Central Java's Most Famous and Must-Try Traditional Foods!

For those of you who are on vacation in Central Java, it wouldn't be complete if you haven't tried the famous traditional dishes of Central Java. So what are the names of these dishes? For more details, please pay attention to the following review. 

Famous Traditional Dishes of Central Java 

There are several famous traditional dishes of Central Java that you should know. For more details, here they are. 

1. Gudeg

Who doesn't know Gudeg? This traditional dish from Yogyakarta, Central Java is not only loved by domestic tourists but also by international visitors. This dish made from jackfruit, cooked with brown sugar and coconut milk, can delight the taste buds of anyone who tries it. Additionally, toppings such as sambel krecek, thick coconut milk, free-range chicken, and bacem eggs can enhance the flavor produced.

2. Lumpia

The second most famous dish in Central Java is Lumpia. This traditional food from Semarang is well-known for its taste. In the past, Lumpia was only filled with bamboo shoots, carrots, and vermicelli. However, now there are various fillings from beef, chicken, to shrimp. Its high demand makes this food available at every corner of the city of Semarang. 

3. Tempe mendoan

This dish made from tempeh and coated with seasoned flour is known even internationally. It has even been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

4. Soto Kudus 

As the name suggests, this soto comes from the Kudus region. This soto is characterized by its clear broth. Although the broth is clear, its taste is very authentic and delicious, making it known to this day. 

5. Tengkleng gajah 

Tengkleng gajah is one of the famous traditional dishes in Central Java. Despite its name, tengkleng gajah, the main ingredient of this dish does not come from elephant meat. Instead, it is made from goat meat. For its serving variations, there are two types, namely fried and made into tongseng. 

6. Sate klathak 

Sate Klathak is a traditional satay from Central Java. This satay has a different taste compared to regular goat satay. This is because sate klathak relies solely on salt and does not use soy sauce in its grilling process. 

7. Mie ongklok

Mie ongklok is a traditional dish from Wonosobo, Central Java. This noodle is known for its unique and distinctive taste. The broth is mixed with a little starch, making its texture thicker. Additionally, the generous toppings of fried shallots, cabbage, and chives make the taste of mie ongklok even fresher. 

8. Nasi goreng tembakau

This traditional dish from Temanggung, Central Java is well-known in other regions of Indonesia. It has a unique flavor because its seasoning is made with a mixture of tobacco seeds. 

9. Sate kere

This traditional satay from Yogyakarta, Central Java has an economic value in line with its name. This satay is made from tempe gembus mixed with offal. The taste of this satay is no less than that of other meat satays. Moreover, the mixture of tempe gembus gives this satay a soft texture when eaten. Its delicious taste makes the community fond of sate kere. In fact, this satay is a favorite food of President Jokowi. 

10. Bandeng presto

Bandeng presto has a tender taste because it is cooked in a special high-pressure pot. This makes the bandeng bones soft and edible. 

Read Also: 5 Traditional Dishes from Jepara That You Should Take as Souvenirs

Thus, here are the recommendations for famous traditional dishes from Central Java that you can taste when you are in Central Java.