Hello friends! If you have ever been to Jogja or are planning to go there, you must already know that this city is not only famous for its rich cultural tourism, but also for its culinary delights that will make your tongue wag. I myself have been to Jogja several times, and every time I come home, there are always new culinary stories that I want to share.
What I like about Jogja culinary is its authenticity. It wasn’t the fancy restaurants with exorbitant prices that made me fall in love, but rather simple stalls that served food with authentic taste. In this article, I want to share my experiences of eating at several places that I think are worth trying. Not a ‘must’ or ‘best’ recommendation, but more like a story from a friend who just returned from Jogja and is excited to share.
Gudeg Yu Djum: First Experience with Original Gudeg from Jogja
The first time I went to Jogja several years ago, a local friend immediately took me to Gudeg Yu Djum in the Wijilan area. “This is real gudeg,” he said with a smile. I still remember the simple but busy atmosphere of the shop. Wooden tables are lined up, the sweet and savory aroma of gudeg wafts through the air, and the sound of spoons clapping against each other.
What impressed me was the texture of the young jackfruit which was soft but not crushed, with the right sweetness from the palm sugar—not too sweet like what I often encounter outside Jogja. Coupled with delicious areh (thick coconut milk sauce) and eggs or chicken as a complement, it is truly a harmonious combination. I learned that good gudeg is balanced—the sweetness doesn’t dominate, the savory doesn’t overpower.
My tip: Come a little later in the day, around 11 o’clock, because usually there is still a complete choice of side dishes. And don’t forget to try it with krecek (cow leather) if you like unique textures!
Angkringan Lik Man: Evenings with a Cup of Coffee and Tempe Bacem
If you are looking for a culinary experience that is more than just eating, try coming to an angkringan. One that is quite famous is Angkringan Lik Man near Tugu Jogja. I came here for the first time accompanied by a friend who was studying in Jogja, and the experience was completely different from eating at a regular restaurant.
Imagine: a cool evening, sitting on a long bench with people from all walks of life—students, workers, local tourists, everyone gathered together. Order a cup of hot coffee or tea, then choose some snacks such as bacem tempeh, intestine satay, or cat rice. The prices are very affordable, which means you can try various kinds without having to worry about having a hole in your pocket.
What I like about angkringan is not just the food, but the atmosphere. Here, you can see the real nightlife of Jogja—casual chatter, joyful laughter, and a warm sense of togetherness. Often I sat until late just to enjoy the atmosphere and observe the people who came and went.
Bakmi Jawa Mbah Hadi: Legendary Noodles that Remain Consistent
As a noodle lover, I always look for delicious noodles in every city I visit. In Jogja, one that is quite recommended is Bakmi Jawa Mbah Hadi. It is located on Jalan Bintaran, and this stall has been around for a long time—you can see it from the decorations and equipment used.
The Javanese noodles here have a chewy texture with delicious peanut sauce. What differentiates it from Javanese noodles in other places is the balance of taste. Not too sweet, not too salty, and the level of spiciness can be adjusted to taste. I usually order with a side of chicken satay or egg, and a portion is always enough to fill me.
What’s interesting, even though it is already famous, the prices at Bakmi Jawa Mbah Hadi are still affordable. The service is fast, suitable for those of you who want to eat deliciously without having to wait long. My advice: come outside peak lunch hours if you don’t want to queue too long.
Wedang Ronde Pak Min: A Warming Conclusion
After a heavy meal, I usually look for something sweet and warm. In Jogja, wedang ronde is the perfect choice. One of the places I visited was the Wedang Ronde Pak Min stall around Malioboro.
Wedang ronde is a traditional drink made from ginger with sticky rice balls filled with peanuts. The taste is unique—spicy from the ginger, sweet from the brown sugar, and savory from the peanuts. What makes Pak Min’s wedang ronde special is the ginger which is strong but not too spicy, and the sticky rice balls which are soft but not mushy.
Drinking wedang ronde on a cool evening while watching the crowds of Malioboro is an experience that I recommend. Usually this stall is open late, so it’s suitable for those of you who still want to hang out after walking around all day.
Ibu Ina’s Es Dawet: Refreshment on a hot day
Jogja can get quite hot during the day, and ice dawet is the perfect lifesaver. I discovered Es Dawet Ibu Ina by accident while walking around Kotagede. The stall is simple, just a cart with a few plastic chairs, but the queue is quite long.
Es dawet is a traditional drink made from cendol (from rice flour or hunkwe), coconut milk and brown sugar. Ibu Ina’s Es Dawet has chewy cendol, savory coconut milk, and brown sugar that is not too sweet. The taste is balanced and refreshing—perfect to drink after lunch or during a break from wandering around.
What I learned from trying various culinary delights in Jogja is that deliciousness is often found in simple places. It is not luxury or price that determines whether food is delicious or not, but the authenticity of the taste and the way it is served.
Tips for Culinary Hunting in Jogja from My Experience
After visiting Jogja several times, I have some tips that might be useful for you:
1. Don’t be afraid to try a simple stall: Often, stalls that look ordinary actually serve the tastiest food. Pay attention to whether the stall is busy with local people—that’s usually a good sign.
2. Came at the right time: Some legendary stalls have the best times to visit. Some are better eaten during the day, some are more suitable for dinner. Ask local people or read reviews first.
3. Taste a little first: If you are unsure about a food, order a small portion first. Jogja has a lot of culinary variations, and not all of them suit everyone’s tastes.
4. Explore areas outside Malioboro: Even though Malioboro has many culinary choices, also try exploring other areas such as Kotagede, Wijilan, or Bintaran. There you can find hidden gems that are not too crowded with tourists.
5. Bring a friend: One of the pleasures of culinary delights in Jogja is being able to share. By bringing friends, you can try a wider variety of foods without having to eat too much alone.
Jogja culinary is a story that never ends. Every time I return, there are always new places to discover, new flavors to try, and new memories to make. It’s not about looking for the ‘best’, but about enjoying the tasting journey—one bite at a time.
So, if you plan to go to Jogja, prepare your stomach and curiosity. Explore, taste and enjoy. Who knows, you might find your own favorite place that you can later tell your friends about like I’m telling you now.
Happy culinary hunting in Jogja!