10 Typical Jogja Foods, From Sweet Gudeg to Soft Bakpia
Experience the unique culinary delights of Yogyakarta, from sweet gudeg to soft bakpia, making every visit to Jogja more memorable.
Yogyakarta, or Jogja, is not only famous as a charming tourist destination with its natural beauty and rich history, but also has a variety of mouth-watering culinary delights.
Jogja’s culinary specialties are very diverse, ranging from heavy meals, snacks, to typical souvenirs that you can take home.
Each dish has its own unique flavor, influenced by its rich history and culture. If you are planning a vacation to Jogja, make sure to try these 10 Typical Jogja Foods that are not only delicious but also reflect the city’s rich culture .
1. Gudeg
The first food that you should not miss when you are in Jogja is Gudeg. This dish has become a culinary icon of Yogyakarta and is the main choice for tourists who come to this city .
Gudeg is made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk, brown sugar, and spices, creating a very distinctive sweet and savory taste. Gudeg is usually served with white rice, free-range chicken, pindang eggs, and krecek chili sauce as a complement.
There are two types of gudeg that are popular in Jogja, namely Gudeg Basah which is more soupy, and Gudeg Kering which is denser. Gudeg Yu Djum is one of the famous places that serves delicious gudeg with authentic taste.
2. Bakpia
If you are looking for a typical souvenir from Yogyakarta, Bakpia is the right choice. Bakpia is a typical Jogja cake made from flour dough filled with sweet green beans , then baked until brown.
Its sweet and soft taste makes bakpia a favorite snack that is suitable to be eaten anytime. Now, bakpia comes in various flavors, such as chocolate, durian, and cheese.
One of the shops that is famous for its bakpia is Bakpia Pathuk 25, which already has a wide reputation and is visited by many tourists to buy bakpia as souvenirs.
3. Klathak Satay
Sate Klathak is a type of satay typical of Jogja that is very unique and famous. Unlike satay in general, Sate Klathak uses goat meat that is skewered with iron bars, not bamboo skewers.
The goat meat used is carefully selected and only seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and sweet soy sauce , so that the natural taste of the goat meat is still felt. After being grilled, this satay is served with soy sauce and white rice.
Its savory and slightly sweet taste makes Sate Klathak a must-try food in Jogja. You can taste it at Sate Klathak Pak Pong, which is known for its quality and delicious taste.
4. Crackers
Krecek is a typical Jogja food made from cow or buffalo skin that is boiled and cooked with spicy chili sauce. Krecek is usually served as a complement to Gudeg, but can also be enjoyed as a main dish.
This food has a chewy texture with a spicy and savory taste that is perfect to accompany warm rice. For spicy food lovers, krecek is the right choice. Krecek can be found in many food stalls in Jogja, especially those that sell gudeg as the main dish.
5. Cat Rice
Nasi Kucing is a simple food that is very popular in Yogyakarta, especially among students and locals. Nasi Kucing consists of white rice served with simple side dishes such as anchovies , chili sauce, tempeh, or fried chicken.
This food has a small portion, so it is very suitable as a snack or light meal. Usually, nasi kucing is sold in street stalls at a very affordable price, making it a favorite choice for those who want to enjoy typical Jogja cuisine without spending a lot of money. Nasi Kucing is easy to find around Yogyakarta, especially in busy areas.
6. Stir-fried Firecrackers
Oseng-Oseng Mercon is a typical Jogja food that is very spicy and delicious. This dish is made from beef or chicken cooked with various spicy spices such as cayenne pepper, shallots, garlic, and other spices.
The spicy and savory flavors combined in this dish make it a favorite for spicy food lovers. For those of you who like the challenge of spicy flavors, Oseng-Oseng Mercon is a must-try choice.
You can taste this spicy dish at Warung Oseng Mercon Bu Narti, which is famous for its mouth-watering spicy taste.
7. Tengkleng
Tengkleng is a typical Jogja dish made from beef bones boiled in coconut milk and spices. This dish has a rich, savory and very tasty flavor, with meat that is tender and falls off the bone easily. Usually, tengkleng is served with white rice and chili sauce, making it an appetizing meal.
Tengkleng is often found in the areas around Sleman and Malioboro, where various stalls serve this dish. Tengkleng is one of the dishes that is highly recommended for visitors who want to taste different culinary specialties from Jogja.
8. Soto Jogja
Soto Jogja is a typical version of soto that is often found in Yogyakarta. This soto is made from free-range chicken with a clear, savory broth, unlike soto in general which usually uses beef.
Soto Jogja is served with various accompaniments such as bean sprouts, boiled eggs, lontong, and fried onions. Soto Jogja is perfect to eat in the morning as breakfast, because it tastes fresh and warm.
Some places that are famous for Soto Jogja are Soto Kadipiro and Soto Ayam Pak Bari, which are already well-known among the people of Yogyakarta.
9. Kalasan Fried Chicken
Kalasan Fried Chicken is a very famous fried chicken dish in Yogyakarta. What differentiates Kalasan fried chicken from other fried chicken is the way it is cooked. The chicken is first marinated in special spices, including coconut milk and spices, giving it a rich taste.
After that, the chicken is fried until it is brown and has a crispy outer texture, while the inside remains soft. Kalasan Fried Chicken is usually served with warm rice, chili sauce, and fresh vegetables.
One of the places that is famous for Kalasan fried chicken is Bu Tini’s Kalasan Fried Chicken which is always crowded with visitors.
10. Jadah Tempeh
Jadah Tempe is a traditional food typical of Jogja made from sticky rice mixed with fried tempeh . Jadah tempeh is usually served with chili sauce as a side dish, creating a very unique savory and spicy taste.
This food is very popular in the Kaliurang area, and is often used as a snack or light meal by the local community. Jadah Tempe is perfect to enjoy while traveling around Yogyakarta because its savory and spicy taste gives a different sensation from other foods.
Yogyakarta is indeed known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty, but its culinary specialties are no less interesting to explore.
From the sweet and savory Gudeg, the delicious Sate Klathak, to the Bakpia which is a typical souvenir, every food in Jogja has a taste that not only whets the appetite, but also tells a rich local story and tradition.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Yogyakarta’s culinary specialties, which will provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience during your vacation.
Many of these delicacies also make perfect Typical Jogja Souvenirs, allowing you to bring a taste of this vibrant city back home with you.