30 Recommendations for Famous Cirebon Traditional Foods, Let's Taste!

A trip to Cirebon would not be complete without tasting its various traditional dishes full of flavor. This shrimp city is known for its rich culinary offerings that tantalize the taste buds, from snacks to tempting main courses. Here are 30 recommendations for traditional Cirebon dishes that you must try!

1. Empal Gentong

Empal Gentong is a famous culinary icon of Cirebon. This traditional dish from West Java is made from tender beef cooked in a clay pot, offering a rich and delicious flavor. Its strongly aromatic broth is made from special spice blends, providing a deep sensation when enjoyed. Usually served with rice or lontong, you can add sambal and crackers for extra enjoyment. Additionally, the cooking process using firewood gives an authentic taste that is hard to match with other beef dishes.

2. Docang

Docang is a healthy dish full of nutrition and flavor. This dish consists of lontong, cassava leaves, bean sprouts, grated coconut, and crackers, all drizzled with warm oncom sauce. Its savory and fresh taste makes it perfect for breakfast. For traditional food lovers, docang presents a unique texture combination with the spicy and savory sensations from sambal and the infused oncom sauce. Moreover, docang is a great choice for those looking for a light yet flavorful meal.

3. Mie Koclok

Mie Koclok from plate E or Cirebon city offers a different noodle dish than usual. Its thick broth is made from coconut milk, mixed with pieces of egg, shredded chicken, bean sprouts, and celery. The rich coconut milk broth provides a deliciousness that envelops every bite of the noodles. Add a squeeze of lime and a bit of sambal for a refreshing sour and spicy touch. This mie koclok is perfect to enjoy in the afternoon or as a filling dinner.

4. Nasi Lengko

Nasi Lengko is a healthy choice for vegetable lovers. This rice is served with slices of fried tempeh, tofu, cucumber, bean sprouts, and chives, then drizzled with savory peanut sauce. Although simple, the combination of these ingredients offers an extraordinary flavor, especially when sweet soy sauce and fried onions are added. Nasi Lengko is a great choice for breakfast or a light yet satisfying lunch.

5. Sate Kalong

Despite its unique name, Sate Kalong is not made from bats. The name refers to the satay sellers who usually start selling at night like kalong (bats). This satay uses tender buffalo meat, seasoned with a distinctive sweet and spicy flavor. The perfect grilling process allows the spices to penetrate deep into the meat, resulting in an unforgettable taste. Enjoy this satay with lontong for a complete culinary experience.

6. Empal Asam

Empal Asam offers a different taste sensation from Empal Gentong. Its fresh sour broth comes from starfruit, creating a combination of savory, sour, and fresh flavors. The tender meat and tripe served with clear broth make this dish feel light yet full of flavor. Add sambal for an even more tempting spicy sensation. Empal Asam is a perfect choice for those wanting to try a refreshing variation of meat dishes.

7. Tahu Gejrot

Tahu Gejrot has become a favorite snack for many. Fried tofu drizzled with a sweet and spicy sour sauce made from brown sugar, onions, and chili creates a strong yet balanced flavor sensation. Each bite of the crispy tofu outside yet soft inside combined with the pungent spicy sauce will make you want to keep enjoying it. This is the perfect snack to enjoy during relaxation time.

8. Rujak Kangkung

Rujak Kangkung is a unique and delicious vegetable dish. Boiled water spinach is then drizzled with a rujak sauce made from a mixture of peanuts, brown sugar, tamarind, and shrimp paste typical of Cirebon. The fresh taste of the water spinach combined with the sweet and spicy rujak sauce provides a delightful sensation. This is one of the simple vegetable dishes that is full of flavor.

9. Bubur Sop Ayam

Bubur Sop Ayam Cirebon has its own uniqueness. The soft porridge is served with a savory chicken soup. Shredded chicken, various vegetables, and a sprinkle of crackers make this dish feel rich yet light. The soup broth that seeps into the porridge creates a delightful combination of soft and chewy textures. It is perfect to enjoy in the morning as a healthy breakfast.

10. Pedesan Entog

Pedesan Entog is a spicy dish that must be tried for spice lovers. Thick and tender entog meat is cooked with abundant spices and chili, creating a strong savory and spicy flavor. Its thick broth makes this dish even more delicious when eaten with hot rice. For those who are less tolerant of spiciness, you can order it with a lower level of spiciness but still rich in flavor.