Rumah Makan Tjap Jam 38 is a must-visit destination for food lovers when you're in Bandung. Their signature dish is the famous free-range fried chicken served with their legendary black spice and black chili sambal, which is absolutely outstanding. Other favorites include crispy fried chicken intestines and chicken feet, both of which are highly popular among local diners. One item you absolutely shouldn't miss is the Perkedel (Cimplung)—crispy on the outside, incredibly chewy on the inside, and so delicious that it's truly addictive! The menu also offers plenty of other Indonesian favorites, including fried beef lung, chicken liver and gizzard, fried cabbage, and a wide selection of sambals that perfectly complement every meal. The only dish that didn't quite meet my expectations was the Karedok. It tasted much too sour for my preference, and the flavor wasn't what I expected. The restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Bandung and is usually packed during both lunch and dinner hours. I visited with three friends for dinner, and the place was extremely busy. Fortunately, we arrived at the right time and were lucky enough to get a table immediately without having to join the waiting list. Overall, Rumah Makan Tjap Jam 38 is one of those restaurants you simply have to try when visiting Bandung. Just be prepared to compete with the locals for a table during peak lunch and dinner hours—it's that popular, and for good reason!

+3

This fried chicken specialist offers a fantastic selection of chicken cuts and vegetable side dishes, complemented by a wide variety of refreshing drink options. The staff remains incredibly friendly and helpful despite the heavy crowds, though you should definitely be prepared for a long queue during the busy lunch rush. It is also very thoughtful that they provide a mushola, making it a convenient and comfortable dining spot for Muslim guests. Overall, the delicious food and welcoming service make the wait well worth it for anyone looking for a hearty local meal.

+1

The hype is real and the queue is worth every calorie! If you’re looking for authentic Bandung-style comfort food, Tjap Ayam delivers on all fronts. Despite the wait, the service was efficient and the food arrived hot and incredibly fragrant. • Ayam Goreng: The star of the show. The chicken is seasoned deep into the bone, perfectly fried with a thin, crispy skin while the meat remains juicy. It’s that classic savory, turmeric-infused profile that pairs perfectly with rice. • Telur Dadar: It’s light, airy, and has that addictive "sarang" texture. It’s ultra-crunchy and soaks up the sambal beautifully. • Perkedel & Tofu: The perkedel were soft, chewy and fluffy on the inside with a golden exterior, providing a nice contrast to the crunchier dishes. The tofu was simple, fresh, and fried just right. • The Sambals: Don't skip these! Having the variety of sambals allows you to customize the heat. They add a necessary kick that cuts through the richness of the fried items. Service & Vibe: Even with the crowd, the staff remained attentive and the food didn’t take long to serve once we were seated. The nostalgic branding on the plates and the overall atmosphere make the dining experience feel very intentional and cozy. Definitely coming back. It’s a "cheat day" well spent!

+3

Chicken thigh is really delicious and a must try. Crispy from outside and juicy from inside. They have only few veggies menu and surprisingly Kankung is missing. The places is always crowded, service is super fast.

best best best!! tastiest Ayam Goreng I’ve had in Bandung, and the Perkedel really stands out! Came for dinner around 7 pm, and had to wait for 20 mins for the table and another 10 for the foods. The servers were so nice and responsive. Def will be back!!