Spiegel Bar & Bistro + Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery, Semarang

One place you definitely must visit in Semarang is Kota Lama (old town). While you are here, make sure to drop by the historical Spiegel Bar & Bistro. It is located across the famous Gereja Blenduk (dome church). Spiegel is actually the name of a building that was built in 1895 and has been revamped to a bar and bistro.

When you step inside, you will feel like going back to the colonial era with the rustic interior and soft retro music playing in the background. The dining area is very spacious, I felt like eating in a castle dining hall haha.

Festive mood is in the air <3

Hot Caramel Latte - IDR30,000

Their blend of coffee was smooth with fruity finish. The caramel flavor was there although I would expect a stronger taste. Kudos for the pretty latte art, which is simple but matters.

Bitterballen - IDR30,000

Bitterballen is Dutch-style croquette where the meat filling is shaped into a ball and coated with coarse breadcrumbs. I could really taste the savory and meaty flavor in every bite. The fried ball was already flavorful to eat on its own without the dipping. Bitterballen is always served piping hot inside, so try not to immediately have your first bite as soon as it is served. You have been warned.

Classic Caesar Salad - IDR35,000

One thing you might want to note, Spiegel's Caesar salad is not like your usual Caesar salad. Firstly, they use a slice of crispy toast to replace the diced croutons. Secondly, they throw in some flower petals to the salad. Whut?! I got a mini heart attack when I saw flower petals in my salad - I thought they fell down out of nowhere lol. I have never eaten flower petals before in my life (I don't even think it is actually edible), but turned out it tasted unique with fragrant floral scent. The lettuce was fresh and crispy but sadly the dressing was too little and the chicken meat was a bit tough to chew. I also found a small piece of plastic inside my salad (fortunately I did not eat it). When I told the staff about it, she only smiled and said 'oh ya' while clearing up the plate. What a gesture. I did not expect to get refund or what, but my feedback was genuinely meant for them to be more careful in the future so that this thing would not happen again to other customer.

Overall, I quite enjoyed my short visit to Spiegel despite a few misses that happened. I am particularly impressed on how the owner managed to revive Spiegel building without altering the original facade. There is no eerie feeling at all - rather, it gives a very relaxing vibe. I would not mind to give this place another visit in the future, perhaps to try their cocktails or gelato.

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Jl. Letjen Suprapto 24, Kota Lama
Semarang, Indonesia 50174

+6224-3580049

IG: @spiegelbistro

Opening hours: 10am - 12am (Mon - Thu) // 10am - 1am (Fri - Sun)

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From Spiegel, I headed to Semarang Contemporary Art Gallery which is located about 100 meters away. Just follow the sign, go along the street-side antique kiosks and you will find the art gallery entrance.

You will pass by this antique kiosks on the way to the gallery

This is the entrance of SCAG. The entrance fee is IDR10,000 per person. They change the exhibition regularly and when I went there the current exhibition was 'Heaven is Mindset' by German artist Franziska Fennert. I enjoyed exploring the museum even though I'm not a museum kinda person lol. Anyway, photo spam below...

Hello Michael Jackson?

A naked boy in front of the restrooms lol

I always get excited when I see cats haha

Til then Semarang!