Indonesian readings / Intermediate 1 / Food & Cooking

A Family Gathering with Soto

Kumpul Keluarga dengan Soto

Pada pagi Minggu, keluarga Arif berkumpul di rumah nenek di pinggir kota. Udara sejuk, dan aroma kuah soto sudah tercium dari dapur. Paman, bibi, dan sepupu datang membawa cerita dan senyum. Mereka memilih memasak soto ayam untuk makan siang keluarga, karena hidangan itu hangat, harum, dan mudah dibagi. Ruang tamu berisi gelak tawa, sementara halaman disapu bersih untuk anak anak bermain. Musik radio pelan menemani persiapan, membuat suasana terasa akrab dan sabar. Ibu dan nenek memimpin di dapur. Mereka merebus tulang ayam bersama bawang putih, bawang merah, jahe, kunyit, serai, daun jeruk, dan garam. Arif dan sepupunya Dina mencuci sayuran, lalu mengiris kol, tomat, seledri, daun bawang, serta menyiapkan jeruk nipis. Ayah menata meja, membawa mangkuk, sendok, garpu, dan kerupuk. Adik terkecil duduk di kursi tinggi dan bertanya tentang bumbu. Semua bergerak tenang, saling membantu, dan saling belajar. Kuah berubah kuning bening, dan baunya semakin mengundang. Daging ayam diangkat, didinginkan, lalu disuwir halus. Mie sohun direndam air panas, dan nasi disiapkan bagi yang ingin makan soto dengan nasi. Setiap orang membuat mangkuk sendiri. Mereka mulai dengan mie dan kol, lalu menaruh ayam, tauge, dan siraman kuah panas. Di atasnya, mereka menabur bawang goreng dan seledri. Ada yang menambahkan kecap manis, sambal cabai, perasan jeruk nipis, serta satu sendok koya dari kerupuk dan bawang putih. Saat makan, nenek bercerita tentang penjual soto langganan yang dulu lewat di depan gang. Ia belajar meracik rasa dari melihat dan mencoba. Percakapan mengalir tentang kenangan sekolah, pekerjaan, dan rencana liburan. Hujan tipis mulai turun, uap hangat naik dari mangkuk, dan semua merasa nyaman. Setelah selesai, mereka mencuci piring bersama, membereskan meja, lalu membagi sisa soto ke dalam kotak untuk bibi dan tetangga. Arif merasa bersyukur, karena kumpul keluarga mengajarkan kerja sama, kesabaran, dan rasa hormat. Mereka berjanji bertemu lagi bulan depan, mungkin dengan menu soto yang sama, atau ikan bakar di halaman.

English Translation

On Sunday morning, Arif's family gathers at grandmother's house on the edge of the city. The air is cool, and the aroma of soto broth is already coming from the kitchen. Uncles, aunts, and cousins arrive with stories and smiles. They choose to cook chicken soto for the family lunch, because the dish is warm, fragrant, and easy to share. The living room is full of laughter, while the yard is swept clean for the children to play. Soft radio music accompanies the preparation, making the mood feel friendly and calm. Mother and grandmother lead in the kitchen. They boil chicken bones with garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and salt. Arif and his cousin Dina wash the vegetables, then slice cabbage, tomatoes, celery, and leeks, and prepare limes. Father sets the table, bringing bowls, spoons, forks, and crackers. The youngest sibling sits on a high chair and asks about the spices. Everyone moves calmly, helping one another, and learning from each other. The broth turns clear yellow, and its smell becomes more inviting. The chicken meat is lifted out, cooled, and shredded finely. Glass noodles are soaked in hot water, and rice is prepared for those who want soto with rice. Each person makes their own bowl. They start with noodles and cabbage, then add chicken, bean sprouts, and a pour of hot broth. On top, they sprinkle fried shallots and celery. Some add sweet soy sauce, chili sambal, a squeeze of lime, and a spoon of koya made from crackers and garlic. While eating, grandmother tells a story about the regular soto seller who used to pass the alley. She learned to mix flavors by watching and trying. The conversation flows about school memories, work, and holiday plans. Light rain begins to fall, warm steam rises from the bowls, and everyone feels comfortable. After finishing, they wash dishes together, tidy the table, then divide the remaining soto into boxes for the aunt and a neighbor. Arif feels grateful, because family gatherings teach cooperation, patience, and respect. They promise to meet again next month, perhaps with the same soto menu, or grilled fish in the yard.