Yogyakarta offers a variety of mouth-watering specialties, from gudeg to angkringan, providing an authentic culinary experience in this cultural city.
Yogyakarta, or often called the City of Gudeg, is not only famous for its cultural richness, but also has a variety of appetizing culinary delights.
Yogyakarta’s specialties are known for their rich and varied flavors, from traditional foods that have been passed down through the generations to snacks that are favorites of many people.
Each typical Yogyakarta food has a long story and history, making it more than just a dish, but part of a rich cultural heritage.
For those of you who are planning to visit Yogyakarta, tasting the city ‘s culinary specialties is a must. Below, we will discuss 10 Typical Yogyakarta Foods that you should not miss when visiting this city full of history.
1. Yogyakarta Gudeg
Nothing is more iconic in Yogyakarta than Gudeg, a typical food that has become a symbol of this city. Gudeg is a dish made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk and spices, giving it a distinctive sweet and savory taste.
Usually, gudeg is served with white rice, chicken opor, pindang egg, and sambal krecek ( tempeh fried with coconut milk and chili).
Gudeg can be found in various places in Yogyakarta, but there are several famous stalls, such as Gudeg Yu Djum and Gudeg Pawon, which offer an authentic taste that is unmatched.
Gudeg is often the main dish for breakfast or dinner in Yogyakarta, and is one of the souvenirs that must be brought home.
2. Klathak Satay
Sate Klathak is a variant of satay that is quite unique and different from satay in general. The goat meat used for this satay is cut into large pieces and skewered with iron bars, not bamboo skewers.
The cooking process uses large coals, giving a more distinctive and savory taste. Usually, sate klathak is served with thick curry sauce, and accompaniments such as lontong or white rice.
This food is very famous in the Imogiri area, about 15 minutes from the center of Yogyakarta. Sate Klathak Pak Pong is one of the most popular places among tourists and locals to enjoy this dish.
3. Bakpia Pathok
Who doesn’t know Bakpia Pathok? This round sweet snack is made from wheat flour skin filled with sweet green beans. This Bakpia is a must-buy souvenir for anyone visiting Yogyakarta.
Initially, bakpia was a typical Chinese food which was then adapted to local tastes, resulting in the delicious Yogyakarta bakpia.
There are many bakpia shops in Yogyakarta, but Bakpia Pathok 25 is one of the most famous. You can choose various bakpia filling variants, from green beans, chocolate, to durian, all of which have mouth-watering flavors.
4. Cat Rice
Nasi Kucing is a typical Yogyakarta food that is very popular among local people, especially for those who want to enjoy snacks while hanging out.
This food consists of a little rice wrapped in banana leaves or plastic, with various side dishes, such as anchovy chili sauce, stir-fried tempeh, or shredded chicken. Nasi Kucing is often sold at angkringan, a simple food place that usually opens until late at night.
Angkringan is a very typical place in Yogyakarta, where you can enjoy nasi kucing while chatting with friends or enjoying the pleasant evening atmosphere.
5. Braised Tofu and Tempeh
Tahu Tempe Bacem is one of the traditional foods that is often served as a side dish in various dishes in Yogyakarta, especially when eating gudeg.
Tofu and tempeh are cooked with spices and brown sugar, then boiled until the sweet and savory flavors are absorbed into it. After being cooked, the tofu and tempeh are fried briefly, giving a crunchy texture on the outside but remaining soft on the inside.
Tahu Tempe Bacem is usually served with white rice or as a complement to various other dishes. Its sweet and savory taste makes it a favorite among many people.
6. Rustling
Kerisik is a typical Yogyakarta food that uses grated coconut that is roasted and ground until smooth. Kerisik is usually used as an additional ingredient in various typical Yogyakarta dishes, providing a savory taste and rich spices.
Kerisik is often used as an ingredient in fried chili sauce or as a seasoning for other dishes which gives it a distinctive taste.
Kerisik is not only found in restaurants or food stalls, but is often used in everyday cooking by families in Yogyakarta. This is an example of how important coconut is in traditional Yogyakarta cuisine.
7. Yogyakarta Tumpeng
Tumpeng is a traditional Indonesian dish that is very popular in Yogyakarta, especially in thanksgiving or celebration events.
Tumpeng is made of yellow rice shaped into a cone and surrounded by various side dishes such as fried chicken, eggs, tempeh, chili sauce, and urap vegetables. Tumpeng is usually served in important events and is a symbol of happiness and gratitude.
In Yogyakarta, tumpeng is usually served in a smaller form, and can be found in various places, from restaurants to traditional food stalls.
8. Stir-fried Firecrackers
Oseng-oseng Mercon is a dish that is famous for its extraordinary spicy taste. This food is made from beef or goat meat cooked with abundant chili seasoning, plus typical Indonesian spices. Oseng-oseng Mercon is very popular in Yogyakarta, especially for those who like spicy food.
This dish can be found in various food stalls in Yogyakarta, and for spicy food lovers, this is a culinary experience not to be missed. Oseng-oseng Mercon is usually served with warm white rice, adding to the delicious spicy and savory taste.
9. Jadah Tempeh
Jadah Tempe is a typical Yogyakarta food made from sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and then combined with braised tempeh.
It tastes sweet, savory, and chewy, making it a snack that is very popular with the people of Yogyakarta. Jadah tempe is often sold in traditional markets or typical Yogyakarta food stalls.
This dish can be eaten as is or served with other side dishes, such as fried chicken or chili sauce. Jadah Tempe is a simple yet very appetizing snack choice.
10. Rice with Pecel
Sego Pecel is rice served with pecel sauce made from peanuts, chilies, and other spices. In addition to pecel sauce, this dish is also usually served with fresh vegetables such as cassava leaves, bean sprouts, and papaya leaves, giving it a fresh and spicy taste. Pecel rice is a very popular food in Yogyakarta and is often a delicious breakfast or lunch option.
Sego Pecel can be found in many eateries in Yogyakarta, from street stalls to restaurants, and is always a satisfying choice for anyone who loves fresh and flavorful Indonesian cuisine.
Yogyakarta is not only known as a city with a rich cultural heritage, but also as a place full of tempting culinary flavors. From sweet gudeg to spicy oseng-oseng mercon, Yogyakarta’s signature dishes provide an authentic and diverse culinary experience.
A visit to this city is not complete without sampling the many foods that have become part of Yogyakarta’s tradition and history. These delicious treats also make perfect Typical Jogja Souvenirs, allowing visitors to take home a taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Each dish has a unique story and flavor, making it more than just food, but also a captivating cultural experience. So, make sure you try all these specialties when you visit Yogyakarta, and bring home unforgettable memories.
