Semarang offers a variety of mouth-watering culinary specialties, from kue leker to tahu pong, which are a must-try to enjoy the unique taste of the Atlas City.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, is not only known for its beautiful historical and cultural tourism, but also for its delicious culinary delights. Semarang’s culinary diversity truly reflects the blend of cultures in the city, from Chinese, Javanese, to Dutch influences.
In this article, we will invite you to enjoy a culinary journey in Semarang through 10 signature dishes that should not be missed. From flavorful heavy meals to delicious snacks, all are ready to pamper your tongue.
1. Leker Cake
Kue leker is one of the legendary snacks in Semarang which is often found on the roadside or as a market snack. This food is made from wheat flour dough that is baked thinly on a hot iron mold, then filled with various toppings such as chocolate, cheese, nuts, and bananas.
Kue leker has a savory and slightly sweet taste, and a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. If you’re exploring Things to do in Semarang, trying this iconic street snack is a must to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage. This is a very popular snack among children and adults as a practical hangout or breakfast companion.
2. Soto Bangkong
Soto Bangkong is one of Semarang’s signature soto dishes that is famous for its rich, savory broth. Unlike other soto, Soto Bangkong uses chicken or beef that is boiled for a long time to produce a rich broth.
This soto is usually served with additional ketupat or white rice, as well as accompaniments such as perkedel, boiled eggs, and chili sauce. One of the famous places serving Soto Bangkong is in the Bangkong area, which is the origin of the name of this soto.
3. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu Gimbal is a typical Semarang culinary dish consisting of pieces of fried tofu, lontong, and gimbal, which is a crispy fried shrimp fritter. This dish is doused with thick and spicy peanut sauce, giving it a delicious and refreshing taste.
Tahu Gimbal is one of the dishes often found in street food stalls or street vendors around Semarang. Although simple, the combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors makes it very popular with local visitors and tourists.
4. Kopyok Noodles
Mie Kopyok is one of Semarang’s signature dishes that should not be missed. This dish consists of boiled turmeric noodles served with sliced rice cakes, tofu, and tempeh, which are then doused with a savory broth.
Mie Kopyok is usually served with chili sauce or pickles as a complement. The specialty of Mie Kopyok is its clear broth, but it has a very rich and delicious taste. This food is often chosen as a breakfast or lunch option by Semarang residents.
5. Babat Gongso
Babat Gongso is one of the typical dishes made from tripe (beef stomach) cooked with special spices that are rich in flavor. Usually, babat gongso is cooked with sweet soy sauce, garlic, and chili, which gives a savory and slightly spicy taste.
This food is often found in street stalls that serve typical Semarang cuisine. Babat Gongso is usually served with white rice, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables as a complement. If you like savory and spicy flavors, this gongso tripe is the right choice.
6. Wingko Babat
sweet and delicious taste. This cake is made from grated coconut, glutinous rice flour, and sugar, then baked until it becomes a chewy cake and slightly crispy on the outside.
Wingko Babat is often made as a typical Semarang souvenir because it has the right sweetness and is easy to take home. There are many variants of wingko babat that can be found, such as wingko with added chocolate, nuts, or durian which give a more unique touch of taste.
7. Semarang Spring Rolls
Lumpia Semarang is one of the most well-known iconic foods in the city. Unlike most lumpia, Lumpia Semarang has a filling consisting of bamboo shoots, eggs, and chicken or shrimp seasoned with special spices.
The thin lumpia dough is fried until crispy, providing a delicious combination of savory filling and crispy lumpia skin. Usually, this lumpia is served with a sweet sauce that adds extra flavor to every bite. Lumpia Semarang is often used as a typical souvenir for tourists visiting this city.
8. Milkfish in Presto
Bandeng Presto is a dish made from milkfish cooked using a pressure cooker technique, so that the bones become soft and edible. This pressure-cooked milkfish is usually fried until the skin is crispy and served with chili sauce or white rice.
The savory taste and soft texture of the fish make Presto Milkfish a favorite choice for many people. This dish is also famous as a typical Semarang souvenir that is much sought after by tourists.
9. Ganjel Rail Bread
Ganjel Rel Bread is a typical Semarang bread that has a unique shape and delicious taste. This bread is made from flour dough filled with grated coconut and brown sugar, then baked until it gives off a distinctive aroma.
This bread is a little hard on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside. Usually, this ganjel rel bread is served with tea or coffee as a breakfast companion.
Its uniqueness lies in its long shape and resembles a train track, as well as the right sweet taste, suitable for those who like traditional snacks.
10. Tahu Pong
Tahu Pong is fried tofu that has a thin and crispy skin on the outside, while the filling remains soft and chewy on the inside. This tofu is usually served with peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce, and can be added with sliced chilies or fresh vegetables as a complement.
Tahu Pong has a savory and slightly spicy taste, making it a perfect snack for an afternoon snack. You can find tahu pong at many street food stalls in Semarang, and it is often a satisfying snack choice.
Semarang is a city rich in culinary with various delicious specialties. Don’t forget to try Lumpia Semarang, Babat Gongso, Bandeng Presto, Mie Kopyok, and Wingko Babat, each of which has its own unique taste and story.
You can find these culinary delights in traditional stalls or Semarang souvenir shops spread throughout the city.
In addition to these treats, don’t miss the chance to try Typical Solo Food, known for its rich flavors and unique culinary traditions that offer a delightful gastronomic experience.
To get the perfect culinary experience, make sure you explore the various eateries in Semarang and enjoy the deliciousness of each specialty dish offered. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to explore the unforgettable culinary riches of Semarang!
