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Written by Beverley Lennon

For a serious foodie, whatโ€™s the best way to explore a new city? Food and more FOOD, of course! And Indonesians know too well that the way to your heart is through your stomach!

Besides being known as the city of culture and the arts, Yogyakarta is also known for its unique and delicious culinary experience for you to gulp down!

As we drove around the city, we noticed lots of roadside stalls where people just sat around on mats and ate, picnic-style. Our friend whoโ€™s familiar with Yogyakarta told us that this is โ€˜lesehanโ€™, a local dining style unique to Yogyakarta.

As they say, when in Rome, do like the Romans do, so if you want to experience how true local dining is like, how can you not join them on the mats? ๐Ÿ˜‰

And the food is so good that we are not ashamed to admit that sometimes, we even ended up having 3 breakfasts – we couldnโ€™t help trying everything! So here we go, hereโ€™s our best (mostly tried and tasted) recommendations!

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Getting to Yogyakarta

From SingaporeFrom Malaysia (tap here to view)From Jakarta (tap here to view)

Take AirAsia, SilkAir, ย Singapore Airlines, or Garuda Indonesia from Singapore Changi Airport to Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International Airport. (Flight Time: ~2h 30 min)

Direct Flight (total cost from SGD 76)

Take AirAsia or SilkAir from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International Airport. (Flight Time: ~2h 30 min)

Direct Flight (total cost from RM 256)

1. Flights

Fare starts at Rp. 350,000 (USD 26) via Lion Air, Sriwijaya Air, AirAsia (1 hour 10 minutes flight)

2. Train

a. Executive: starts at Rp. 285,000 (USD 21)
– Depart from Gambir Station (Central Jakarta), and arrive at Tugu Station (City Center of Yogyakarta, about a 7-hour ride)

b. Economy: starts at Rp. 145,000 (USD 11) – Seats are cramped, and not recommended
– Depart from Pasar Senen Station, and arrive at Lempuyangan Station (about a 7-hour ride)

This post is made possible by Indonesia Tourism Board. For more information, check out Yogyakarta’s official website.

1. Addictive chicken noodles cooked in secret sauce! – Mie Ayam Bu Tumini

We ate here not once but twice because it was that good!

Photo via Tripcanvas

This chicken noodle stall wins the heart of everyone since the early 90s, and there isnโ€™t a day when itโ€™s not packed to the brim.

Photo via Tripcanvas

Choose between chicken feet or chicken pieces as topping, you can even opt for their extra chicken option, go for a jumbo bowl or simply half a portion!

Photo via Tripcanvas

The sauce is rich and thick, sweet and savoury with a peanut aftertaste! An intriguing yet amazing concoction of flavours, levelled up with some sambal and an iced tea to beat the heat (it was super stuffy at the stall as it is always overcrowded, so come prepared – pack some patience and tie your hair up!).

Tip: Get an extra plate of Bok Choy on the side too!

You will have to queue for a few minutes and fight for a seat but the wait is incredibly worth it!

Mie Ayam Bu Tumini

ย Address: Jl. Imogiri Timur No.187, Giwangan, Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55163 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 274 410 334
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Price Range: Rp.8000-10,000 (Approximately USD$0.57-0.70)

2. Your bakso with a little twist of craziness – Baksonya Bakso Maharani

Besides the giant bakso at Bakso Klenger, Jogja also hides another yet super Instagrammable bakso dish that appears to be as tasty as it looks, something that stands out from the usual meatball soup. Prepare to see big!

Photo by bbm_baksonya_bakso_maharani, injogjafoodย 

At Baksonya Bakso Maharani, you can enjoy the latest bakso with a twist, which is served with a whole bone marrow (Bakso Sumsum), and you can even drink from it while its flavours infuse in the tantalizing broth (it even comes with a straw!). We know, we knowโ€ฆ bone brothโ€ฆ a miracle cure for all ailments!

Photo by jogjafoodhunter, yoyoxaurus

Another unusual find is their Bakso Mozzarella – a giant meatball served with overflowing mozzarella filling, so if you are a cheese lover, this is not to be missed!

Baksonya Bakso Maharani

Address: Jalan Damai, Ngaglik Sleman, Sinduharjo, Ngaglik, Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55581
Contact:+62 812 2184 7171
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm
Price Range: Rp.9000-20,000 (Approximately USD$0.65-1.44)


3. Comfort home-cooked food – Bakmi Mbah Mo

ยซย COMFORT FOOD!!ย ยป – this is what we screamed after taking in the first slurp of this heartwarming Bakmi.

Photo via Tripcanvas

Theyโ€™ve got two versions (dry or soupy) and we tried them both. Egg is mixed to the broth and looks scrambled, your noodles are topped with perfectly shredded chicken and a sprinkle of spring onions for that savoury kick!

Photo by htoei, nyonyakecil

Itโ€™s a casual eatery, so donโ€™t have high expectations on comfortable seating but you can enjoy a live cooking experience and see every bit of your Bakmi being made from scratch!

Photo via Tripcanvas

Gulp this down with a cup of their hot ginger tea (Teh Jahe), but request for less sugar – the Javanese have a sweet tooth!

Bakmi Mbah Mo

Address: Jalan Parangtritis KM. 11, Code, Trirenggo, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 815 4855 7743
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-11pm
Price Range: Rp.15,000-20,000 (Approximately USD$1-1.42)

4. A former presidentโ€™s favourite drink spot in Jogja – Wedang Ronde Mbah Payem

Although this will look like a dessert to you, know that local Javanese enjoy it as a comforting roadside drink – colourful but also very sweet; be ready to try something exotic!

Authentic to Java, wedang ronde is made of sweet glutinous rice balls soaked in hot ginger flavoured water, syrup, sprinkled with a few peanuts, and filled with peanut in the rice balls.

Photo by fotohery, jogjafoodhunter

As it is served hot, the drink is usually enjoyed during the night to warm you up before bed. The โ€œRondeโ€ (round glutinous rice balls) is usually white or green – coloured naturally from suji leaves and pandan leaves, greeneries that can almost exclusively be found in Asia!

Photo by foodgram_yk, jogjafoodhunter

Rain or shine, you will be able to find Mbah Payem with her little cart of Wedang Ronde on the road – in fact, she finds happiness in chatting with her customers and enjoys the little things in her daily life on the roads of Yogyakarta.

Wedang Ronde Mbah Payem

Address: Jl. Kauman, Ngupasan, Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55132
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7pm-12am
Price: Rp.5,000 (Approximately USD$0.36)

5. Fresh fruit (including avocado) with shaved ice! – Es Buah PK

We canโ€™t thank enough the person who invented this creative dessert – which dates back to the early 70s!

This roadside stall specialises in shaved ice dessert, but not the traditional kind, as they serve it with generous amount of freshly sliced fruits like avocado, coconut and pineapple, along with secret syrup concoctions (apparently chocolate condensed milk) and grass jelly cubes. This is something for your sweet tooth.

Photo via Tripcanvas

It was one of the best dessert we ever came across – I mean, where else can we find street dessert with avocados!? One wonโ€™t be enough, especially in this scorching hot weather! Another bowl please!

Photo via Tripcanvas

The stall also sells noodles and meatballs (bakso); so if youโ€™re here for lunch, you also got your dessert sorted!

Es Buak PK

Address: Jalan Pakuningratan Nomor 76 A, Cokrodiningratan, Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
Price: Rp.5,000-8,000 (Approximately USD$0.36-0.57)

6. Yogyakartaโ€™s signature cuisine – Gudeg Pawon

As Nasi Lemak is to Malaysia, the legendary dish that reigns supreme in Yogyakarta is definitely the famous Gudeg.

Jackfruit is the star of this dish – it is stewed for hours with other spices like garlic and coriander, served on a banana leaf or plate most of the time. Tempeh and delicious coconut-flavoured chicken are also part of this devoting meal!

At Gudeg Pawon, you get to eat at a localโ€™s house. Be there early (by 10pm) or you risk to be the last one in the queue and possibly miss on a few items. There was no more chicken when we reached (and it was no later than 10:30pm!), and everything was nearly sold out by 11pm.

Youโ€™ย ll line up from the road but a few steps later you will be right inside the kitchen! It is burning hot in there but the flavourful smell of the broth boiling and rice cooking will keep you going!

Photo by zyldec, TripCanvas

Here, Gudeg is made the traditional way – no electric stove or modern technologies but simply wood and charcoal, and these happen to give a special taste and touch to the whole experience.

Photo by indahrmwt

Your plate served, youโ€™ll find yourself sharing seat with locals on the bench outside. Expect an explosion of flavours, the sauce is creamy and the jackfruit brings in a sweet kick, along with the chewy cow skin soaked with sauce (krupuk)…

Photo via Tripcanvas

Weโ€™ve tried many Gudeg stalls but this one is a hard-to-beat, probably because it is served straight from the kitchen – they surely master the art of Gudeg!

Gudeg Pawon

Address: Jl. Janturan UH/IV No. 36, Warungboto, Umbulharjo, Warungboto, Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55164 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 857 4328 1104 / +62 822 3315 5497
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10pm-1am (Or until sold out)
Price Range: Rp.15,000-30,000 per portion (Approximately USD$1-2.14)

7. Indulge in the oldest Gudeg recipe – Gudeg Mbah Lindu Sosrowijayan

Imagine the century-old Mbah Lindu hunched over her boiling pots, cooking her legendary Gudeg over charcoal, every day for more than 80 years. After which, she would walk for 4 kilometres every morning from her home to this same spot to sell to her local customers and even tourists all over the world who has heard of her.

Now, you can spot her daughter taking over the reins at her stall, though it is said that Mbah Lindu still cooks the Gudeg herself! The story of Mbah Lindu is an emotional one, but it is amazing to see that the family business is still going strong and making hungry stomachs happy!

Try their Gudeg for breakfast as it comes with a choice of rice or porridge! The sauce is creamy and spicy, the chicken is soft and falls apart easily as it soaks up the broth while the egg is boiled to perfection!

Photo by TripCanvas, gastronomy.aficionado

Sit on their plastic stools on the roadside or you can even opt for takeaway – it will be packed in a banana leaf for you. We didnโ€™t get the chance to meet Mbah Lindu when we dropped by, but if you do, let us know!

Note: There are two Gudeg stalls on the road at Sosrowijayan – the other one is named Gudeg Mbak Lindu. But Gudeg Mbah Lindu is the legendary one that we recommend here!

Gudeg Mbah Lindu Sosrowijayan

Address: Jalan Sosrowijayan, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Kota Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 817 5422 990
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 5am-11am
Price Range: Rp.15,000-20,000 per portion (Approximately USD$1-1.42)

8. A spicy local ice-cream delight with fruits – Rujak Es Krim Pak Nardi

Most of you might have eaten Rujak in other Southeast Asian countries, but have you ever heard of Rujak with ice-cream?

The delicately-sliced fresh fruits are spiced to perfection and submerged with a sweet and sour concoction, topped with homemade ice-cream. Oh and if you feel like youโ€™ve grown an Indonesian stomach by now, just do it like the locals and throw in a spoon of sambal! Yes, sambal and ice cream – who knew it was a match! So itโ€™s sweet, sour, spicy and cold – what a feast for your tastebuds!

Photo via Tripcanvas

There are several other Rujak ice-cream sellers in the neighbourhood but the crowd will lead you to the best kid on the block!

Photo via Tripcanvas

The wooden cart is surrounded by plastic stools for you to enjoy an ice-cooling Rujak under the shade of the trees. If you love that refreshing, tangy and spicy taste, you wonโ€™t be able to resist getting a second bowl!

Photo via Tripcanvas

Rujak Es Krim Pak Nardi

Address: Jalan Harjowinatan, Purwokinanti, Pakualaman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Contact:+62 857 2856 6266
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-3pm
Price: Rp.6,000 per portion (Approximately USD$0.45)

9. A very delicious buffet gone the local way – Waroeng Kopi Klotok

You must have heard all about the popular Indonesian buffet concept – all-you-can-eat, and just inform the cashier what you took to get the final price. And guess what, this must be one of the very best local buffets we had in Yogyakarta.

This isnโ€™t your fancy coffee shop – be prepared to eat at a Joglo, converted into a dining place. Itโ€™s packed full of locals and of course the best seats are right outside by the rice paddy fields.

Photo via Tripcanvas

The local eatery is spacious, but we could barely find space to walk – it was full house when we were there on a weekday morning! (Be prepared for long queues and youโ€™ll need to wait for seats on weekends and public holidays!)

We know it does not make sense to talk about dessert first, but we had the best Pisang Goreng (Banana fritters) there (yes weโ€™ve tried lots of different ones in Indonesia before but this one deserves a medal!). Itโ€™s served warm, with the gooey, smashed banana inside and fried to perfectionโ€ฆ we would go back just for that if we could!

For the main courses, the Nasi Megono is what attracts the crowd here – rice cooked in seasoned coconut milk, mixed with vegetables and salted fish. Top this with their local in-house vegetable soup and donโ€™t miss on their sambal (local chilly sauce) and tempeh! We loved almost all of their soups and curries!

Photo via Tripcanvas
Photo via Tripcanvas

And of course, this place is named after their famous Kopi Klotok, so donโ€™t miss it!

Photo via Tripcanvas

P.S. Weโ€™ve heard that pregnant ladies are welcome to eat as much as they want, for free! And we recommend coming early in the morning to get the freshest food and best seats!

Kedai Kopi Klotok

Address: Jalan Kaliurang KM.16, Pakembinangun, Pakem, Area Sawah, Pakembinangun, Pakem, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55582 (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 812 2221 1635
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-10pm
Price Range: Rp.15,000-25,000 (Approximately USD$1-1.80)

10. Itโ€™s a surprise in a banana leaf, open it! – Rumah Makan Blimbing (Garang Asam Kudus)

This local eatery takes a healthy turn on the traditional Garang Asam Kudus – chicken cooked in a banana leaf with coconut milk, bilimbi, bay leaves and other spices. It usually has the comforting taste of tender boiled chicken with a hint of sourness due to the addition of lime – we tried it once, and fell in love!

Photo by garangasamkudus_dijogja

At Rumah Makan Blimbing, they have kicked out the coconut milk, leaving you with a fresh kick of sourness in your chicken!

Locals enjoy the twist to this meal as the absence of coconut milk not only makes it healthier but also richer in flavours! The sour sauce is absorbed by the chicken pieces, making it so tender that it falls off the bone. The dish is served boiling hot, so be careful when opening the banana leaf as sometimes the broth will still be bubbling!

Photo by garangasamkudus_dijogja

Pour this delicacy on white rice and enjoy an unforgettable and comforting local dish!

Photo by garangasamkudus_dijogja

Rumah Makan Blimbing

Address: Jalan Baru Mulungan, Grojogan Pandowoharjo, Sendangadi, Mlati, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55285
Contact: +62 813 2832 5652
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12pm-8.30pm
Price Range: Rp. 15,000-25,000 (Approximately USD$1.08-1.80)

11. A favourite Eid celebration dish – Kupat Gule Bang Doel

You donโ€™t have to wait for Eid celebration anymore to enjoy a bowl of festivity! Drop in for an explosion of local flavours at Kupat Gule Bang Doel!

Photo by gembulfoodie

This little roadside cart (look out for the red and yellow one) serves your post-fasting favourite: Kupat Gule – a delicious broth filled with perfectly boiled eggs, meat (choose from mutton, chicken or beef), along with rice cakes and other secret toppings. This is often served with rice but can be very well enjoyed on its own as well!

Photo by injogjafood

Kupat Gule Bang Doel

Address: Jalan Kaliurang KM 6, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 812 1569 4055
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-11am
Price: From Rp.10,000 (Approximately USD$0.72)

12. Local roadside crรชpes – Kue Leker Pak Yo

This sweet local delicacy will get you and your kids excited! Similar to Thailandโ€™s very famous roadside crepes, Kue Leker is the crispy Indonesian version.

You can choose your fillings, though locals usually opt for banana chocolate!

At Pak Yoโ€™s stall, the Kue Leker is cooked on charcoal – you wonโ€™t find any electrical stove or any type of modern technology, and this is what truly makes it special, with the authentic old-time Jogja vibe. Pure nostalgia in a bite!

Photo by dwipracaya.com

The crepe is served crispy, with the warm vanilla aroma and comforting banana and chocolate scent. We would definitely have this at tea time!

Photo by ceritamakan

If you are keen to do it differently, choose other fillings โ€“ other than banana chocolate, there is also cheese and condensed milk, or mix and match between cheese, banana, and milk!

Kue Leker Pak Yo

Address: Jl. I Dewa Nyoman Oka No.13, Kotabaru, Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-5pm
Price: Rp. 2000 (Approximately USD$0.14)

13. Tofu in ginger soup that is sold out in 1.5 hours! – Wedang Tahu Bu Sukardi

Another drink that resembles a dessert โ€“ it is served hot and made of soft creamy tofu in ginger water and syrup โ€“ very similar to Wedang Ronde, but there are no glutinous rice balls. Sweet, but the mix of texture is enjoyed by everyone!

Photo by agussusanto, wowstreestfoods

The drink is usually enjoyed as a body warmer during the rainy season and is enjoyed early morning or at night; get there as early as possible as the stall is only open till sold out (usually within 1.5 hours!)

Photo by doyanmakan.id_

Wedang Tahu Bu Sukardi

Address: Jalan Kranggan Nomor 75, Cokrodiningratan, Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 877 3824 0558
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6.30am – until sold out
Price: Rp.6000 (Approximately USD$0.43)

14. Indulge in fresh, free range chicken in an amazing setting – Ingkung Kuali

Ingkung Kuali is famous among locals for its free range chicken, and you can actually taste the freshness of the poultry! This surprising local eatery is located in Pajangan – commonly known as the culinary centre of Yogyakarta, so you know you can have high expectations on the taste!

Photo by ingkungkuali, awangdimjati

Be sure to make it right on time as they donโ€™t open beyond 5pm (really, we dropped by at 4.30pm and they said they were already closed), so best is to simply go at lunch time!

While you can choose to do it like the locals by sitting on the floor in lesehan style, you can also opt for the huts with long comfortable benches!

Photo by ingkungkuali

Choose between the original boiled chicken or marinated or even fried chicken – although it looks plain and banal when served, the delicacy will surprise you in taste and flavours as it has been mixed, marinated and cooked for over 4 hours, thus the chicken would have soaked up all spices.

Photo by rere.riandika, fahrimuranย 

Their special chicken is served with rice but we took more sambal than rice, so you can guess why – it was an amazing spicy goodness!

Ingkung Kuali

Address: Kalakijo RT 02, Guwosari, Pajangan, Guwosari, Kec. Bantul, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55751
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Price Range: Rp.60,000-155,000 (Approximately USD$4.33-11.18)

15. Sizzling charcoal in your coffee? – Angkringan Kopi Jos Lek Man

A little anxious about charcoal in your coffee? We were too, but donโ€™t be!

It doesnโ€™t take a big coffee connoisseur to enjoy coffee at Kopi Jos. While your coffee is served looking as dark as ever, it is also dunked with burning red hot charcoal cubes. Let it sizzle in – this is supposed to help neutralize the acidity in your coffee.

Photo via Tripcanvas

Once it has fizzed completely, remove the charcoal and you are good to go with an unusual coffee fix – a local novelty! Tip: Remember to mention โ€œno sugar pleaseโ€, or enjoy your coffee with 10+ spoons of sugar in it (not even exaggerating!).

Photo via Tripcanvas

We are not big coffee fans but surprisingly we enjoyed this heartwarming cup at the roadside stall – it is strong, yet not acidic and has a slightly burnt taste to it. If youโ€™re here for tea time, enjoy some of their fried snacks too!

Photo by abednegostephen, TripCanvas

Angkingan Kopi Jos Lek Man

ย Address: Jalan Wongsodirjan, Gedong Tengen, Sosromenduran, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Contact: +62 856 4317 2339
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 2pm-3am
Price Range: Rp.1,000-5,000 (Approximately USD$0.070-0.36)

16.The century-old legendary catfish recipe – Mangut Lele Mbah Marto Nggeneng

There is something admirable about local food sellers in Indonesia and we observed this in Yogyakarta. They want you to feel at home when you come in to dine – they are so welcoming that they let you into the privacy of their home to serve yourself.

This has to be one of the most hidden eatery we dropped by while in Yogyakarta, so donโ€™t worry if you get lost – youโ€™ll eventually find your way because everyone in the neighbourhood knows youโ€™re here for Mangut Lele Mbah Marto!

Photo by laurentiawidya, setiyadimam

Come in and serve yourself directly from the kitchen, the walls are covered with black spots due to the charcoal used for cooking; no electric stove is to be found.

Photo via Tripcanvas

You are here for some spicy smoked catfish! And when we say spicyโ€ฆ brace yourself! Youโ€™ll need water and probably milk too. Donโ€™t miss out on their boiled egg – with a creamy textured yolk – we went for a second round!

Photo via Tripcanvas

And if you are lucky enough like us, you will be able to meet Mbah Marto – this 100-year-old lady is the one behind this secret recipe!

Mangut Lele Mbah Marto Nggeneng

Address: Jalan Parangtritis KM 6.5, Dusun Sewon, Panggungharjo, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (Coordinates here)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-4pm
Price Range: Rp.25,000 per portion (Approximately USD$1.80)

17. This sate is so good that itโ€™s been in a movie! – Sate Klatak Pak Bari

Known as one of Indonesiaโ€™s classics – sate can be found basically anywhere, and it would be very hard to dispute the best sate, but the ones at Sate Klatak Pak Bari are definitely worth a visit.

Photo by restu2727,sephyzephy

The specialty here is their mutton sate (Sate Kambing), cut and grilled fresh in front of you, and you can opt for rice on the side. Scoop out some of their special gravy on top to cut down on the saltiness! The flavours are rich and you can taste the marinade in the meat.

Photo by tempe_gembozz, nyonyokecil

The sate stall has appeared in a local Indonesian movie โ€˜Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2โ€™, and has since been crowded with curious locals eager to try it out!

Sate Klatak Pak Bari

Address: Pasar Wonokromo, Jalan Imogiri Timur No.5, Wonokromo, Pleret, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 813 2880 0165
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6.30pm-1am
Price: Rp.20,000 (Approximately USD$1.44)

18. Keep water next to you for an explosion of spiciness – Oseng Mercon Bu Narti

Get ready for a scorching hot time at Oseng Mercon Bu Narti as you are here to challenge your spiciness level intake!

Doing it like a local doesnโ€™t only mean that you have to sit on the floor mats in lesehan style, but you also have to grow an Indonesian stomach and deal with really spicy food!

Photo by massabumi

Meat, lard but chilli before anything else, this special dish is bound to bring you on the wild side of culinary experimentation while in Jogja!

Photo by pesonajogja, ricxs

You might want to ask for a big spoon of rice, just in case you canโ€™t take in the spiciness level! Weโ€™ve warned youโ€ฆ even Indonesians call it spicy! Get ready to be greeted by people perspiring, with tearing eyes while eating, but donโ€™t be scared – bring along lots of water bottles or even milk!

Photo by ini_kopi

Oseng Mercon Bu Narti

Address: Jalan KH. Ahmad Dahlan, Ngampilan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 819 1555 4472
Operating hours: Mon-Sun 6pm-11pm
Price: From Rp.15,000 (Approximately USD$1.08)


19. Call it your new breakfast of champions – Soto Ayam Kampung Pak Dalbe

Soup is one of the legendary dishes in Yogyakarta – it is comforting, light, tasty, versatile and cheap!

The special chicken soup at Pak Dalbe is what attracts the crowd – in fact, it is often packed to the brim and people are seen eating along the road simply by sitting on the sidewalk.

Photo by s_adhyputra, madariyanhadi

At first glance, the soup that is served looks ordinary, like the very typical โ€˜sotoโ€™ (soup), but though the broth is clear, it hides some unfamiliar secret flavours that can only be discovered once you try it. It is one of those โ€œdonโ€™t judge a book by its coverโ€ kind of dish!

In your bowl of soup, you will find rice, sliced cabbage, bean sprouts, vermicelli, fried onions, and of course tender shredded chicken. But the secret ingredient (not so secret anymore) is the little sweet kick from the cassava!

Photo by juliadh, surgamakan

Soto Ayam Kampung Pak Dalbe

Address: Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 812 155 6373
Operating hours: Mon-Fri 6am-2pm
Price: From Rp.10,000 (Approximately USD$0.72)

20. A local noodle fix you are not ready to forget – Yammie Pangsit Pathuk

With the looks of some chinese influence, the chicken noodle soup at Yammie Pangsit Pathuk is a local heartwarming midweek meal if you are tired of all the rich dishes around the city!

Photo by gangsar.id, pacarkecilkuย 

Your noodle bowl is served with delicate dumplings; shredded chicken as well as chicken balls – a simple comforting dish that is savoury to all!

Photo by claraalverin, inijie

The eatery also serves other snacks such as fried wonton and local curry puffs that make great starters if you come in feeling overly hungry/hangry!

Yammie Pangsit Pathuk

ย Address: Jalan Kemetiran Kidul Nomor 63, Pringgokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 818 0429 8350
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-9pm
Price: Rp.17,000 (Approximately USD$1.23)

21. Spring rolls with unusual fillings – Lumpia Samijaya

You canโ€™t go to Semarang without tasting Lumpia Semarang, and you canโ€™t go to Yogyakarta without trying out the Lumpia Samijaya!

Photo by buzzerbeezz, didikm8

Strolling in the heat along Malioboro Street will make you hungry, and a pit stop for lumpia (spring rolls) will definitely make you feel better!

Photo by panganane_wahyudi, gilamakanjogja

Unlike any other spring roll stall, the ones at Samijaya are stuffed with different fillings like chicken and quail eggs, and these have been famous local delicacies since more than 40 years ago!

Lumpia Samijaya

Address: Jalan Malioboro Nomor 18, Suryatmajan, Danurejan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 877 3824 0558
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Price Range: Rp.3000-4000 (Approximately USD$0.22-0.29)

22. A taste of the old Jogja – Jenang Lempuyangan Bu Gesti

Another stall that was loved and often visited by the former President Soeharto โ€“ probably the reason why youโ€™ll find long queues here!

If you love everything sweet like the Javanese, satisfy your sugar cravings with a mix of concoctions derived from palm sugar, coconut milk and rice flour.

Photo by tiketninja, streetfoodstories

This colourful sugar-palm-based confection is served on a banana leaf โ€“ thick in texture, surely sweet and sticky but also slightly salty from the rice flour and coconut milk ingredients.

Photo by jogjafoodhunter

So come taste a homemade dessert that holds a big place in every localโ€™s heart!

Jenang Lempuyangan Bu Gesti

ย Address: Pasar Lempuyangan, Jalan Hayam Wuruk, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-11am
Price: From Rp.4,000 (Approximately USD$0.29)

23. Eat out of coconut shells by the rice fields – Saoto Bathok Mbah Katro

While it might be easy to spot any good restaurant in Yogyakarta, some places do it better than the others. Besides amazing food dishes, this local eatery lets you immerse in authentic Indonesian ambience with views over rice paddy fields while you sit on floor mats like the locals. Now you can say youโ€™ve been to Yogyakarta!

Photo by caieeeee, injogjafood

We know it takes a venturesome spirit to try some of the authentic recipes served by locals on the roadside so this is a more comfortable option to consider if you are looking for a mouthwatering local dish!

Photo by rasajogja

Served in a coconut shell bowl, this clear soup is filled with tender pieces of beef -โ€“ the distinctive recipe is complemented with fried tempeh, intestine sate as well as quail eggs!

Saoto Bathok Mbah Katro

Address: Jalan Candi Sambisari Nomor 6, Purwomartani, Kalasan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact: +62 813 9214 4526
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 6am-4pm
Price: Rp.5,000 (Approximately USD$0.36)

24. Your quack gone spicy – Entok Slenget Kang Tanir

Weโ€™ve got chicken, beef, mutton, but you can also indulge in a delicious duck speciality while in Jogja.

Photo by kulineryogya, nyonyakecil

Although the stall opens at 4pm and officially closes at 9pm, the delicacy tends to be sold out within 3 to 4 hours!

Once there, you get to choose your spiciness level, and your duck will be cooked on a traditional stove with soy sauce, chilli and other herbs; the meat itself is soaked in a generous amount of spices and sauce, and brought to you once tender and infused with flavour!

Photo by nongkrongasikjogja, gilamakanjogja

Simply writing about it at dinnertime gets us drooling… yumm!

Entok Slenget Kang Tanir

Address:Jalan Pakem โ€“ Turi, Donokerto, Turi, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Contact:+62 818 0433 8944
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 4pm- Sold out
Price: From 16,000 (Approximately USD$1.15)

Best Time to Travel to Yogyakarta

If youโ€™re travelling here for the first time, we recommend that you visit the city during the months of March, April and early May, as it is right after the rainy season.

During May, many students will arrive in the city for college applications, and Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic Celebration) also takes place during end of May to June, so youโ€™ll get to enjoy the most vibrant side of Yogyakarta!

The peak season is from June to mid-August, and December to early February, so enter at your own risk!

September to November is also a good time to travel, but the weather will be rather hot (you have the waterfalls to help you with that).

Ready to savour the best of Yogyakarta cuisine? Tag your foodie partners below and let us know which dish you want to try!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
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