Ampel, Middle East of Surabaya

ampel in a potrait

Last night i went to Ampel, a place in Surabaya which resemblance middle east a lot. I went there to look some of middle east cuisine. Ampel is a sub - district located in Semampir district in Surabaya city. Ampel has a long way story for become a part middle east in Surabaya. If you go take a walk around the location you will see many people with Arabian Heritage, because the majority of its inhabitants are those people .

The story of Ampel began around 15th century. The name Ampel is derived from Sunan Ampel, a man from Campa. There is controversy about where Campa is. Encyclopedia Van Nederlandesh Indie noted that Campa is located in Modern Cambodia while Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles noted that Campa is derived from Jeumpa which is Aceh word thus make it from modern Aceh. Which one is true we do not know.

Sunan Ampel is on mission to spread Islam in Java. He was given a small portion of Majapahit Land in North Surabaya, and he made it a center for his campaign. He built a first Islamic boarding school in there, called Ampeldenta and Ampel Mosque. And the place was called Ampeldenta. Many Islam Theologian attended Ampeldenta and later they are widespread around Java to spread Islam to Java people. The example is Sunan Drajat and Sunan Giri. Sometimes after he built Demak Kingdom, the first Islamic Kingdom in Java he died and was buried here in Ampel.

In modern days, Ampel has become middle east center in Surabaya. Many Arab people set their home here. If you walk around you can easily find Arab cuisine like Maryam bread or Roasted goat. It also become Islam Religion Center in Surabaya. Many people visit Sunan Ampel grave every year. It also has a market around the mosque which sells many middle east things, such as perfume, date fruit, or clothes.

Many of its cuisine still using Original recipe like in the middle east, so you can have authentic taste. The typical Middle east cuisine which full of spice will satisfy your appetite. Although the food is a little bit expensive, it still has many costumers. The most favorite food to serve is Roasted Goat or Baked Goat, and Maryam Bread. Sometimes you will also find Kebab.

Besides Maryam Bread you will find rice. Like many other places in Asia, Arab cuisine sometimes also using rice to fill their stomach. But it has some distinct different among other places, In middle east the rice was added with spices. It will taste spicy but delicious. The famous one is Kebuli rice and Briani Rice. The market also sold various variety of date fruit. From Tunisia to California dates they are ready to sold. If you looking for Middle east clothes you can easily find it here, i think it was imported directly from Middle East.

If you visit Surabaya, do not forget to visit Ampel. Buy the food, feel the atmosphere of Middle east in Surabaya. But you must be careful though, because Ampel is crowded places you must keep your things safe around you. Although Ampel is religious place, it still has pickpocket. Do not forget to travel safe. Good luck exploring the world.