Surabaya Cuisine: Explore Traditional Dishes

Surabaya, the capital of East Java, boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects its cultural diversity and history. Known for its bold flavors and unique dishes, Surabaya cuisine is a celebration of local ingredients and age-old recipes. From savory soups to delightful street foods, the traditional dishes of Surabaya are a feast for the senses. This article invites you to explore must-try local delicacies and dining spots that capture the essence of Surabaya’s vibrant food scene.

Key Takeaways

• Surabaya cuisine offers a diverse range of traditional dishes rich in flavors.
• Signature dishes like Soto and Rawon are key representations of the city’s culinary heritage.
• street food in Surabaya presents affordable and delicious options for every palate.
• food markets and local eateries are excellent for sampling authentic Surabaya dishes.

1. Soto Surabaya: Traditional Indonesian Soup

Soto Surabaya is a beloved traditional Indonesian soup that represents the heart of Surabaya’s culinary heritage. This aromatic dish features a flavorful broth made from chicken or beef, infused with spices like turmeric, lemongrass, and ginger. Typically served with vermicelli noodles, boiled eggs, and fresh herbs, Soto Surabaya is both comforting and utterly delicious.

To enjoy this dish to the fullest, it’s often garnished with fried shallots and a squeeze of lime, adding a delightful zing. Soto is not just a meal; it’s a complete experience filled with rich flavors and textures. The best part is that you can find this dish at numerous food stalls and small restaurants throughout the city.

Pro Tip: For the best Soto Surabaya, try to visit local eateries for an authentic taste that captures the essence of this traditional soup.

Where to eat: Head to Soto Ambengan 99 or Soto Ayam Lamongan Cak Shinta for a fantastic bowl of Soto Surabaya, bursting with flavor and tradition.

2. Rujak Cingur: A Unique East Javanese Salad

Rujak Cingur is not your typical salad; it is a unique dish that celebrates the essence of East Javanese flavors. This salad includes a mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, and cingur, which is boiled Buffalo snout. What sets Rujak Cingur apart is its sweet and spicy peanut sauce dressing, combined with a sprinkle of ground shrimp paste. It’s a texture-packed dish that lovers of bold flavors will adore.

The tangy taste of the sauce beautifully enhances the ingredients, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Rujak Cingur is often enjoyed as a street food delicacy, and it is a great introduction to Surabaya’s varied palate.

Did you know? Rujak Cingur is typically served with rice cakes, making it filling and perfect for lunch or a snack.

Where to eat: To savor an authentic Rujak Cingur, visit Rujak Cingur 99 or Rujak Cingur Cak Koes, where you will experience its original taste.

3. Rawon: Rich and Aromatic Beef Soup

Rawon is a signature dish from East Java, particularly renowned in Surabaya. This rich and aromatic beef soup is famous for its distinct black color, which comes from the use of keluak nuts, a type of black nut that adds depth and complexity to the dish. Rawon is typically served with tender chunks of beef, bean sprouts, and a side of rice, making it a hearty, comforting meal.

What makes Rawon truly special is the unique blend of spices, which include lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, providing a savory flavor that warms the soul. It’s an ideal dish for those who love exploring bold flavors.

Pro Tip: Enhance your Rawon experience by adding a splash of lime juice and a few slices of fresh chili for extra zest!

Where to eat: For a taste of delicious Rawon, try Rawon Setan or Rawon Prongos, both acclaimed for their authentic rendition of this rich soup.

4. Tahu Tek: Surabaya’s Tofu and Peanut Sauce Delight

Tahu Tek is a beloved Surabaya traditional dish that features a delightful combination of tofu, vegetables, and peanut sauce. This unique dish typically includes fried tofu, bean sprouts, and a variety of vegetables, all smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy peanut sauce. The texture is a fantastic mix of soft and crunchy, making each bite a flavorful experience.

This dish is often served on a banana leaf, adding an authentic touch. Additionally, it’s topped with crispy emping (melon seed crackers) for an extra crunch. The balance of flavors — sweet, spicy, and savory — showcases why Tahu Tek is a must-try for any food lover visiting Surabaya.

Pro Tip: Tahu Tek is best enjoyed fresh, so look for street vendors or local eateries in Surabaya for the most authentic experience!

Where to eat: For a memorable Tahu Tek experience, head to Kedai Tahu Tek 88 or Warung Tahu Tek 99, both popular spots among locals for this delicious dish.

5. Semanggi: Surabaya’s Unique Clove Leaf Salad

Semanggi is a traditional salad from Surabaya that stands out due to its main ingredient — clove leaves. This unique salad is a refreshing dish, often served with a rich, sweet peanut sauce that adds a delightful flavor. Semanggi is mixed with fresh vegetables like bean sprouts and often garnished with fried shallots, enhancing its taste and texture.

This dish is not only flavorful but also offers numerous health benefits, as clove leaves are rich in antioxidants. You can enjoy Semanggi as a side dish or a light meal. It’s a popular choice for those seeking something authentic and different.

Did you know? Semanggi is often enjoyed as a snack and can be found at various food stalls throughout Surabaya.

Where to eat: To try Semanggi, visit Semanggi Mbak Tatik or Tukang Semanggi Suka-Suka, both known for their delicious preparations of this unique salad.

6. Lontong Balap: Rice Cake with Shrimp and Beansprouts

Lontong Balap is another traditional Surabaya dish that offers a hearty and satisfying meal. This unique dish consists of compressed rice cakes (lontong) served with a variety of toppings, including shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu, and a spicy soy sauce. The combination of textures creates a delightful sensation, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Often, Lontong Balap is accompanied by a side of chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick. It’s typically found at street food stalls and is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.

Pro Tip: Pair Lontong Balap with a glass of iced tea to cool down from the spiciness!

Where to eat: For a delicious Lontong Balap, check out Warung Lontong Balap 888 or Depot Lontong Balap Sidoarjo, both popular venues known for their tasty versions of this classic dish.

7. Gado-Gado: A Nutty Vegetable Salad

Gado-Gado is a beloved traditional dish from Surabaya featuring a vibrant mix of boiled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and tofu. This dish is unique due to its rich peanut sauce, which gives it a delightful flavor. Typically, you can find a variety of vegetables such as carrots, long beans, and cabbage that are either steamed or blanched. The peanut sauce is made from roasted peanuts, garlic, chili, and lime, creating a creamy and slightly spicy dressing.

Not only is Gado-Gado delicious, but it is also very nutritious due to the variety of fresh ingredients used. To enjoy this dish, it’s common to serve it with rice on the side, making it a filling meal. Moreover, Gado-Gado is a great option for vegetarian visitors experiencing Surabaya traditional dishes.

Pro Tip: For an authentic experience, add a squeeze of lime juice over the salad to enhance its flavors!

Where to eat: You can try Gado-Gado at Gado-Gado Bistik 88, known for its delicious peanut sauce, or Restoran Gado-Gado Budi Utomo, a local favorite with a homey atmosphere.

8. Nasi Cumi: Calamari Rice Dish with Rich Spices

Nasi Cumi is an intriguing dish that showcases the seafood bounty of Surabaya. It consists of steamed rice served with sautéed calamari that is cooked in a blend of rich spices. The calamari is often marinated with a mix of garlic, shallots, and chili, providing a burst of flavors that complements the fragrant rice.

This dish is not only a treat for seafood lovers but also illustrates the diversity of Surabaya traditional dishes. The combination of tender calamari and fluffy rice creates a satisfying meal that is perfect any time of day. It is frequently garnished with fried shallots to give it an extra crunch.

Did you know? Nasi Cumi can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with other sides such as tahu or fried egg.

Where to eat: For an authentic taste of Nasi Cumi, visit Nasi Cumi 99, renowned for its bold flavors, or seafood 99, which offers various seafood delicacies in a cozy environment.

9. Kerupuk Udang: Traditional Shrimp Crackers

Kerupuk Udang are crunchy, deep-fried shrimp crackers that serve as a popular snack and accompaniment to meals in Surabaya. Made from a mixture of ground shrimp and tapioca flour, these crackers are often enjoyed for their delightful crunch and savory flavor. They can be served plain or flavored with spices, enhancing their taste even further.

In Surabaya, Kerupuk Udang is a common addition to dishes like Nasi Goreng or even Gado-Gado. These crackers add a unique texture and are often enjoyed alongside a spicy dipping sauce. You can find these shrimp crackers at street food stalls or local seafood restaurants.

Pro Tip: Pair Kerupuk Udang with your favorite Indonesian dishes to elevate your dining experience!

Where to eat: For the best Kerupuk Udang, head to Warung Kerupuk Udang Jaya, known for their homemade recipes. Alternatively, visit local markets like Pasar Keputran, where you can sample various types of shrimp crackers.

10. Tahu Campur: Mixed Tofu Delight with Spicy Sauce

Tahu Campur is one of Surabaya’s traditional dishes that showcases the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine. This dish primarily consists of fried tofu, mixed with various fresh vegetables like bean sprouts and cucumber, and is generously topped with a spicy peanut sauce. The balance of textures and flavors makes Tahu Campur a must-try when exploring Surabaya’s culinary delights.

As you indulge in this dish, you will notice the rich nutty taste of the sauce, which beautifully complements the softness of the tofu. Additionally, crackers and a sprinkle of fried shallots are often added for extra crunch. It’s a delightful combination that is both filling and comforting.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask for additional chili if you love a spicy kick in your dishes!

Where to eat: For a true Tahu Campur experience, visit Tahu Campur Khas Surabaya, well-known among locals for its authentic flavors and generous portions.

11. Es Doger: Refreshing Coconut Dessert

Es Doger is a beloved dessert in Surabaya, known for its refreshing qualities. This cool treat is made of shaved ice mixed with a variety of ingredients such as young coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of palm sugar syrup. To add an extra sweetness, sometimes, red or white jelly and sticky rice are included.

On hot days, Es Doger is a delicious way to cool down. Its creamy texture and the delightful chunkiness of coconut pieces create a satisfying dessert experience. The colors of the different ingredients also make it visually appealing.

Did you know? Es Doger is often sold by street vendors, making it a popular snack for those exploring the city.

Where to eat: Check out Es Doger Gigi near the city center, where you can enjoy a wide range of flavors and toppings!

12. Surabaya Street Food: A Flavorful Experience

Sampling Surabaya street food is an integral part of experiencing the city’s culinary culture. The streets are lined with bustling vendors offering a variety of tantalizing dishes. From savory snacks to sweet treats, each stall presents a unique taste of the region.

Some must-try street foods include dim sum style dumplings, grilled corn on the cob, and freshly made kerupuk udang (shrimp crackers). Each dish is typically affordable, allowing you to try multiple treats without breaking the bank.

Pro Tip: For the best experience, visit the night markets, where you can find a lively atmosphere as locals gather to enjoy their favorite dishes.

Where to eat: Head to Pasar Atom, a popular spot filled with various stalls. Don’t forget to explore G-Walk for a modern twist on street food with a lively ambiance!

Exploring Surabaya cuisine offers a delightful journey into the heart of East Java’s rich culinary traditions. With vibrant street food, comforting soups, and unique salads, Surabaya has something for every food lover to enjoy. We invite you to share your favorite traditional dishes or plan your next culinary adventure in Surabaya!

Frequently Asked Questions