Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, is not just renowned for its temples, palaces, and art scene but also for its vibrant culinary landscape. From humble street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Yogyakarta offers a tantalizing array of delicious and affordable eats. This article will guide you through 15 must-try places to eat in Yogyakarta, ensuring your taste buds are treated to the best the city has to offer.

Indulge in the Flavors of Yogyakarta’s Street Food

Yogyakarta’s street food scene is a true highlight, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures. Here are some must-try street food experiences:

1. Gudeg Bu Tjitro: A Yogyakarta Icon

No culinary journey in Yogyakarta is complete without experiencing gudeg, a sweet and savory jackfruit stew that’s a Yogyakarta staple. Gudeg Bu Tjitro is a legendary spot known for its rich and flavorful gudeg, prepared with traditional methods passed down through generations. Be sure to try the gudeg with krecek (beef skin) for an added layer of texture.

2. Bakmi Jawa: A Comforting Classic

Bakmi Jawa is a popular Indonesian noodle dish, and Yogyakarta is home to numerous excellent stalls serving this comforting classic. Bakmi Pak Pele is a favorite among locals, offering a variety of bakmi dishes, including bakmi godog (noodle soup) and bakmi goreng (fried noodles). Be sure to add a krupuk (cracker) and a sambal (chili sauce) for a flavorful kick.

3. Sate Klathak: Skewers of Grilled Goat

Sate Klathak is a unique Yogyakarta specialty, featuring skewered goat meat grilled over burning charcoal. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. Sate Klathak Pak Pong is a renowned spot known for its tender and flavorful sate. Try it with a side of sambal kecap (sweet soy sauce chili sauce) for an extra punch of flavor.

Explore Yogyakarta’s Diverse Culinary Delights

Yogyakarta’s culinary scene extends beyond street food, offering a diverse range of dining experiences to suit every palate.

4. Oseng Mercon: Spicy Beef Delights

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, Oseng Mercon is a must-try. This dish features tender beef stir-fried with a fiery chili sauce, creating a tantalizingly spicy experience. Oseng Mercon Pak Gareng is a well-known spot for this dish, offering varying levels of spiciness to suit different preferences.

5. Soto Ayam: A Warm and Savory Soup

Soto Ayam is a popular Indonesian chicken soup dish, and Yogyakarta has its own unique variations. Soto Ayam Pak Kumis is a local favorite, known for its rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and generous toppings like krupuk and seledri (celery).

6. Nasi Liwet: A Yogyakarta Specialty

Nasi Liwet is a traditional Yogyakarta rice dish cooked with coconut milk and spices. It’s typically served with various side dishes, including ayam goreng (fried chicken), tempe goreng (fried tempeh), and sambal goreng (spicy stir-fried vegetables). Nasi Liwet Bu Hj. Sudarmi is a popular spot for this delicious dish.

Indulge in Sweet Treats and Refreshing Drinks

After a day of exploring Yogyakarta’s cultural attractions, treat yourself to some sweet treats and refreshing drinks.

7. Klepon: Green Rice Balls

Klepon are a popular Indonesian dessert made from chewy green rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut. Klepon are a delightful and refreshing treat, perfect for enjoying after a meal.

8. Es Dawet: A Cooling Delight

Es Dawet is a refreshing Indonesian dessert made from tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and palm sugar. The mixture is then served over shaved ice, creating a cool and delicious treat, perfect for beating the Yogyakarta heat.

9. Kopi Joss: A Unique Coffee Experience

For a unique coffee experience, try Kopi Joss. This traditional Yogyakarta drink features freshly brewed coffee with a glowing hot charcoal piece placed in the bottom of the glass. The hot charcoal adds a distinctive smoky flavor to the coffee. Kopi Joss is known for its strong and bold taste.

Explore Culinary Gems Beyond the City Center

Venture beyond Yogyakarta’s city center to discover hidden culinary gems.

10. Geprek Bu Narti: Crispy and Spicy Chicken

Geprek Bu Narti is a popular spot for ayam geprek, a crispy fried chicken dish crushed with a mortar and pestle, then topped with a generous amount of chili sauce. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish with a satisfying crunch.

11. Ayam Penyet: A Finger-Licking Delight

Ayam Penyet is another popular fried chicken dish, characterized by its tender and flavorful chicken that’s crushed with a mortar and pestle, releasing its juices. Ayam Penyet is often served with a variety of sambal (chili sauce) for an extra spicy kick.

12. Warung Lesehan: A Casual Dining Experience

For a more casual dining experience, try a warung lesehan. These open-air restaurants are typically set up on the ground with mats or tables, offering a rustic and authentic atmosphere. Warung lesehan often serve a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes.

A Culinary Journey Through the Night

Yogyakarta’s culinary scene extends into the night, offering a vibrant array of street food and late-night dining options.

13. Angkringan: A Nighttime Food Haven

Angkringan are small street food stalls that come alive at night. They offer a variety of affordable and delicious dishes, including nasi kucing (tiny portions of rice), sate (grilled skewers), and tahu (tofu). Angkringan are a great place to experience the local culture and enjoy a casual nighttime meal.

14. Pecel Lele: Fried Catfish Delight

Pecel Lele is a popular Indonesian dish featuring fried catfish served with a spicy peanut sauce. Pecel Lele is often enjoyed late at night, especially after a night out.

15. Bakso: Meatball Soup Extravaganza

Bakso is a popular Indonesian meatball soup dish. Bakso is usually made with beef meatballs, but other variations exist, including chicken and fish meatballs. Bakso is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a late-night snack.

Tips for Navigating Yogyakarta’s Culinary Scene

• Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and explore different cuisines.
• Don’t be afraid to ask: If you’re unsure about what to order, ask the locals or the restaurant staff for recommendations.
• Bargain for prices: At street food stalls, it’s common to bargain for prices.
• Be mindful of portion sizes: Some dishes are served in large portions, so consider sharing with others.
• Carry cash: Many street food stalls and smaller restaurants only accept cash.

Conclusion

Yogyakarta’s culinary scene is a true delight for food enthusiasts. From the vibrant street food to the diverse restaurants, there’s something to suit every palate and budget. This guide has highlighted 15 of the best places to eat in Yogyakarta, but there are many more culinary gems waiting to be discovered. So, get out there and explore the delicious flavors of Yogyakarta!