There’s a motive why Jogja is likely one of the hottest cities in Indonesia for its legendary Yogyakarta structure and tradition.
It took me a 12 months touring Indonesia to go to Yogyakarta. I knew town was fashionable however how good may or not it’s?
Arms down this little metropolis on the island of Java is likely one of the finest.
It was Indonesia’s authentic capital earlier than it moved to Jakarta and so there’s lovely structure and metropolis planning with out the crowds and dirt of a capital metropolis.
As a substitute it developed right into a haven for artwork, tradition and meals.
It’s recognized for classical Javanese high quality arts, batik textiles, silversmithing, wayang puppetry and music.
And it’s among the best locations to eat Indonesian meals.
If saying Yogyakarta is a mouthful don’t fear, most locals say Jogja and it’s completely acceptable.
Yogyakarta Meals Influences
Yogyakarta, like many different areas in Indonesia, has been influenced by numerous international locations and immigrants over time.
Among the important influences on Yogyakarta’s meals embrace:
Javanese Affect
Javanese delicacies has a major affect on Yogyakarta’s meals.
Dishes equivalent to gudeg (younger jackfruit stew), nasi liwet (rice cooked in coconut milk) and sate klathak (grilled hen skewers) are fashionable within the area.
In comparison with different islands the meals could also be a lot sweeter with the usage of candy soy referred to as kecap manis. And each tofu and tempeh are widespread substances in non-vegetarian meals.
Chinese language Affect
Chinese language immigrants have had a major influence on Yogyakarta’s meals in addition to all of Indonesia.
Most of the hottest Indonesian meals are a spin on traditional Chinese language delicacies.
In Yogyakarta Chinese language dishes equivalent to bakmi (noodles), bakso (meatballs) and lumpia (spring rolls) have develop into fashionable road meals in Yogyakarta.
Dutch Affect
Colonizers for 350 years the Dutch have left their mark on Yogyakarta meals.
Dishes equivalent to nasi goreng (fried rice), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs) and kroket (croquettes) are fashionable within the area.
Indian Affect
Indian spices and cooking strategies have additionally influenced meals in Yogyakarta.
Dishes equivalent to nasi kebuli (spiced rice), roti canai (Indian-style flatbread) and samosas in Java.
Center Japanese Affect
Though you’ll discover extra Arab affect in East Java due to the essential port cities equivalent to Surabaya, Center Japanese affect on meals is seen in dishes equivalent to the usage of goat or lamb.
Right this moment Yogyakarta is an thrilling meals metropolis with so many nice road meals choices, conventional meals eating places and occasional retailers with designer interiors.
It’s a protected metropolis however you have to watch out about one factor – you’ll by no means wish to depart.
Conventional Yogyakarta Meals
Yogyakarta is thought for its wealthy culinary heritage, which is a fusion of Javanese and Indonesian influences. Listed here are the most well-liked conventional dishes in Yogyakarta.
Gudeg
Gudeg is a conventional Javanese dish constructed from younger jackfruit cooked in coconut milk and a mix of spices.
The dish is normally served with steamed rice, hen and tempeh. I additionally had krececk, a spicy beef pores and skin stew (extra on it beneath) which was my favorite a part of the dish.
Gudeg is a must-try dish when in Yogyakarta, as it’s thought of town’s signature dish.
In reality there’s a entire road devoted to gudeg eating places though you could find them in all places.
Gudeg Yu Djum is essentially the most well-known. Nonetheless, it’s so well-known it’s now a model you will get frozen and in supermarkets.
In my Yogyakarta video I went to a spot the place there have been solely locals and bonus you’ll be able to sit lesehan model.
Is Gudeg Vegan?
By itself, gudeh is vegan because it’s merely a stew of unripe jackfruit, coconut milk and spices. Nonetheless, the facet dishes of egg, hen or krecek should not vegan.
Tofu and tempeh are additionally widespread dishes and eating places can usually accommodate.
Mie Jawa
Mie Jawa is a conventional Javanese noodle dish constructed from yellow noodles, greens and meat (normally hen or beef).
The dish is served with a candy and savory broth and generally topped with a boiled egg.
Mie Jawa is a well-liked breakfast dish in Yogyakarta and personally I believe soup for breakfast beats cereal any day of the week.
Lotek
Lotek is a conventional Indonesian dish that originated in West Java however can be fashionable in Yogyakarta.
It’s a salad fabricated from combined greens, tofu and rice cake, served with a peanut sauce. The sauce tends to be very candy and so I usually ask for it on the facet.
It is vitally just like the nationwide dish gado-gado and is a superb vegetarian possibility for vacationers.
Sate Klathak
This goat satay is initially from Pemalang, a number of hours away in Central Java.
The satay is cooked in iron skewers as an alternative of bamboo, the warmth conductor helps it cook dinner extra evenly.
Sate klathak solely makes use of salt and pepper for its seasoning. The flavour is within the curry sauce, generally known as gulai served alongside it.
It’s widespread to see this satay model in West Sumatra however much less so in Yogyakarta.
Bakpia Pathok
It’s inconceivable to stroll the streets of Yogyakarta with out encountering bakpia.
Influenced by Chinese language delicacies, you’ll additionally discover it within the Philippines generally known as hopia.
It’s a small spherical pastry roll historically filled with mung beans.
Indonesians like to experiment with flavors so that you’ll additionally discover chocolate, durian, cappuccino and numerous fruits.
It’s referred to as bakpia pathok in Indonesia after the Pathok neighbourhood in Yogyakarta well-known for bakpia.
Nasi Grombyang
One other Yogyakarta meals initially from Pemalang,
There are lots of rice dishes in Indonesia, however this one is totally different as it is extremely saucy. It’s a easy dish of sliced water buffalo or beef over rice in a gravy.
It’s not simple to search out this conventional meals in Yogyakarta metropolis, however head to Kedai Grombyang, which will get glowing opinions by locals.
Tengkleng
Tengkleng is a conventional Yogyakarta soup constructed from beef or goat bones, cooked in a mix of spices and coconut milk.
The soup is normally served with steamed rice and is an ideal dish for individuals who love hearty soups.
Tengkleng is initially from Solo, also referred to as Surakarta it’s a metropolis simply outdoors Jogja.
This Indonesian meals has humble beginnings.
The Dutch colonized Indonesia for 350 years and solely elders from Solo and the Dutch had been allowed to eat goat meat.
The top, ft and bones had been left for commoners.
On this dish the bones have a skinny curry-like sauce and also you eat them like ribs. But should you assume you don’t like ribs don’t let that from stopping you as I really like tengkleng.
It appears so easy nevertheless it’s stuffed with taste.
Nasi Kucing | Cat’s Rice
Nasi kucing is a well-liked road meals in Yogyakarta. It’s a small portion of rice wrapped in a banana leaf and served with quite a lot of facet dishes equivalent to fried hen, tempeh and greens.
And it’s referred to as cat’s rice as a result of it’s a snack dimension portion good for a pet.
Search for small banana leaf packets with a small portion of rice topped with small dried fish, tempeh and a little bit of sambal.
Garang Asem
Garang Asem is a conventional Javanese dish constructed from hen or beef cooked in a bitter asem and spicy coconut broth steamed in a banana leaf.
Nasi Langgi
Nasi langgi is a conventional Yogyakarta meals initially from close by Surakarta.
White rice is combined with skinny coconut milk, bay leaves, galangal, lemongrass then steamed in a banana leaf.
Nasi langgi is served with quite a lot of facet dishes equivalent to fried hen, tempeh and greens.
Ayam Goreng Kalasan | Kalasan Fried Rooster
Who doesn’t love fried hen?
Ayam goreng Kalasan is a conventional Yogyakarta fried hen from the Kalasan area. Particularly the village the place you’ll discover the Kalasan Temple in Sleman.
As a result of it’s so fashionable it’s additionally referred to as Javanese fried hen.
It doesn’t have a thick KFC model batter. As a substitute hen is marinated in a mix of spices and coconut water.
The coconut water offers it an attention-grabbing flavour that Indonesians love.
Should you like this Indonesian hen dish additionally search for ayam pop, which is hen boiled in coconut water then flash fried.
Sambal Goreng Krecek
Sambal goreng krecek is a conventional Yogyakarta dish constructed from beef pores and skin cooked in a spicy and savory sauce.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to find this whereas attempting gudeg because it was one of many facet dishes.
And as a lot as I appreciated the gudeg the krecek stole the present.
At first look I didn’t know the way I’d really feel its gelatinous texture. Nevertheless it has a mushy texture and wealthy spicy taste with a contact of sweetness.
Essentially the most conventional recipes use the internal pores and skin of water buffalo, which is what I attempted. However right this moment many Indonesian cooks use cattle pores and skin crackers generally known as rambak or krupuk kulit.
Nasi Liwet
Nasi Liwet is a conventional rice dish from Central Java, which can be fashionable in Yogyakarta.
The dish is constructed from rice cooked in coconut milk, hen inventory and a mix of spices together with lemongrass.
I don’t normally love white rice however nasi liwet has a robust, daring flavour value attempting.
Nasi Kuning
Nasi kuning, also referred to as nasi kunyit, is a conventional Indonesian dish usually utilized in celebrations.
It’s constructed from yellow rice cooked in coconut milk and a mix of spices, together with turmeric which supplies it its coloration.
Nasi kuning is a logo of prosperity and is commonly served throughout essential occasions, equivalent to weddings and spiritual festivals.
The dish is normally served with quite a lot of facet dishes equivalent to fried hen, rendang tempeh and greens.
I first had it whereas capturing this Jakarta breakfast video and the aromatic, barely candy taste blew me away.
It additionally exists as a typical Filipino meals in Mindanao.
Tiwul
A easy Javanese snack that doesn’t use rice however as an alternative solar dried cassava or yuca flour combined with sugar and steamed.
It’s served with a contact of salt and grated coconut.
Gatot
Gatot is a conventional Javanese meals in Yogyakarta made with solar dried fermented cassava, also referred to as yuca.
Cassava is sundried for every week, making it black then soaked in water to rehydrate and steamed then topped with coconut.
It’s one of many few Indonesian meals that isn’t eaten with rice, however as an alternative with greens. It’s additionally generally served with tiwul.
Oseng-Oseng Mercon | Firecracker Beef
Oseng Mercon is a spicy dish that’s constructed from beef and chili peppers.
It is a latest dish that was created by a widow who was struggling throughout Indonesia’s monetary disaster within the late Nineteen Nineties.
She opened a road meals cart and offered beef cooked in chili. Yogyakarta meals isn’t recognized to be spicy like that in East Java or Sumatra.
And so locals mentioned the spice exploded of their mouth like firecrackers, or mercon in Javanese.
10 Avenue Meals in Yogyakarta Locals Love
Yogyakarta road meals is so good you by no means actually need to step into a proper restaurant.
Locals love consuming on the road and so you will get the whole lot from snacks to soups and noodle or rice dishes.
In 2022, authorities authorities relocated 799 Malioboro road meals distributors. It was a really controversial transfer as Maliboro is likely one of the hottest streets and many individuals got here for the road meals.
Right this moment it could possibly nonetheless be a bit complicated to search out the most well-liked distributors as info on-line isn’t all the time updated. So it’s finest to ask a neighborhood.
Listed here are a few of the must-try road meals in Yogyakarta:
Kopi Joss | Charcoal Espresso
Kopi Joss is a novel espresso drink that’s well-known in Yogyakarta.
This charcoal espresso is made by pouring sizzling espresso combined with sugar over a bit of burning charcoal, which supplies the drink a smoky taste.
The espresso is combined with sugar and served sizzling. Kopi Joss is a must-try for espresso lovers who wish to expertise one thing new.
However don’t anticipate something drastically totally different.
It began within the Eighties at Angkringan Lek Man, a push cart (referred to as angkringan) north of Tugu Station that was fashionable with railway workers from East Java.
For the reason that Nineteen Sixties Lek Man served East Javanese model kothok espresso, which boils espresso, sugar and water collectively.
At some point he couldn’t make it kothok model and caught a bit of burning charcoal into the drink which individuals beloved.
And since then many different kopi joss spots have opened up. Though Lek Man is now retired his brother continues to run the angkringan with assist from workers.
It will get busy however there’s loads of house to take a seat on carpet on the sidewalk alongside locals and order a candy deal with alongside the espresso.
Sate Kambing | Goat Satay
Sate kambing is a well-liked road meals in Yogyakarta nevertheless it originated in East Java the place there any Arab immigrants settled and introduced the custom of consuming meats aside from hen and beef.
Right this moment as Jogja is a metropolis with residents from throughout you’ll discover many East Javanese road meals distributors promoting grilled goat skewers.
The meat is marinated in a mix of spices and served with peanut sauce.
You’ll usually see a bit of fats in between two items of goat meat to maintain it moist and tender. When consuming ensure you eat the piece of fats in the identical mouthful because the goat meat.
It’s the right chew.
Cenil
Cenil is a candy snack that’s constructed from glutinous rice flour and sugar.
The candy snack is chew sized and has a chewy texture. Generally it’s normally served with palm sugar syrup, which supplies it a candy and flavorful style.
It’s an iconic Yogyakarta meals and as soon as solely existed available in the market however now you could find it alongside different Indonesian sweets and desserts.
Nasi Goreng | Fried Rice
Nasi Goreng is a well-liked Indonesian dish that’s constructed from fried rice, greens and meat or seafood.
The dish is cooked with a mix of spices and served with a fried egg on prime.
When you can definitely eat nasi goreng in eating places in Yogyakarta, Indonesians consider it tastes higher on the road.
Within the night you’ll discover in lots of road meals stalls in Yogyakarta.
Wedang Ronde
Wedang ronde is a sizzling drink that’s constructed from ginger and peanuts.
The drink is sweetened with palm sugar and is available in a glass with a spoon. It’s a type of Indonesian candy meals that I ponder, is that this a drink? a dessert soup?
Wedang ronde is served with glutinous rice balls so I believe it’s a little bit of each.
Though it’s typical of Central Java, I first tried it whereas exploring Malang in East Java.
It appears a bit odd at first nevertheless it’s a unbelievable drink if it’s chilly, wet or you could have a sore throat.
Nasi Pecel
Nasi Pecel is a superb vegetarian meals in Yogyakarta constructed from rice muffins, greens, and peanut sauce.
Yow will discover it throughout Java however every area has its personal spin. For instance in Jogja pecel is commonly served with bacem, which tempeh or tofu in a candy simmered sauce.
I really like nasi pecel due to the number of greens. Together with cabbage, bean sprouts and inexperienced beans you might also discover yuca leaves, amaranth leaves or anything in season.
Klepon
Klepon is a well-liked snack in Yogyakarta that’s constructed from glutinous rice flour full of palm sugar and coated with grated coconut.
It’s a ball formed snack with a chewy texture.
Klepon is a candy and scrumptious snack that you could find in nearly each nook of town.
Lumpia
One other Chinese language meals in Yogyakarta, lumpia is a snack that’s principally a spring roll.
It’s constructed from a mix of greens, meat, or seafood, wrapped in a skinny crepe-like wrapper and fried.
Probably the most well-known locations to eat it’s Lumpia Samijaya the place they’ve a hen model and a “particular” with hen, greens and a quail egg.
Es Dawet
Es Dawet is a candy and refreshing drink that’s constructed from coconut milk, pandan leaves, and palm sugar.
The drink is served with small items of glutinous rice flour and coconut meat.
Also called cendol, es dawet is a well-liked drink in Yogyakarta, particularly throughout the sizzling and humid days.
Leker
Leker is a snack that’s constructed from a skinny crepe-like batter full of chocolate, cheese, or peanut butter.
The snack is then rolled right into a tube and fried. Leker is a well-liked snack in Yogyakarta, and you could find it in lots of road meals stalls at night time.
Well-known Yogyakarta Eating places
In the case of culinary experiences, Yogyakarta is a metropolis that has rather a lot to supply.
From conventional road meals to high-end eating, there’s something for everybody.
Listed here are a few of the most well-known native eating places that it’s best to undoubtedly take a look at when in Yogyakarta.
Malioboro Eating Spots
Malioboro is likely one of the most well-known streets in Yogyakarta and it is usually residence to a few of the finest eating spots within the metropolis. Listed here are a few of the must-visit eating places in Malioboro:
- Sate Klathak Pak Pong: This restaurant is thought for its sate klathak, which is a kind of grilled hen skewer. The hen is marinated in a particular sauce and grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky taste.
- Warung Bu Ageng: This restaurant is known for its nasi liwet, which is a kind of rice dish cooked with coconut milk and served with numerous facet dishes. The nasi liwet right here is flavorful and fragrant and it’s a must-try when in Yogyakarta.
Gudeg Yu Djem
Gudeg is a conventional Javanese dish that’s constructed from younger jackfruit that’s cooked in coconut milk and numerous spices.
This Yogyakarta restaurant is known for its gudeg. Listed here are a few of the must-try dishes at Gudeg Yu Djem:
- Gudeg: That is the signature dish of the restaurant. The gudeg right here is good and savory and it’s served with rice and numerous facet dishes, equivalent to hen, tofu and tempeh.
- Ayam Goreng: It is a kind of fried hen that’s marinated in a particular sauce and fried till crispy. It’s a must-try when at Gudeg Yu Djem.
- Sambal Goreng Krecek: It is a kind of dish constructed from beef pores and skin that’s cooked in a spicy sauce. It’s a must-try for individuals who love spicy meals.
Vegetarian and Vegan Eating places
As a vegetarian or vegan, discovering appropriate meals choices appears simple at first as Javanese meals makes use of tofu and tempeh.
However tofu and tempeh aren’t only for vegetarians. All Indonesians eat it. Nonetheless, many dishes with tofu and tempeh additionally embrace seafood or meat.
So it’s essential to grasp the dish earlier than you order. Indonesians are very hospitable and can adapt the dish if attainable, simply allow them to know what you’ll be able to and may’t eat.
Plant primarily based consuming is rising in popularity in Indonesia and these Yogyakarta eating places are positive bets to search out one thing good.
- Akkar Juice Bar: This spot serves up recent, wholesome juices and smoothies, in addition to vegetarian and vegan snacks. The substances are recent and regionally sourced, making for a scrumptious and guilt-free snack.
- Warung Vegetarian Jambon: Chinese language Indonesian vegetarian restaurant with plenty of Chinese language choices in addition to vegetarian variations of conventional Indonesian meals.
- Warung Vegetarian Somayoga: Restaurant hooked up to renown yoga faculty. The menu is a bit pricier than different native eating places.
- Jejamuran: Dishes which are primarily mushroom primarily based. Some embrace meat so it’s finest to specify whereas ordering as workers perceive vegetarian and vegan restrictions.
- Easy Plant Vegan Kitchen & Artspace: Vegan eating places in Yogyakarta that includes meatless variations of conventional meals in Yogyakarta. Additionally they have an artspace that includes native artists.
Are there some other Yogyakarta meals that we missed? Let me know!
