‘Hik’, Let's Sip in the Warmth of Surakarta

What people look for in a hik food court is its warmth. Not only the warmth of the wedang tea or hot ginger, but also the warmth of intimate conversation that glue the community together.

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Online motorcycle taxi drivers enjoy wedang and food on a hik, on Jalan Slamet Riyadi, Surakarta City, Central Java, Tuesday (23/3/2022). Hik is not just a place to eat. The place is also a space for social interaction for residents to express their concerns about various things..

“Hik” have become an irreplaceable place to enjoy meals for wong Solo (the people of Solo). Their simplicity creates seamless social cohesion. Talk about soap operas or complaints about the difficulty in earning money accompany diners while enjoying their meals of rice plus sambal and hot sweet tea. Delicious....

Two ride-hailing app ojek (motorbike taxi) drivers sit opposite each other on the wooden benches of a hik or wedangan (food cart) on Jl. Slamet Riyadi, Surakarta City, Central Java, on Tuesday night (22/3/2022). Their sweaty faces reflected in the glow of the plain light bulb hanging from the center of the cart. While chewing on snacks, they complained to each other about their difficulty earning money.