispy texture with a unique shape resembling a rambutan.
If you like a combination of savory and creamy, Udang Keju is also worth trying. Meanwhile, Pangsit Goreng is a simple choice that is delicious to eat with noodles.
Coming with two to four people? Order several different types of dim sum and place them in the middle of the table for sharing. Besides being able to try more menus, the dining experience also becomes more fun.
Drinks with Unique Names
It’s not just the food that has unique names.
Some of Mie Gacoan’s signature drinks use traditional game names such as Es Gobak Sodor, Es Petak Umpet, Es Teklek, and Es Sluku Bathok.
Cold drinks like this are suitable to pair with spicy noodles. Especially if you are confident enough to choose a high spice level and only realize a few bites later that the chili is stronger than expected.
Besides signature drinks, there are usually also more familiar drink options such as tea, lemon tea, Milo, and milk-based drinks.
Is Mie Gacoan Expensive?
One of the biggest attractions of Mie Gacoan is its price.
Compared to many restaurants in Bali’s tourist areas, eating here is relatively budget-friendly. Data from several Bali outlets shows an estimated spending range of around Rp25,000–Rp50,000 per person, depending on the amount of food, drinks, and dim sum you order.
Dine-in prices and prices through delivery apps can also differ.
For tourists who have been eating at restaurants in Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu for several days, Mie Gacoan can be a pleasant choice to reduce the food budget without having to return to international fast food.
Where to Find Mie Gacoan in Bali?
Finding Mie Gacoan in Bali is now quite easy.
For tourists staying around Kuta, there is Mie Gacoan Raya Kuta. If you’re staying around Legian or Seminyak, you can also head to Mie Gacoan Dewi Sri.
Tourists staying in the Canggu area and its surroundings can try Mie Gacoan Canggu. Meanwhile, if your trip is in the southern part of Bali, Mie Gacoan Jimbaran is also available.
In Denpasar, there are also several options, including Mie Gacoan Renon and Mie Gacoan Teuku Umar Barat.
Many main branches in Bali are currently recorded to operate 24 hours, including the Kuta, Canggu, Dewi Sri, Renon, and Teuku Umar Barat branches. Even so, it’s best to check the latest operating hours before going because each branch’s schedule can change.
Tips for Eating Mie Gacoan While on Vacation in Bali
First, don’t be too confident about the spice level. If this is your first visit, start with a low level. You can always try a higher level on your next visit.
Second, avoid coming in a very hungry state during main meal times. Mie Gacoan is famously crowded, and some branches can be filled with local visitors and delivery drivers during peak hours.
Third, order dim sum for sharing. The relatively affordable prices allow you to try several types at once without blowing your food budget.
Lastly, if you’re feeling lazy to leave your villa or hotel, try checking food delivery services. Many Mie Gacoan outlets are also available through food ordering platforms, although online prices may differ from eating directly at the restaurant.
Is Mie Gacoan Worth Trying While on Vacation in Bali?
If your vacation goal is to try local food and see a side of Bali beyond tourist restaurants, Mie Gacoan is worth adding to your culinary list to try.
This is indeed not traditional Balinese food like babi guling, sate lilit, or ayam betutu. Mie Gacoan is more accurately described as part of Indonesia’s current popular culinary culture.
That’s precisely what makes it interesting.
In the middle of an itinerary filled with beaches, cafes, beach clubs, and restaurants with sunset views, occasionally sitting in a busy noodle restaurant, choosing a spice level, ordering a plate of Udang Rambutan, and then enjoying a cold drink can provide a completely different experience.
The prices are affordable, the portions are enough for a casual meal, the choices are many, and its outlets are easy to find in various areas of Bali.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, the only question that remains is: how brave are you in choosing the spice level?
