Yogyakarta, often lovingly called Jogja by locals, is not only a cultural and historical gem of Indonesia but also a culinary treasure trove. The city’s vibrant street food scene offers an array of flavors that reflect the richness of Javanese tradition, balanced with spicy, sweet, and savory notes. Whether you're a food adventurer or just looking to satisfy your appetite on a budget, Yogyakarta’s streets will not disappoint. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best street food to try in Yogyakarta, from sweet delights to hearty meals. Slot dana 5000

1. Gudeg – The Iconic Jogja Dish

No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without tasting gudeg, the city's signature dish. It’s a traditional Javanese meal made from young jackfruit stewed for hours in palm sugar and coconut milk, resulting in a sweet, tender, and richly flavored dish.

Where to try: Gudeg Yu Djum, Gudeg Pawon

What’s in it: Young jackfruit, coconut milk, hard-boiled egg, tofu or tempeh, krecek (spicy beef skin crackers), and steamed rice.

Taste profile: Sweet, earthy, and mildly spicy.

2. Sate Klathak – Grilled Lamb Skewers with a Twist

Unlike your typical satay, Sate Klathak is made with lamb meat and grilled using simple seasonings like salt and pepper. What makes it unique is its use of iron skewers, which help cook the meat evenly from the inside.

Where to try: Sate Klathak Pak Pong in Bantul.

What’s in it: Lamb skewers, served with a light curry-like broth and rice.

Taste profile: Meaty, smoky, lightly seasoned to let the lamb shine.

3. Bakmi Jawa – Traditional Javanese Noodles

Bakmi Jawa is a classic Javanese-style noodle dish, often cooked over charcoal for a distinct smoky flavor. There are two main types: Bakmi Godhog (soupy noodles) and Bakmi Goreng (fried noodles).

Where to try: Bakmi Mbah Mo or Bakmi Pele near Alun-Alun Kidul.

What’s in it: Yellow egg noodles, chicken, garlic, shallots, eggs, vegetables.

Taste profile: Comforting, savory, with hints of sweetness.

4. Angkringan Food – The Spirit of Street Dining in Jogja

Angkringan are small roadside food stalls selling a wide variety of snacks and meals. They’re more than just food stalls—they’re social hubs for locals. The main highlight is nasi kucing, a tiny portion of rice with various toppings.

Where to try: Angkringan Lik Man, near Tugu Station.

What’s in it: Nasi kucing, skewered snacks like quail eggs, chicken intestines, tofu, tempeh, gorengan (fried foods).

Must-try drink: Kopi Joss—coffee with a hot charcoal dropped in.

Taste profile: Varied—spicy, savory, sweet, and crunchy.

5. Lumpia – Jogja-Style Spring Rolls

Though originally from Semarang, lumpia is a popular snack in Jogja too. It’s a fried spring roll filled with vegetables, meat, or eggs.

Where to try: Malioboro Street vendors.

What’s in it: Bamboo shoots, eggs, chicken or prawn, wrapped in thin pastry and deep-fried.

Taste profile: Crispy on the outside, juicy and savory inside.

6. Oseng-Oseng Mercon – Spicy Beef Explosion

The name says it all—mercon means "firecracker" in Indonesian, and this dish lives up to its name. It’s a super spicy beef stir-fry loved by chili enthusiasts.

Where to try: Oseng-Oseng Mercon Bu Narti, near Alun-Alun.

What’s in it: Beef, chili peppers, garlic, spices.

Taste profile: Fiery hot, intense, and addictive for spicy food lovers.

7. Tiwul and Gatot – Traditional Cassava-Based Snacks

A throwback to the times when rice was scarce, tiwul and gatot are traditional snacks made from cassava. Today, they’re considered delicacies that celebrate Jogja’s rural roots.

Where to try: Traditional markets like Pasar Beringharjo or street vendors near Malioboro.

What’s in it: Tiwul (steamed cassava flour), Gatot (fermented dried cassava), grated coconut, palm sugar.

Taste profile: Slightly sweet, chewy, and earthy.

8. Geplak – Sweet Coconut Treat

Geplak is a brightly colored sweet made from grated coconut and sugar. It’s a Jogja specialty and often given as a souvenir (oleh-oleh) for visitors.

Where to try: Pathok Geplak Factory or local markets.

What’s in it: Grated coconut, sugar, natural food coloring.

Taste profile: Very sweet, coconutty, and chewy.

9. Wedang Ronde – Warm Ginger Dessert Soup

Perfect for cool nights, wedang ronde is a comforting traditional Javanese drink/dessert with sweet glutinous rice balls in a ginger-based soup.

Where to try: Street vendors near Malioboro or Alun-Alun Utara.

What’s in it: Glutinous rice balls with peanut filling, ginger syrup, peanuts, kolang-kaling.

Taste profile: Sweet, spicy (from the ginger), and soothing.

10. Es Dawet Ayu – Traditional Javanese Iced Drink

This refreshing beverage is perfect after a long day walking under the Jogja sun. It’s made with rice flour jelly, palm sugar, and coconut milk.

Where to try: Traditional markets, roadside stands, or Alun-Alun Selatan.

What’s in it: Cendol (green rice flour jelly), coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, ice.

Taste profile: Sweet, creamy, cold, and aromatic.

11. Pecel – Javanese Salad with Peanut Sauce

A healthy, flavorful dish, pecel is a mix of boiled vegetables served with a thick, spicy peanut sauce.

Where to try: Street vendors during morning hours or traditional markets.

What’s in it: Water spinach, bean sprouts, long beans, basil, tofu, peanut sauce, rice or lontong (rice cake).

Taste profile: Nutty, slightly spicy, fresh, and savory.

12. Martabak Manis – Sweet Indonesian Pancake

Although available across Indonesia, Martabak Manis in Jogja often comes with unique local fillings like durian or Nutella mixed with cheese.

Where to try: Night street vendors, especially near Galleria Mall or Jalan Kaliurang.

What’s in it: Thick pancake filled with butter, chocolate, cheese, condensed milk.

Taste profile: Sweet, rich, indulgent.

13. Jadah Tempe – Savory Rice Cake with Fried Tempeh

Originating from Kaliurang, Jadah Tempe is a beloved Jogja snack that combines sticky rice cakes with marinated, fried tempeh.

Where to try: Kaliurang Street Food Stalls.

What’s in it: Glutinous rice (jadah), sweet-savoury tempeh.

Taste profile: Mildly sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy.

14. Serabi Notosuman – Coconut Pancakes

Serabi is a type of pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk. Jogja’s version can be found with various toppings like bananas, cheese, or even spicy sambal.

Where to try: Serabi Notosuman stands or Pasar Beringharjo.

What’s in it: Rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, various toppings.

Taste profile: Soft, sweet, slightly crispy edges.

15. Tempura ala Jogja – Budget Street Seafood

Jogja’s take on tempura isn’t like Japanese tempura. It often includes battered and deep-fried items like sausages, tofu, and even crab sticks, served with peanut sauce or spicy sambal.

Where to try: Near universities or angkringan stalls.

What’s in it: Fried seafood and snacks, peanut sauce or sambal.

Taste profile: Crunchy, savory, spicy.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Adventure Awaits

Yogyakarta’s street food scene offers more than just sustenance—it tells stories of heritage, local wisdom, and culinary creativity. Each bite is a journey into the soul of the city, where food is not just eaten but experienced. Whether you're wandering Malioboro, lounging in Alun-Alun, or exploring hidden alleys, one thing is certain: the taste of Jogja will linger long after your trip ends.