10 List of Typical Central Javanese Foods That Will Make You Addicted

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List of Typical Central Javanese Foods That Will Make You Addicted
Photo: Envato Elements/Tehcheesiong

Discover a variety of delicious and addictive Central Javanese specialties, from Gudeg to Lumpia Semarang.

Central Java, a province located in the heart of Java Island, is known for its delicious culinary diversity. The richness of Javanese culture is reflected in the unique and authentic taste of traditional food.

Each region in Central Java has its own culinary characteristics that always succeed in making anyone addicted. Here is a list of 10 Typical Central Javanese Foods that you must try and are guaranteed to make your tongue wag.

1. Gudeg Jogja

Although often associated with Yogyakarta, Gudeg is also very popular in Central Java. Made from young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk until soft, Gudeg has a distinctive sweet and savory taste.

Served with rice, chicken, eggs, tofu, tempeh, and sambal krecek (spicy skin crackers), this food is a favorite choice for many people. Gudeg is a symbol of Javanese culinary delights that makes many tourists want to return to Java just to taste it again.

2. Soto Kudus

Soto Kudus is one of the most famous soto variants in Indonesia. Unlike soto from other regions, Soto Kudus uses buffalo meat as the main ingredient, although nowadays many also use chicken.

The clear, savory broth with a mixture of spices such as bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal, gives a fresh taste in the mouth. Usually, Soto Kudus is served in a small bowl and eaten with rice, sliced boiled eggs, and fried onions.

3. Semarang Spring Rolls

Lumpia Semarang is a snack that has become a culinary icon in the city of Semarang. This spring roll is made from flour dough filled with bamboo shoots (young bamboo shoots), eggs, shrimp and chicken meat. After that, the lumpia is rolled and fried until crispy.

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Served with a thick sweet and spicy sauce, as well as pickled cucumber and garlic, this lumpia has a great combination of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. It is not surprising that Lumpia Semarang is a typical souvenir that is hunted by many tourists.

4. Tahu Gimbal

Another typical food from Semarang that is no less delicious is Tahu Gimbal. Tahu Gimbal is a dish consisting of fried tofu, sliced cabbage, bean sprouts, lontong, and gimbal (a type of shrimp fritter).

All of these ingredients are then doused with a slightly spicy and sweet peanut sauce, and topped with crackers.

The combination of the savory taste of tofu, the freshness of vegetables, and the delicious peanut sauce make Tahu Gimbal a suitable food choice to be enjoyed at any time.

5. Solo Liwet Rice

Solo Liwet Rice
Photo: X/Pernahada

If you visit Solo, don’t miss trying Nasi Liwet Solo. This Nasi Liwet is cooked with coconut milk and chicken broth, resulting in a savory and soft taste.

This rice is usually served with chayote, shredded chicken, eggs, and areh (a kind of thick coconut milk sauce). Nasi Liwet Solo has a complex yet light taste, perfect to enjoy in the morning or evening.

6. Fried Tempeh

Tempe Mendoan originates from Banyumas, but has become a food known throughout Central Java. Tempe mendoan is tempeh coated with seasoned flour dough and fried briefly until half cooked, so that the result remains soft and not too dry.

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This tempeh is usually served with sweet and spicy soy sauce, creating a perfect combination of texture and taste. Although simple, this food is very popular and can easily be addictive.

7. Garang Asem

Garang Asem is a culinary specialty from the Demak and Pekalongan areas which is very popular because of its fresh, sour taste. This food is made from chicken cooked in sour sauce from starfruit and wrapped in banana leaves.

The sour and fresh sauce combined with traditional spices such as shallots, garlic, chilies, and candlenuts, make Garang Asem a refreshing and appetizing food. Perfect to enjoy on hot days or when you want something light but full of flavor.

8. Ongklok Noodles

For noodle fans, Mie Ongklok from Wonosobo is worth a try. Unlike most noodles, Mie Ongklok is served with a thick sauce made from a mixture of starch, shrimp, and spices.

This noodle is usually served with cabbage, chives, and accompanied by beef satay and tempe kemul (fried tempeh with flour). The thick and savory sauce makes Mie Ongklok have a distinctive taste that is different from other noodle dishes.

9. Buntil

Buntil is a unique traditional food from Central Java, made from cassava leaves or papaya leaves filled with grated coconut, anchovies, or minced meat. After being filled, the leaves are wrapped and cooked in spiced coconut milk sauce until absorbed.

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The savory taste of coconut milk combined with a slightly spicy and sour taste makes Buntil a dish that is rich in flavor and filling. Typically, Buntil is served with warm white rice, making it a perfect dish for lunch or dinner.

10. Gethuk Magelang

Magelang is known for its delicious and sweet gethuk. Gethuk is made from steamed cassava, then pounded until smooth and mixed with sugar.

There are various types of gethuk, but the most popular is gethuk lindri, where pounded cassava is molded and cut into pieces, then served with a sprinkling of grated coconut.

The natural sweetness of cassava and the savory taste of coconut make Gethuk a delicious snack that will definitely make you You want to try it again and again.

Those are 10 typical Central Javanese foods that will make you addicted. From heavy meals like Gudeg and Nasi Liwet to delicious snacks like Gethuk and Traditional Food of Semarang such as Lumpia, Central Java has a culinary wealth that is second to none.

Each dish offers a unique taste combined with local history and tradition, making Central Javanese cuisine not only delicious but also full of meaning.

So, if you have the chance to visit Central Java, make sure to try these foods. Guaranteed, your culinary experience will be more complete and unforgettable.

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