East Java, a province in the eastern part of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. The region’s diverse cultural influences and geographical features have contributed to the development of a unique and vibrant food scene. When visiting East Java, it is essential to try the local specialties that have gained popularity worldwide.
Here are eight dishes you must try during your visit:
1) Nasi Goreng
with spiced fried chicken, satay and shrimp chip
Nasi Goreng, a popular Southeast Asian fried rice dish, originated in Indonesia. This staple of Indonesian cuisine often features various meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Furthermore, it has has many variations across different regions in Indonesia. For instance, some common variations include Nasi Goreng Jawa, Nasi Goreng Solo, Nasi Goreng Surabaya, and Nasi Goreng Kampung. Moreover, it is widely available at street food stalls, known as warungs, and in restaurants across Indonesia. People often serve it with additional items like fried eggs, satay, and seafood, thereby enriching the variety of flavors and textures.
2) Sate Ayam
Sate ayam (chicken satay) consists of chicken meat marinated in sweet soy sauce and cooked on an open flame grill. People then serve the chicken with various sauces, including peanut sauce, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), and spicy chili sauce.
And if you visit Surabaya, there are many places you could try chicken satay. However, for a truly exceptional experience, we recommend indulging in Sate Ayam Pak Seger.
3) Pecel
A salad of boiled vegetables dressed in a spicy peanut sauce, typically served as a side dish with rice. Accompanied by a peanut or dried fish/shrimp cracker (rempeyek).
Regional variations:
- Pecel Madiun: This variant is popular in Madiun, East Java, and is known for its unique flavor profile, which includes the use of peanut sauce and various vegetables such as string beans, bean sprouts, cucumbers, cassava leaves, and basil leaves.
- Pecel Ponorogo: This variant is from Ponorogo, East Java, and is known for its use of peanut sauce and fried bulb, which is a key ingredient in the composition of Pecel culinary.
- Pecel Yogyakarta: This variant is typical of Yogyakarta and is known for its sweet and savory taste, which is distinct from other regional variations.
- Lotek: This variant is from Surakarta and includes the use of raw vegetables, lontong, and gorengan (fried foods).
- Gado-gado: A variant similar to Pecel, a popular Javanese salad made with lontong (rice cakes), peanut sauce, and various vegetables, often served with tempeh, crackers, hard-boiled eggs, and boiled potatoes for added flavor and texture.
4) Rawon
Rawon is a traditional dish from East Java, particularly from the cities of Ponorogo, Surabaya, and Malang. To make this sweet and salty soup, people sauté a mixture of ground garlic, shallots, kluwak (a type of seed), ginger, candlenut, turmeric, and red chili until aromatic. Afterward, they pour the mix into beef stock with diced beef, giving the meal its unique and aroma. They often garnish Rawon with scallions and fried shallots to add a touch of freshness. The combination of flavors and textures makes rawon a popular choice among locals and tourists.
5) Soto
Soto, a traditional soup in East Java, holds a special place in the culinary landscape, especially in the city of Malang. To make this savory dish, people mix chicken or beef broth with vegetables and add various toppings such as noodles, cabbages and eggs. The combination of flavors and textures makes soto a popular choice among locals and tourists. Soto has many variations across different regions in Indonesia, each with its unique flavor profile and ingredients. Some common variations include Soto Betawi, Soto Kudus, Soto Medan, and Soto Lamongan.
6) Rendang
Originally from West Sumatra, Rendang is a slow-cooked dry curry made with beef, coconut milk, and a rich blend of spices. The meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the complex flavors of the spices, making it a deeply satisfying and aromatic dish that’s a must-try for any visitor.
Here are some places in East Java where you can enjoy this delicious dish:
- Padang Restaurants, they are famous for serving a variety of Minang cuisine, including Rendang.
- Local Restaurants and Warungs (small family-owned eateries) across East Java often include Rendang on their menus. These places offer a more homely and traditional dining experience.
- Traditional markets often have food stalls that serve authentic Indonesian dishes, including Rendang. These markets offer a chance to experience local culture and cuisine.
7) Nasi Urap-urap
Urap-urap is a colorful Javanese salad that comes with a wonderful blend of steamed or blanched veggies, expertly blended with spicy grated coconut. This meal offers a unique blend of fresh, crisp vegetables and a rich, aromatic sauce, resulting in an exquisite combination of flavors and textures.
8) Bubur Ayam
Bubur Ayam, a popular Indonesian comfort food, is a savory rice congee topped with shredded chicken. Often enjoyed for breakfast, it includes condiments like scallions, crispy fried shallots, celery, and soy sauce. Its soft texture and warmth make it soothing, especially during cooler weather or when feeling unwell. Bubur Ayam offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, embodying Indonesian home cooking. It is also suitable for young children or adults in convalescence.
Recommendations
Here are a few specific places where you can enjoy the dishes in East Java:
- Warung Leko (Surabaya, Malang) – Known for its traditional Indonesian dishes and excellent Rendang.
- Depot Bu Rudy (Surabaya) – Famous for its spicy sambal and delicious Rendang.
- Ayam Bakar Primarasa (Surabaya) – A popular restaurant that serves a variety of Indonesian dishes, including a tasty Rendang.
- Ayam Tulang Lunak Malioboro (Surabaya)