Pempek Cik Ana, Wates Hidden Culinary Gem

KBRN, Wates: For food lovers seeking an authentic taste, Waroeng Pempek Cik Ana in Wates Subdistrict, Kulonprogo Regency, Yogyakarta Province, could be an alternative. This eatery, run by a South Sumatran native, offers a cozy spot to enjoy genuine Palembang-style pempek and other fish-based delights.

"Pempek Cik Ana officially opened its doors at the beginning of 2020, precisely when the pandemic led to my layoff from folded Pizza (Calzone)," revealed Sulfiana, the owner of Pempek Cik Ana, recently.

"However, even before establishing this eatery, I had already been making pempek and offering catering services whenever there were orders," she added.

A plate held a delicious serving of golden-brown pempek lenjer and pempek kapal selam, glistening with a rich cuko sauce and accompanied by refreshing diced cucumbers. (Photo: RRI/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

Stepping into Cik Ana's eatery, you're immediately enveloped by the aroma of freshly made pempek, a testament to a family's dedication to this Palembang delicacy. The name "Cik Ana" itself, a Palembang term for the youngest aunt, was bestowed upon Sulfiana by her family when she first opened her eatery.

Originally from Lubuk Linggau, South Sumatra, Cik Ana initially handled all the production herself, but now, the rhythm of her kitchen is harmonized by the help of her children, ensuring each bite of pempek carries a touch of familial warmth, even if the daily output varies.

The true charm of Pempek Cik Ana lies in its old-fashioned house, where every ornament, display, and piece of furniture invites a sense of nostalgia. From the front yard to the interior and even the bathroom, the entire space offers a homely atmosphere that makes diners feel as though they're enjoying a meal right in their own childhood home, surrounded by relics from a bygone era.

"Our eatery is located here in Wates because my husband is originally from this area, and coincidentally, we inherited what's known as a tabon or ancestral home. This building used to be a warehouse for storing harvests," Cik Ana explained.

She added that the house is filled with many old items, some belonging to her parents, like bicycles, oil lamps, and various other antiques. "When we first opened the eatery, we kept the building pretty much as it was, with just a bit of rearrangement."

The interior of Waroeng Pempek Cik Ana offered a cozy, nostalgic ambiance, filled with vintage furniture, ornate decorative plates, and a classic chandelier that illuminated the dining space. (Photo: RRI/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

The idea for this vintage eatery blossomed from Cik Ana's child, who, facing a pandemic-related layoff, envisioned a unique space. What it truly special is that the collection of ceramics, jars, and even children's toys adorning every corner are all personal treasures, lovingly displayed from Cik Ana's own lifelong passion for collecting and her four children's cherished childhood memories.

This deeply personal touch infuses the eatery with a heartfelt warmth, making every visit feel like stepping into a beloved family home filled with stories and history.

Beyond its nostalgic ambiance, Waroeng Cik Ana tempts taste buds with its bestselling Pempek Kapal Selam and an array of affordable, authentic South Sumatran delights, all priced between IDR 3,000 (USD 0.19) and IDR 12,000. For just IDR 3,000, you can savor a unique Pempek Belah—a split fishcake generously filled with dried shrimp, chili sauce, and sweet soy sauce, served without the traditional vinegar sauce (cuko).

The menu extends beyond pempek to include other local favorites like siomay, rujak mie, and tekwan, alongside refreshing beverages such as the trendy Dalgona Iced Coffee (a nod to the viral pandemic-era drink) and a cooling Es Kacang Merah (red bean ice), perfect for a scorching hot day. This diverse and budget-friendly selection ensures a delightful culinary experience that complements the eatery's charming, homey feel.

Two slices of pempek belah rested on the plate, generously drizzled not with cuko but with soy sauce. (Photo: RRI/Diva Rifdah Rizkia Puspitaningnala)

"We keep our prices affordable because many of our customers are students. Our hope is that Pempek Cik Ana can continue to grow, perhaps even opening branches in other areas with the same unique ambiance, all while we keep collecting more antiques," she concluded.

Waroeng Cik Ana opens every day except Sunday, with daily operating hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. For those craving a taste of their delicious offerings beyond a dine-in visit, frozen pempek is also available for order, to be enjoyed at home, anytime. ***