Journey Indonesia – Yogyakarta, a city famous for its cultural and historical beauty, also has a wealth of culinary delights. From must-try Jogja specialties to appetizing snacks, here are 15 famous Yogyakarta specialties that sway your taste buds.
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1. Gudeg Jogja
Gudeg is one of Jogja’s must-try specialties when visiting the city. Gudeg is made from young jackfruit cooked in thick brown coconut milk. It is served with white rice, chicken, egg, and sambal goreng krecek, which will spoil your tongue.
This food originates from Yogyakarta and has existed since the Old Mataram era. Gudeg is a food that symbolizes the warmth and togetherness of the people of Jogja. Some people believe that the deliciousness of Gudeg comes from how it is cooked using firewood, resulting in a distinctive and appetizing taste.
Several famous places sell Gudeg in Jogja, such as Gudeg Yu Djum, Gudeg Mbok Lindu, and Gudeg Bu Tjitro. Each place has its own specialty in the presentation and taste of Gudeg. In addition, Gudeg is also available in various variants, such as wet Gudeg, dry Gudeg, and complete Gudeg, which can be adjusted to the tastes of each visitor.
Enjoying Gudeg as one of Jogja’s specialties will provide an unforgettable culinary experience. Gudeg is not only appetizing but also a window to know more about the culture and local wisdom of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Gudeg during your visit to Yogyakarta!
2. Sate Klatak
Sate Klatak is one of Yogyakarta’s traditional food dishes that should not be missed. Unlike satay in general, Sate Klatak uses goat meat cut into thin slices and seasoned with a mixture of salt and pepper. The meat is then skewered with sticks or bamboo and grilled with charcoal until perfectly cooked.
The uniqueness of Sate Klatak lies in its simple manufacturing process but it produces a delicious taste. This satay is usually served with soy sauce and lontong or rice as a compliment. The tantalizing aroma of the grill and the soft texture of the meat make Sate Klatak always manage to steal the attention of culinary connoisseurs.
For those of you who want to taste Sate Klatak, some recommended places to eat in Jogja include Sate Klatak Pak Pong and Sate Klatak Pak Bari. Each place serves Sate Klatak with its own specialty, both in terms of taste and presentation. Don’t hesitate to try Sate Klatak in several places so you can find the variant that best suits your taste.
Enjoying Sate Klatak while in Jogja will provide a memorable culinary experience. This dish is not only appetizing but also invites you to get closer to the local wisdom and culture of the people of Jogja, which is rich in delicious culinary delights. Make sure Sate Klatak is on your must-try list when visiting the city!
3. Tengkleng Gajah
Tengkleng Gajah is one of Jogja’s must-try goat dishes. This dish consists of pieces of goat meat and bones cooked with spices and thick broth. Tengkleng Gajah has a savory and slightly spicy taste that will spoil your tongue.
The peculiarity of Tengkleng Gajah lies in the unique way it is served. The dish is served in a large bowl with mutton, bones, and broth. If you like it spicy, you can add the characteristic sambal, available in every restaurant serving Tengkleng Gajah.
Some popular places that serve Tengkleng Gajah in Jogja include Tengkleng Gajah Bu Edi, Tengkleng Gajah Pak Sabar, and Tengkleng Gajah Pak Slamet. Each place has its own characteristics in serving this dish, both in terms of seasoning and the texture of the meat.
Tasting Tengkleng Gajah during your visit to Jogja will complete your culinary experience in the city. This dish is not only delicious but also a reflection of the local wisdom and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Tengkleng Gajah while in town!
4. Oseng Mercon
Oseng Mercon is a spicy dish from Jogja that is worth trying. This dish is made from beef and offal processed with special spices and cayenne pepper. Oseng Mercon offers a strong, savory, spicy taste that will arouse your taste buds.
One of Oseng Mercon’s specialties is spiciness, which can be adjusted according to taste. Some eateries offer various spicy levels, from mild to extra spicy. For those of you who like a challenge, tasting Oseng Mercon with the highest level of spiciness can be an interesting culinary experience.
Some recommended places to eat Oseng Mercon in Jogja include Oseng Mercon Bu Narti, Oseng Mercon Mang Ucup, and Oseng Mercon Pak Sari. Each place is unique in its presentation and taste of Oseng Mercon, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Enjoying Oseng Mercon while in Jogja will provide a memorable culinary experience. This dish is not only appetizing with its spicy flavor but also shows the richness and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Oseng Mercon during your visit to the city!
5. Nasi Tiwul
Nasi Tiwul is a Jogja specialty made from grated cassava that is dried and then steamed until cooked. It has a soft texture and a distinctive sweet flavor. Tiwul is usually served with grated coconut and brown sugar, which adds to the delicacy of the dish.
One of the uniqueness of Nasi Tiwul is that its name and historical background are closely related to the life of the people of Jogja in the past. During the colonial era, rice became a scarce commodity, so people looked for alternatives to rice. Cassava then became the main food ingredient used to make Tiwul. To this day, Tiwul is still a favorite dish among the people of Jogja and a symbol of local wisdom.
6. Gatot
Gatot is a typical Jogja snack made from fermented cassava, then steamed until cooked. Gatot’s chewy texture and savory taste make this snack loved by many people. In addition, Gatot is usually served with a sprinkling of grated coconut and brown sugar which adds to the delicacy of this snack.
Gatot’s specialty lies in the cassava fermentation process that gives the snack its distinctive flavor. The fermentation process takes time and patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Gatot is a great snack to accompany a relaxing time with family or friends.
Some places that serve Gatot in Jogja include Gatot Mbok Wi, Gatot Bu Ratmi, and Gatot Pak Suro. Each place has its own specialty in serving Gatot, in terms of flavor and texture. You can try several places to find the Gatot that best suits your taste.
Enjoying Gatot during your visit to Jogja will complete your culinary experience in the city. This snack is not only delicious but also reflects the local wisdom and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Gatot while in town!
7. Belalang Goreng
Grasshopper Goreng is one of the extreme Jogja culinary delights that are worth trying. Although it looks unusual, this snack has a delicious and savory taste. Belalang Goreng is made from cleaned grasshoppers and fried with special spices until crispy and golden.
The specialty of Fried Grasshopper lies in its unique texture and flavor and high nutritional value. This snack is rich in protein and fiber and low in saturated fat. In addition, Fried Grasshoppers are a form of utilizing alternative, environmentally friendly protein sources.
Some places that serve fried grasshoppers in Jogja include Warung Belalang Goreng Pak Slamet, Belalang Goreng Bu Sari, and Belalang Goreng Pak Budi. Each place is unique in its presentation and flavor of fried grasshoppers, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Tasting Belalang Goreng in Jogja will give you a unique and memorable culinary experience. This snack is not only appetizing but also challenges your adrenaline to try something different. Make sure Belalang Goreng is on your must-try list when visiting the city!
8. Bakpia Pathok
Bakpia Pathok is a typical Jogja souvenir that is always the target of tourists. Bakpia is a cake made from a mixture of wheat flour and water filled with various fillings, such as green beans, chocolate, cheese, and others. This cake has a soft texture and a sweet and savory taste.
The uniqueness of Bakpia Pathok lies in its traditional manufacturing process. Some Bakpia Pathuk producers still use brick ovens and firewood to produce a distinctive flavor that is difficult to find in mass-produced cakes. This makes Bakpia Pathuk special and favored by many.Keunikan Bakpia Pathok terletak pada proses pembuatannya yang masih mempertahankan cara tradisional. Beberapa produsen Bakpia Pathuk masih menggunakan oven batu bata dan kayu bakar untuk menghasilkan cita rasa khas yang sulit ditemukan pada kue yang diproduksi secara massal. Hal ini menjadikan Bakpia Pathuk istimewa dan disukai oleh banyak orang.
There are many Bakpia Pathuk manufacturers that you can find in Jogja, such as Bakpia Pathuk 25, Bakpia Pathuk 75, and Bakpia Kurnia Sari. Each manufacturer is unique in flavor and filling variations, so you can sample several variants to find the Bakpia Pathuk that best suits your taste.
9. Sate Kere
Sate Kere is a simple Jogja dish with a delicious and appetizing taste. Sate Kere is made from cow offal, such as intestines and lungs, which are boiled until tender and then skewered with skewers. Afterward, the offal is fried until golden and served with a special chili sauce.
The specialty of Sate Kere lies in the seasoning used to prepare the beef offal and the chili sauce that complements the dish. The spices and chili sauce used have a distinctive spicy and savory taste, adding to the delicacy of Sate Kere. Despite being made from simple ingredients, Sate Kere is a favorite among the people of Jogja.
Some places that serve Sate Kere in Jogja include Sate Kere Pak Pong, Sate Kere Bu Sri, and Sate Kere Warung Pak Jono. Each place has its specialty in the presentation and taste of Sate Kere, so you can try several places to find the best variant.
Tasting Sate Kere while in Jogja will provide a memorable culinary experience. This dish is not only delicious, but it also shows the richness and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Sate Kere while visiting the city!
10. Mie Lethek
Lethek noodles is a typical Jogja noodle dish that has a tempting and delicious taste. Mie Lethek is made from a mixture of wheat flour and water that is processed using a wooden pounding tool so the texture of the noodles becomes more chewy. The noodles are then served with savory beef or chicken broth and topped with pieces of meat, vegetables, and a sprinkling of fried onions.
The uniqueness of Lethek Noodles lies in the traditional noodle-making process. This foot-driven pounding machine makes the texture of the noodles chewier and has a distinctive flavor. In addition, the savory broth and delicious complementary ingredients make Lethek Noodles even more appetizing.
Savoring Mie Lethek while in Jogja will complete your culinary experience in the city. This dish is not only delicious but also reflects the local wisdom and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Mie Lethek while visiting the city!
11. Brongkos
Brongkos is a typical Jogja dish that has a heartwarming and delicious taste. Brongkos is made from beef, tolo beans, and chayote cooked with special spices, such as shallots, garlic, candlenut, chili, and shrimp paste. The dish is then served with warm white rice as a side.
The specialty of Brongkos lies in the distinctive spices used and the blend of delicious and nutritious ingredients. It has a rich and savory taste and a soft and chewy texture from the beef and tolo beans. Brongkos is the perfect choice to enjoy during cold weather or gatherings with family and friends.
Some places that serve Brongkos in Jogja include Brongkos Bu Karsih, Brongkos Pak Sis, and Brongkos Warung Mbok Yati. Each place is unique in its presentation and taste of Brongkos, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Tasting Brongkos during a visit to Jogja will provide a heartwarming culinary experience. This dish is not only delicious but also showcases the richness and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Brongkos while visiting the city!
12. Bakmi Jawa
Bakmi Jawa is a delicious Jogja specialty. Bakmi Jawa is made from noodles cooked with Javanese spices, such as garlic, shallots, sweet soy sauce, and chicken or beef. In addition, the dish also comes with vegetables, eggs, and savory broth.
The specialty of Bakmi Jogja lies in its unique seasoning and cooking method. The dish has a savory and sweet taste and a chewy texture from the noodles used. Bakmi Jawa is the perfect choice to enjoy in the evening, whether hanging out with friends or starving after a long day.
Some places that serve Bakmi Jawa in Jogja include Bakmi Jawa Mbah Mo, Bakmi Jawa Pak Rebo, and Bakmi Jawa Bu Tumini. Each place is unique in its presentation and flavor, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Enjoying Bakmi Jawa while in Jogja will complete your culinary experience in the city. This dish is not only delicious but also reflects the local wisdom and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Bakmi Jawa while visiting the city!
13. Jadah Tempe
Jadah Tempe is a traditional snack from Jogja with a delicious and healthy taste. Jadah Tempe consists of jadah, made from glutinous rice steamed until cooked and solid, and Tempe bacem, which is tempeh cooked with special spices, such as sweet soy sauce, brown sugar, and bay leaves. This snack is usually served with sambal and coconut serundeng for added flavor.
The specialty of Jadah Tempe lies in the combination of healthy ingredients and distinctive seasonings. Sticky rice and tempeh contain nutrients that are good for the body, such as protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, the spices used make this snack taste even more delicious and appetizing.
Some places that serve Jadah Tempe in Jogja include Jadah Tempe Mbah Carik, Jadah Tempe Bu Lina, and Jadah Tempe Warung Pak Slamet. Each place has its specialty in the presentation and taste of Jadah Tempe, so you can try several places to find the best variant.
Tasting Jadah Tempe while visiting Jogja will provide a unique and healthy culinary experience. This snack is not only delicious but also shows the richness and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Jadah Tempe while visiting the city!
14. Nasi Kucing
Nasi Kucing is Jogja’s signature packaged rice dish that is both practical and filling. Nasi Kucing contains white rice served with side dishes, such as fried sambal, fried tempeh, quail eggs, or salted fish. The side dishes are placed on top of the rice and wrapped in banana leaves or rice paper for easy eating.
Nasi Kucing’s uniqueness lies in its small size and practicality, perfect for enjoying during snacks or when feeling hungry in the middle of the road. This dish has a delicious and appetizing taste, with a wide selection of side dishes. Nasi Kucing is the right choice to enjoy when you want to eat a typical and filling fast food dish.
Some places that serve Nasi Kucing in Jogja include Nasi Kucing Bu Marni, Nasi Kucing Pak De, and Nasi Kucing Warung Mbok Siti. Each place is unique in its presentation and taste of Nasi Kucing, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Enjoying Nasi Kucing while in Jogja will complete your culinary experience in the city. This dish is not only delicious, but also reflects the local wisdom and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. Don’t miss the chance to taste Nasi Kucing while visiting the city!
15. Mangut Lele
Mangut Lele is a typical Jogja fish dish that has a spicy and savory taste. Mangut Lele is made from catfish cooked with typical seasonings, such as red chili, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and spices. The dish is also topped with basil leaves and lime leaves to give it a fragrant flavor.
The specialty of Mangut Lele lies in the unique seasoning and cooking method that produces a savory and spicy taste. The catfish used has a tender meat texture and is easy to eat. Mangut Lele is usually served with warm white rice and sambal to add to the spicy sensation.
Some places that serve Mangut Lele in Jogja include Mangut Lele Mbah Marto, Mangut Lele Pak Kumis, and Mangut Lele Pak Hadi. Each place is unique in the presentation and taste of Mangut Lele, so you can try several places to find the variant that best suits your taste.
Tasting Mangut Lele during your visit to Jogja will give you a unique culinary experience and satisfy your spicy taste buds. This dish reflects the culinary diversity of the people of Jogja and is a great choice to enjoy when you want to eat delicious fish dishes. Don’t miss the chance to try Mangut Lele when you visit the city!
Conclusion
Tasting Jogja’s culinary specialties is one of the best ways to experience the cultural and culinary diversity of the people of Jogja. From delicious dishes to spicy dishes, Jogja’s culinary specialties will spoil your tongue and provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
What are some of Jogja’s famous culinary specialties?
Some of Jogja’s famous culinary specialties include Gudeg, Sate Klatak, Tengkleng Gajah, Oseng Mercon, Tiwul, Gatot, Belalang Goreng, Bakpia Pathuk, Sate Kere, Mie Lethek, Brongkos, Bakmi Jawa, Jadah Tempe, Nasi Kucing, and Mangut Lele.
What makes Jogja’s culinary specialties so special?
Jogja’s culinary specialties have their own uniqueness and specialties, such as fresh ingredients, special spices, and traditional cooking methods. These dishes also have unique and unparalleled flavors.
How to choose a place to taste Jogja’s culinary specialties?
You can look for recommendations from friends or family who have tasted Jogja’s culinary specialties, or look for reviews from visitors on culinary review sites such as TripAdvisor or Zomato. Make sure to choose a place that is clean and has a good reputation.
