As the family sits down, we see them ordering soto (Javanese chicken soup). Naufal, the soto seller, is preparing food at his cart, while his young assistant takes the family’s order. There is some litter strewn about, but the place is cozy, with a simple wooden pole and tarp setup sheltering a couple of tables and chairs.

A few years later...

Is Mbak Hana around? She used to sell pecel here...

Actually, I haven’t seen many of the usual sellers recently.

Oh man! I was really craving Pak Alex’s spicy beef bakso.

Oh, she left even before Pak Udin, the sate seller.

I wonder what happened.

Ci Amei, the one that sold mi goreng, what happened to her?

Mi goreng: Stir-fried noodles

 

Ci: Older sister or aunt, a Chinese loanword

 

Pak: “Mister” or “Sir”

A few years later...

Is Mbak Hana around? She used to sell pecel here...

Actually, I haven’t seen many of the usual sellers recently.

Oh man! I was really craving Pak Alex’s spicy beef bakso.

Oh, she left even before Pak Udin, the sate seller. I wonder what happened.

Ci Amei, the one that sold mi goreng, what happened to her?

Mi goreng: Stir-fried noodles

 

Ci: Older sister or aunt, a Chinese loanword

 

Pak: “Mister” or “Sir”