TULUNGAGUNG – Pinka Street Food Tulungagung continues to draw massive crowds during Ramadan, cementing its status as the city’s favorite ngabuburit destination. As the late afternoon sun dips, hundreds gather along the Ngrowo riverside to hunt for takjil before breaking their fast.
By 4:30 p.m., the area already resembles a sea of visitors. Colorful food carts line the riverbank, while the scent of fried snacks and spices fills the air. The once-quiet stretch near the Ngrowo River transforms into a lively social hub throughout the holy month.
Young people, families, and office workers stroll from stall to stall carrying plastic bags filled with iced fruit drinks, kolak, fried snacks, kebabs, and ready-to-eat side dishes. During Ramadan, Pinka becomes more than a culinary marketplace—it turns into a seasonal gathering space that appears only once a year with a distinct festive atmosphere.
Mei, 24, said she visits almost every week during Ramadan. After long workdays, she finds buying food there more practical than cooking at home.
“During Ramadan, it feels easier to buy here. There are many options and the prices are still affordable, so I don’t have to cook after work,” she said while choosing iced fruit.
Similarly, Silvi, 23, described her visits as an annual ritual. For her, ngabuburit at Pinka has become a Ramadan tradition.
“I usually come for an afternoon walk and to look around at the food stalls. But I still prefer to break my fast at home with my family,” she said.
Interestingly, despite the dense crowds before sunset, most visitors do not eat on-site. Instead, as the Maghrib call to prayer approaches, the lively marketplace quickly empties.
Shoppers head toward parking areas, start their motorcycles, and rush home with bags full of takjil. Many say they value the warmth of breaking the fast with family over dining outdoors.
“I rarely eat here. It feels warmer to break the fast at home with family, so I make sure I’m home before the call to prayer,” Mei added.
On one hand, the surge in visitors significantly boosts the local economy. Vendors report higher daily revenues compared to regular days, thanks to the spike in pre-iftar buyers.
Silvi also noticed the increase in foot traffic. “Every afternoon it’s crowded. You can clearly see the number of buyers rising,” she said.
On the other hand, the essence of Ramadan remains intact. While Pinka Street Food Tulungagung serves as a vibrant marketplace for iftar meals, residents continue to prioritize sharing the actual breaking of the fast at home. The buzz of transactions ultimately gives way to quieter, more intimate moments around family dining tables.