Discover various culinary delights from Semarang that are famous internationally, offering unique, historic flavors, and are favorites in various corners of the world.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, is not only known for its charming colonial architecture and cultural diversity, but also a paradise for food lovers.
As a city rich in Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch cultural influences, Semarang’s cuisine offers a variety of flavors that combine old traditions and new innovations. Semarang’s signature dishes are not only loved by locals, but are also widely known internationally.
Some of these legendary culinary delights reflect the city’s rich history and culture . Here are 10 Semarang culinary delights that you must try, each offering a distinctive flavor that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who enjoys it.
1. Semarang Spring Rolls
Lumpia Semarang is a food that cannot be missed when you visit Semarang. This culinary is famous throughout Indonesia and is even known abroad.
What makes Lumpia Semarang unique is the filling consisting of bamboo shoots, chicken, shrimp, and eggs, cooked with special spices and wrapped in thin, crispy spring roll skin. There are two types of spring rolls that you can choose from
sweet and savory taste , which blends perfectly with a crispy texture on the outside and a soft filling on the inside.
There are many places in Semarang that serve Lumpia Semarang, but the most famous is Lumpia Semarang “Semarang Jaya”, which is a favorite of both domestic and international tourists.
As part of the Semarang Culinary Tour, this iconic dish stands out as a must-try experience. As a souvenir, this lumpia is very easy to find and take home, making it a must-try culinary delight when visiting Semarang.
2. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu Gimbal is a typical Semarang culinary dish that serves soft fried tofu pieces, combined with crispy shrimp fritters (gimbal) and doused with thick peanut sauce.
This dish is also served with fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, and crackers that provide a crunchy texture. Several Tahu Gimbal stalls in Semarang offer this dish with quite large portions and a taste that pampers the tongue.
The combination of savory flavors of tofu and shrimp, as well as spicy peanut sauce, makes Tahu Gimbal one of Semarang’s famous culinary delights.
Around Simpang Lima, you will find several Tahu Gimbal food stalls that are favorites of locals and tourists, making it the perfect place to enjoy this richly flavored meal.
3. Tripe Fried Rice
Nasi Goreng Babat is one of Semarang’s most popular specialties. This fried rice is characterized by using chewy beef tripe (beef offal) and cooked with rice with rich spices.
Topped with a fried egg, this dish is a very satisfying choice for culinary lovers. Usually, Nasi Goreng Babat is also served with pieces of beef and fried onions which add to the deliciousness.
Nasi Goreng Babat is very popular as a dinner dish, and is widely sold in stalls that are open until late at night in Surabaya.
The savory and spicy taste with the chewy texture of the tripe makes this dish a delicious choice for anyone who wants to try something different from the usual fried rice.
4. Semarang Satay
Sate Semarang is a typical Semarang satay known for its thick and sweet peanut sauce . Usually, this satay uses chicken or goat meat, which is grilled to perfection and served with a smooth and rich peanut sauce.
The peanut sauce used in Sate Semarang is made from ground peanuts, with the addition of brown sugar, sweet soy sauce , and special spices that give it a sweet and savory taste.
Sate Semarang is very popular in the South Semarang area, especially in the areas of Sate Sapi Mbak Lintang and Sate Kambing Tepi Laut. Its distinctive taste makes Sate Semarang a favorite for locals and tourists, even known abroad as one of Indonesia’s most appetizing culinary delights.
5. Kwetiau Siram Semarang
Kwetiau Siram Semarang is a famous Chinese dish in the city . Kwetiau, wide noodles cooked with savory spices, is the main ingredient in this dish, which is cooked with various types of seafood such as shrimp, squid, or chicken.
In addition, fresh vegetables are also added to provide a balance of flavors. Kwetiau Siram is served with spicy chili sauce, providing a refreshing taste sensation.
This dish can be found in various Chinese restaurants in Semarang, especially in the Chinatown area which is famous for its delicious cuisine.
Kwetiau Siram Semarang has become part of the favorite dishes that are appetizing, especially for those who like food with a distinctive Chinese taste that is rich in spices and herbs.
6. Soto Semarang
Soto Semarang is characterized by its light, clear broth but rich in flavor. This soto usually uses chicken or beef cut into small pieces, plus accompaniments such as bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and fried onions.
Soto Semarang is very famous among tourists who come to this city , especially in the morning as a breakfast dish.
The specialty of Soto Semarang lies in the clear broth made using natural spices, giving it a fresh and light taste. If you visit Semarang, tasting Soto Semarang at one of the famous stalls in the Kaligawe area is a culinary experience not to be missed.
7. Milkfish Presto
Bandeng Presto is a typical Semarang dish that uses milkfish as the main ingredient. Milkfish is cooked by pressure cooking, which makes the bones very soft and edible.
This process makes Bandeng Presto the right choice for those who want to enjoy milkfish without having to worry about the bones.
Very popular as a typical souvenir from Semarang, Bandeng Presto is often found in souvenir shops or restaurants that serve milkfish in this unique way . Its savory, soft, and easy-to-enjoy taste makes Bandeng Presto very popular with visitors who come to Semarang.
8. Cong Lik Ice Cream
Es Puter Cong Lik is a traditional ice typical of Semarang made from a mixture of grated coconut, coconut milk, and brown sugar, providing a refreshing natural sweet sensation.
This Es Puter is usually served with shaved ice and various toppings such as durian or green beans, offering a rich and delicious choice of flavors.
Es Puter Cong Lik is very popular in Semarang, especially in the Simpang Lima area, and is a favorite choice during the day to refresh yourself from the hot sun. With a simple yet delicious taste, this ice cream has become a legendary culinary favorite among the people of Semarang.
9. Semarang Tinutuan Porridge
Tinutuan Porridge Semarang is a breakfast dish that is very popular among local residents. This porridge is made from rice cooked with coconut milk, served with side dishes such as salted fish, boiled eggs, and shrimp paste chili sauce which gives it a spicy taste. Tinutuan is a dish that warms the stomach in the morning and provides energy to start activities.
Tinutuan porridge can be found in various breakfast stalls in Semarang, with the Kalisari area being one of the famous places serving this dish. This dish is a delicious, nutritious and full of distinctive flavors.
10. Semarang Cubir Cake
Kue Cubir is a typical Semarang snack made from sticky rice dough filled with grated coconut and brown sugar, then baked until cooked. Its chewy and sweet texture makes Kue Cubir a very popular snack. This cake is easy to find in traditional cake shops in Semarang, and is often used as a souvenir to take home.
sweet , chewy, and distinctive taste makes Kue Cubir the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious traditional Semarang snack.
Semarang is a city rich in unique culinary delights that reflect its rich culture and history. From the famous lumpia to the refreshing es puter, each dish has its own distinctive flavor that is a draw for tourists.
Semarang’s culinary has been known not only in Indonesia, but also abroad, making it a must-visit culinary destination. So, don’t forget to taste these 10 legendary culinary delights when you are in Semarang, and feel the deliciousness that will leave an unforgettable impression.
If you’re continuing your journey, be sure to explore the Solo Culinary Tour, where you’ll discover even more mouth-watering dishes and rich culinary traditions.
