Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Surakarta, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
1. Nasi Gudeg
A traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar, served with chicken or tempeh. Try it at Gudeg Yu Djum, famous for its authentic taste.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses young jackfruit, which is not commonly found in other dishes.
- Traditional Preparation: Cooked slowly over low heat for several hours to achieve its distinctive taste.
- Versatile Serving: Can be served with chicken, tempeh, or even fried fish.
2. Sate Klathak
Delicious Satay skewers made from water spinach and served with a peanut sauce. Visit Sate Klathak Warung for an authentic experience.
- Unique Protein Source: Uses water spinach as the main ingredient, providing a unique texture and taste.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Served with a spicy peanut sauce that complements the flavor of the skewers perfectly.
- Local Atmosphere: Set in a traditional Javanese-style house, offering a genuine local dining experience.
3. Pecel Lele
A Balinese dish made from fried catfish served with vegetables and peanut sauce. Try it at Warung Pecel Lele Sono, a popular spot in Surakarta.
- Fresh Catfish: Uses fresh catfish that is deep-fried until crispy.
- Variety of Vegetables: Served with a mix of vegetables like cassava leaves, long beans, and cabbage.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Accompanied by a spicy peanut sauce that adds depth to the flavors.
4. Gudeg Panggang
Roasted Nasi Gudeg with a smoky flavor. Enjoy it at Gudeg Panggang Jl. Duwun, well-known for its roasting technique.
- Roasted Flavor: Cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor that sets it apart from regular Nasi Gudeg.
- Traditional Preparation: Follows traditional preparation methods passed down through generations.
- Hearty Portion: Serves a generous portion, perfect for a filling meal.
5. Kerak Telor
A thick rice cake made from coconut milk and egg, served with chili sauce. Try it at Kerak Telor Warung for a tasty treat.
- Unique Texture: Has a unique texture that combines the softness of rice and the firmness of a cake.
- Spicy Chili Sauce: Served with a spicy chili sauce to balance the mild flavor of the dish.
- Versatile Serving: Can be served as a snack or a main dish, depending on portion size.
6. Rempeyek
Crispy crackers made from ground cassava and coconut. They are often served with a spicy chili sauce. Visit Rempeyek Warung for the best ones in town.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses ground cassava and coconut, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Has a satisfying crunch that makes it an addictive snack.
- Spicy Chili Sauce: Accompanied by a spicy chili sauce, enhancing the flavor of the crackers.
7. Tempe Mangengan
Fermented soybeans molded into a unique cylindrical shape. Try it at Warung Tempe Mangengan for an authentic experience.
- Unique Shape: Molded into a distinctive cylindrical shape, making it easy to recognize.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Served with a spicy peanut sauce that complements the flavor of the tempeh.
- Versatile Serving: Can be served as a side dish, snack, or even a main meal when paired with rice.
8. Ketoprak
A refreshing salad made from boiled peanuts, tofu, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables. Try it at Ketoprak Warung for a light and delicious meal.
- Refreshing Salad: Offers a refreshing taste due to the use of fresh ingredients.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Served with a spicy peanut sauce that adds flavor to the salad.
- Light and Filling: Is light yet filling, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
9. Kipiaw
A traditional Javanese dessert made from rice flour and coconut milk. Try it at Warung Kipiaw for a sweet treat.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses rice flour and coconut milk, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Soft Texture: Has a soft and smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Sweet Flavor: Features a sweet flavor that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
10. Es Campur
A refreshing shaved ice dessert with various toppings like sweet corn, red beans, and cendol (rice flour jelly). Try it at Es Campur Warung for a cooling treat.
- Refreshing Dessert: Offers a refreshing and cooling sensation, perfect for hot weather.
- Variety of Toppings: Allows you to customize your dessert with various toppings like sweet corn, red beans, and cendol (rice flour jelly).
- Affordable Price: Is an affordable dessert option, making it accessible to everyone.
11. Sego Mangengan
A traditional Javanese rice dish made with young jackfruit and coconut milk. Try it at Warung Sego Mangengan for a hearty meal.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses young jackfruit and coconut milk, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Traditional Preparation: Cooked using traditional Javanese methods for an authentic taste.
- Hearty Portion: Serves a generous portion, perfect for filling up after a long day of sightseeing.
12. Gabusia
A traditional Javanese snack made from glutinous rice flour and palm sugar. Try it at Gabusia Warung for a sweet treat.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses glutinous rice flour and palm sugar, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Soft Texture: Has a soft and chewy texture that is satisfying to eat.
- Sweet Flavor: Features a sweet flavor that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
13. Es Teler
A refreshing shaved ice dessert with avocado, jackfruit, and sweet corn. Try it at Es Teler Warung for a cooling treat.
- Refreshing Dessert: Offers a refreshing and cooling sensation, perfect for hot weather.
- Variety of Toppings: Allows you to customize your dessert with various toppings like avocado, jackfruit, and sweet corn.
- Affordable Price: Is an affordable dessert option, making it accessible to everyone.
14. Rempeyek Ketan
Crispy crackers made from cassava and glutinous rice flour. They are often served with a spicy chili sauce. Visit Rempeyek Warung for the best ones in town.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses cassava and glutinous rice flour, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Has a satisfying crunch that makes it an addictive snack.
- Spicy Chili Sauce: Accompanied by a spicy chili sauce, enhancing the flavor of the crackers.
15. Gudeg Panggang Solo
Roasted Nasi Gudeg with a smoky flavor. Enjoy it at Gudeg Panggang Solo, famous for its roasting technique and unique taste.
- Roasted Flavor: Cooked over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor that sets it apart from regular Nasi Gudeg.
- Traditional Preparation: Follows traditional preparation methods passed down through generations.
- Hearty Portion: Serves a generous portion, perfect for a filling meal.