There is something so magical about Pantjoran Chinatown in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) when night falls. The lanterns start to light up, the atmosphere becomes more lively, and the tempting aroma of food fills the air. As a visitor who chooses to come at night, this experience is truly different and unforgettable. Here is the complete story of my night journey in this little paradise.
WARM WELCOME AT THE ICONIC GATE
That night, I arrived at Pantjoran Chinatown at around 7 pm. From a distance, the magnificent red gate decorated with lanterns was already visible. As soon as I stepped inside, I immediately felt like I had entered a different world. Lanterns hung above the walkway, creating a warm and romantic nuance. Traditional Chinese music played softly in the background, completing the magical night atmosphere.
Not only that, the aroma of spices from various food stalls began to be felt as I walked further inside. People walked leisurely while enjoying their food or just chatting. The atmosphere is so cozy, like a mix of a cultural festival and a modern night market.
TEMPTING NIGHT CUISINE
My first step was of course to the rows of food stalls. Nighttime is the best time to explore culinary, with many stalls offering a variety of tempting choices. I started by trying the mini Chinese martabak which was crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Then, I tasted the famous halal chicken noodles. The broth was warm and full of flavor, perfect for a slightly windy night.
In addition, I also tried fried spring rolls filled with fresh bamboo shoots and tender chicken, as well as halal dim sum with an authentic taste. On the other side, there were stalls selling various sweet buns such as red bean and fragrant pandan filled buns. The finale? A glass of fresh, sweet and refreshing ice cendol! All the culinary choices here are very friendly to Muslim visitors, so I could enjoy them all without worry.
Each stall has its own characteristics, both in terms of decoration and service. I had the chance to chat with several sellers who kindly explained the origins of the food they were selling. This made my culinary experience not only satisfying to the tongue, but also broadening my horizons.
HUNTING FOR PHOTO SPOTS AT NIGHT
One of the main reasons I chose to come at night was to enjoy the visual beauty of Pantjoran Chinatown. The lit lanterns make every corner look Instagrammable. The small pagoda area is my favorite; the lanterns around it create such a photogenic atmosphere. I also found another corner with art murals that tell stories of Chinese culture. The photo results? Amazing!
There are also modern art installations combined with traditional elements, such as large dragon-shaped lanterns and wooden carvings with classic patterns. Taking pictures here makes me feel like I'm in the middle of a fairy tale. In fact, some shops provide small accessories such as typical Chinese umbrellas to be used as photo props.
A QUIET AND MEMORABLE NIGHT ATMOSPHERE
Although there was no entertainment such as a lion dance performance or the often-mentioned free tea tradition, the night still felt lively with the crowd of visitors and traditional background music. Many families and friends seemed to be chatting while enjoying their food. The warmth of the atmosphere tonight made me feel like I was at a small festival full of happiness.
In some corners, there were street musicians playing traditional instruments such as guzheng. The melodies produced were so calming, as if accompanying my footsteps as I explored this area. There was no sense of rush; everyone seemed to be enjoying the night in a relaxed manner.
ENJOYING THE NIGHT UNTIL THE END
Time seemed to pass so quickly in Pantjoran Chinatown. Without realizing it, I had spent more than three hours walking around, eating, and enjoying the atmosphere. Before going home, I had time to buy souvenirs in the form of mooncakes and other typical snacks for my family at home. There was also a stall selling premium tea with various unique flavors, which I ended up buying to try at home.
Before leaving this place, I took a moment on a bench near a small pond decorated with lanterns. It felt so peaceful, with the light of the lamps and the sound of trickling water closing my night perfectly.
AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT AT PANTJORAN CHINATOWN
Visiting Pantjoran Chinatown PIK at night is a must-try experience. The lantern lights, delicious food, and lively atmosphere make this place the perfect night destination. It not only fills your stomach, but also your heart and soul.
So, if you are looking for a fun, cultural, and culinary-filled night, Pantjoran Chinatown PIK is the answer. Prepare your camera and empty stomach, and let your night be filled with magic here!
Thank you for reading my blog, see you in the next post ~
Best Regards,
Tina K Harnis.
Who is Tina K Harnis?
Welcome to Tina K Harnis's little room. She is a girl who is learning to write. She likes to do new and interesting things. She likes traveling, singing and dancing. Lately she has started to love the world of cooking, trying new recipes and sharing it on social media. She is not a celebrity but she wants others to know her well.
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you are very cool to have managed to explore an extraordinarily beautiful place.
Yes, this is a very valuable experience for me :)
In my city, there is a Chinatown, or so they say, but it doesn't compare to the one I see in your post. I want to go to a place like that, I love observing other cultures.
In some places there are indeed the same places, there may only be a little difference. You need to try to come here. I'm sure you will really like it.
What an enchanted place I love the lights looks so magical and traditional 🤩🤩
yeah i was also very amazed when i first entered the place 🥰😍
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