Central Java

Tempeh mendoan is a variety of fried tempeh that hails from Purwokerto. Thin slices of tempeh—fermented soybean product—are dipped in batter that is enriched with ground coriander, sliced scallions, and garlic before they are deep-fried. This tempeh variety is only shortly fr... Read more

Nasi liwet is an Indonesian rice dish known for its rich, aromatic flavor and creamy texture, cooked in coconut milk and infused with fragrant spices. Originating from Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, this dish is a staple of Javanese cuisine, often served during comm... Read more

Predominantly sweet, slightly robust, and deliciously spicy, tongseng is an authentic Indonesian meat stew, typically goat, cooked with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and coconut milk. It is commonly regarded as a combination of satay, meat skewers, and gulai, Indonesi... Read more

Nasi kucing is a traditional dish originating from Surakarta, Yogyakarta, and Semarang in Central Java. The dish consists of a small portion of rice that's topped with ingredients such as tempeh, dried fish, and sambal, or in some cases cucumber, chicken, and eggs. The combination traditionally c... Read more

This Indonesian goat stew originated in Surakarta, Java. It is believed that the dish appeared during the Dutch rule when the best goat cuts were usually distributed among the rich, and what was left for the poor were goat bones which still had some meat attached to them. The bones are cooked in ... Read more

As the name suggests, this bakso variety hails from Solo (Surakarta). It is prepared with firm, but tender beef meatballs that are served in beef broth. The dish is usually accompanied by yellow or vermicelli noodles and various garnishes such as fried onions, greens, or fried wontons. A... Read more

Nasi gandul is a traditional dish originating from Gajahmati village near Pati. The dish consists of white rice and a thick broth or soup that's often compared with curry or gulai. When served, the rice is placed on a banana leaf, and the broth is then poured over the rice. Accompaniments such as... Read more

Native to Central Java, sekoteng is a ginger-based hot drink made with simple ginger syrup and condensed milk. It is topped with sagoo pearls, palm fruit, coconut, diced bread, and peanuts. The drink is sweet in flavor with different textures created by the various toppings. Sekoteng is ... Read more

Selat solo is an Indonesian dish believed to have originated as a European salad that’s been adapted to Javanese tastes. It hails from Solo in Central Java, hence the name. The dish is made with a combination of beef tenderloin, onions, soy sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, shallots, clo... Read more

Nasi bogana is a traditional rice dish originating from Tegal, Central Java. The dish is prepared by spreading a wide banana leaf, then topping it with steamed white rice and fried shallots. The combination is then topped with side dishes such as dendeng (shredded meat), chili sambal, hard-boiled... Read more

Sate buntel is a traditional dish originating from Solo in Central Java. The dish consists of minced lamb that's wrapped in caul fat and placed on bamboo skewers. The caul fat keeps the meat intact while it's cooking on the grill. Once done, sate buntel is typically served with rujak-style pickle... Read more

Sate kere is a traditional dish and a type of satay associated with Solo city (Surakarta). The name of the dish literally means poor man's satay because in the past, satay was an expensive dish prepared with beef or chicken, so the poor learned to make it with leftover offal or tempeh ga... Read more