8 Must-Try Traditional Foods in Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia and the capital of East Java, is more than just a shopping paradise. While it's widely known for its massive malls and commercial centers, Surabaya is also a haven for culinary enthusiasts. With its rich blend of Javanese, Madurese, and Chinese cultural influences, Surabaya offers a vibrant street food scene that’s both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t just focus on shopping—set aside time to explore Surabaya’s local cuisine. In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 authentic and mouthwatering foods you must eat when visiting Surabaya. Each dish offers a taste of the city's soul and tells a story of its people, culture, and culinary history.
1. Tahu Campur (Mixed Tofu Stew)
Though originally from Lamongan, Tahu Campur is widely enjoyed and readily available in Surabaya. This hearty dish features a delicious medley of mashed potatoes, fried tofu, cassava cake, lettuce, bean sprouts, rice noodles, and a generous helping of savory beef broth. It’s often served with lentho (fried mung bean cake) and lontong (rice cake).
The final touch is a dollop of petis, a thick black shrimp paste that adds deep umami flavor. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike and typically costs between IDR 8,000 to 15,000 (around $0.50 to $1). It's rich, satisfying, and uniquely Surabayan.
2. Pecel Semanggi (Semanggi Salad with Peanut Sauce)
Semanggi is a type of aquatic plant commonly found in the wetlands around Surabaya. It’s the star ingredient in Pecel Semanggi, a humble yet nutritious dish made with boiled semanggi leaves, kangkong (water spinach), bean sprouts, and served with a thick, sweet peanut sauce.
Traditionally served on banana leaves with a large rice cracker (kerupuk), this dish was once a staple among street food vendors. Unfortunately, it's becoming harder to find in modern Surabaya, but it remains one of the city's most iconic traditional dishes. Expect to pay around IDR 5,000 (about $0.35), making it one of the cheapest meals you’ll ever love.
Here we write further about pecel semanggi
3. Lontong Balap (Racing Rice Cake)
Lontong Balap, or "Racing Lontong," has a fun origin. Vendors used to carry the ingredients on bamboo sticks and race to sell them at markets—hence the name. This dish consists of chopped lontong (compressed rice cake), lentho (fried mung bean cake), bean sprouts, fried tofu, and savory broth. It’s typically topped with fried shallots and drizzled with petis sauce.
The dish is often paired with sate kerang (scallop satay) and served hot. For just IDR 8,000 to 10,000 ($0.50 to $0.75), it's a must-try Surabayan street food classic.
4. Tahu Tek (Fried Tofu with Egg and Peanut Sauce)
Tahu Tek is another local favorite, often served as an evening meal. This savory dish includes fried tofu, lontong, boiled bean sprouts, and sometimes scrambled eggs, all drenched in spicy peanut sauce that features petis for extra depth.
The name "Tek Tek" comes from the sound the street vendors make by clanging their utensils to attract customers. Most locals enjoy it spicy—vendors usually add up to 10 chilies. If you're not a fan of heat, ask for a milder version. Tahu Tek is priced around IDR 10,000 ($0.65).
5. Rujak Cingur (Mixed Fruit Salad with Cow Snout)
Rujak Cingur is one of Surabaya’s most famous traditional dishes. It’s a unique fruit and vegetable salad that includes pineapple, raw mango, cucumber, water spinach, tofu, tempeh, and cingur (boiled cow snout). The salad is mixed with a thick black sauce made from petis and peanuts, and often served with lontong.
This dish may sound exotic, but it's a cultural treasure that represents the Javanese fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. A typical portion costs around IDR 10,000 to 15,000 ($0.65 to $1).
We have written the recipe if you want to try it
6. Sate Klopo Ondomohen (Coconut Satay)
Sate Klopo, or coconut satay, is a unique twist on the traditional Indonesian satay. Originating from the Ondomohen area of Surabaya, this satay is made from beef, chicken, or offal that’s marinated, skewered, and grilled with grated coconut, giving it a smoky, nutty flavor.
It’s served with lontong and peanut sauce, making for a hearty and delicious street food meal. Expect to pay about IDR 20,000 ($1.25) for a serving of 10 skewers.
7. Soto Ayam Lamongan (Indonesian Turmeric Chicken Soup)
Although this dish originated in Lamongan, a neighboring town, Soto Ayam Lamongan is extremely popular in Surabaya. It's a comforting chicken soup made with turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, and other spices. The soup includes shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, boiled eggs, fried shallots, and koya (a powder made of garlic and prawn crackers).
Best served with rice and a side of lime, sambal, and crackers, this dish is widely available throughout Surabaya and costs around IDR 10,000 to 20,000 ($0.65 to $1.25).
8. Rawon (Black Beef Soup with Kluwek)
Rawon is one of East Java’s most iconic dishes and holds a special place in Surabaya's culinary culture. This rich, black beef soup is made with kluwek (a type of black nut), which gives the broth its distinctive dark color and earthy flavor. The soup is slow-cooked with beef chunks, garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and various spices.
Rawon is typically served with steamed rice, salted egg, bean sprouts, sambal, and krupuk (crackers). It’s deeply satisfying and best enjoyed hot. Whether eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Rawon is a must-try when visiting Surabaya. It usually costs between IDR 15,000 to 25,000 ($1 to $1.50).
If you want to make one at your home, here is the recipe
Final Thoughts
From the humble Tahu Campur to the bold Rujak Cingur and the earthy richness of Rawon, Surabaya’s culinary landscape is rich, diverse, and waiting to be explored. Most dishes are affordable, deeply flavorful, and rooted in centuries-old traditions that have been passed down through generations.
If you're a foodie or cultural traveler, make sure to immerse yourself in Surabaya’s street food scene. It’s more than just food—it’s a delicious dive into East Java’s heart and soul.
Looking for more East Java food adventures? Stay tuned for our next post on "Top Street Foods You Must Try in East Java.
Posts
0 Comments