Explore various traditional Jogja foods that depict the distinctive taste, history, and cultural richness that should not be missed during a visit to this city .
Yogyakarta, or more commonly called Jogja, is not only known for its captivating natural beauty or rich cultural history, but also as a culinary paradise that pampers the tongue.
Every corner of this city offers a unique diversity of flavors, all of which reflect the strong Javanese tradition and culture. Traditional Jogja food is not only about taste, but also the story contained in each dish that has been passed down from generation to generation.
From sweet to spicy, from light to heavy, Typical Jogja Food is always ready to tempt your taste buds. If you plan to visit Jogja, make sure to taste the following 10 traditional foods that you must try.
1. Gudeg
Who doesn’t know Gudeg? This food is an iconic dish originating from Jogja and has become a symbol of Javanese cuisine. Gudeg is made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk, brown sugar, and other spices to produce a very distinctive sweet and savory taste.
Usually, Gudeg is served with white rice, shredded chicken, pindang eggs, krecek fried chili sauce, and bajawa chili sauce.
Many consider Gudeg as a typical Jogja breakfast, but this dish can be enjoyed at any time. With various variations that can be found in various stalls, Gudeg Jogja has a sweeter taste compared to variations in other areas. The legendary Gudeg stall in Jogja is a place that is always crowded with tourists and locals.
2. Klatak Satay
If you like goat satay, then Sate Klatak is a dish you must try. This typical Jogja satay is different from satay in general because it uses iron bars to skewer the goat meat, not bamboo skewers.
The goat meat is cut into large pieces and grilled with simple seasonings of salt and pepper. With a cooking technique that uses large coals , Sate Klatak provides a distinctive grilled taste and tender goat meat.
Sate Klatak is usually served with a savory goat curry sauce and white rice as a complement. The most famous place to enjoy Sate Klatak is in the Pleret area, about 15 km from the center of Jogja City, which serves satay with a truly authentic taste.
3. Stir-fried Firecrackers
For fans of spicy food, Oseng-oseng Mercon is a must-try choice. Oseng-oseng Mercon uses beef or chicken cut into small pieces, cooked with spicy spices with the main ingredient being cayenne pepper.
The name “mercon” itself refers to the pungent, spicy taste that can burn the tongue, like an exploding firecracker.
This food is served with warm white rice and is suitable for those who like the challenge of spicy flavors. Oseng-oseng Mercon can be found in many typical Jogja food stalls and is one of the most popular culinary in this city .
4. Goat Tongseng
Tongseng Kambing is a typical Jogja dish made from goat meat cooked in coconut milk sauce. The savory coconut milk sauce is combined with spices such as lemongrass, lime leaves, chilies, and sweet soy sauce , creating a sweet, spicy, and savory taste that blends perfectly.
Tongseng Kambing is usually served with white rice and is very delicious to eat when the weather is cold.
This food is very popular for those who enjoy goat-based dishes. Its rich and spicy taste makes Tongseng Kambing one of Jogja’s culinary specialties that you must try.
5. Bakpia
Bakpia is a famous dessert in Jogja, which should not be missed when visiting this city . This dry cake is made from wheat flour dough filled with sweet green bean paste . Bakpia is known for its crispy outer texture, while the sweet green bean filling provides softness in every bite.
Bakpia Jogja has various flavors, such as green beans, chocolate, durian, and others, all of which are guaranteed to be delicious. Bakpia is a typical souvenir that is most sought after by tourists, because it is easy to take home and has a distinctive taste and is liked by many people.
6. Cat Rice
Nasi Kucing is a traditional Jogja food that is very popular among students and workers. Nasi Kucing is white rice wrapped in small portions, often with simple side dishes such as chili sauce, tempeh , anchovies, or chicken.
All of these ingredients are wrapped in banana leaves or plastic, making it easy to carry and eat anywhere.
Despite its small portion, Nasi Kucing offers an extraordinary and appetizing taste. Due to its affordable price and practicality, this food is a favorite choice for those looking for a snack or light lunch while traveling around Jogja.
7. Mbok Berek’s Fried Chicken
Mbok Berek Fried Chicken is one of Jogja’s most famous specialties. The fried chicken served in this dish is cooked with special spices that give it a deep savory taste.
What makes Mbok Berek Fried Chicken different is the spicy shrimp paste chili sauce that is the main accompaniment to this dish. This rich-tasting shrimp paste chili sauce provides a spicy sensation that whets the appetite.
There are many stalls serving Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek in Jogja, and the delicious shrimp paste chili sauce is always the main attraction for tourists and culinary enthusiasts.
8. Fried Krecek Chili Sauce
Sambal Goreng Krecek is a side dish that is often served with Gudeg. Krecek is beef skin cooked with sweet and spicy spices , giving it a unique and very distinctive taste.
Usually, Sambal Goreng Krecek is served in small pieces that complement Gudeg, giving a different texture to the soft young jackfruit.
The spicy and savory taste of krecek fried chili creates a perfect blend with the sweet taste of Gudeg, making it an ideal partner in this traditional Jogja dish.
9. Rice with Pecel
Sego Pecel is a dish consisting of rice served with peanut sauce and fresh vegetables , such as kale, bean sprouts, and long beans. The peanut sauce used has a sweet and spicy taste, with the basic ingredient being finely ground peanuts.
Sego Pecel is perfect to enjoy during hot weather, providing freshness from vegetables served with rich peanut sauce. This food is widely sold in small stalls and is a cheap and delicious choice.
10. Joss Coffee
Kopi Joss is a very famous typical drink from Jogja. Kopi Joss is made by brewing hot black coffee and adding a piece of burning charcoal to it.
The unique sensation produced by charcoal added to coffee is a distinctive bitter taste with a slightly refreshing smokey taste. Kopi Joss is a legendary drink that many tourists seek out as a meal companion or just to enjoy the night atmosphere in Jogja.
In the Malioboro area, many coffee shops offer Kopi Joss as an impressive choice of specialty drinks.
Yogyakarta offers a variety of traditional foods that reflect the rich flavors , culture, and traditions of the locale. From the sweet and savory Gudeg to the unique Sate Klatak, Jogja’s culinary offerings offer something for every palate.
For those visiting Jogja, sampling these 10 traditional foods is the perfect way to experience the city’s culinary charm firsthand. Each dish carries a story, history, and an unforgettable taste.
Don’t forget to bring home Typical Jogja Souvenirs to share a piece of this unique culinary experience with your loved ones. Be sure to explore Jogja’s culinary scene, and savor the delights this special city has to offer.
