The idea of being a local always fascinates me. When you’re visiting someplace new, don’t you want that feeling, too? Experience what it feels like to be the locals. Where does people usually eat? Where is the best authentic food in town? Where do they go to unwind or just relax for a bit? What is their guilty pleasure?
I really love to experience first-hand the place that I’m visiting. Especially, for them foods. Here I want to share with you my local stories. I think it’s safe to say that these delicious delicacies are authentic to the very place that you visited: Yogyakarta and Solo. Located in the centre of Java, Indonesia. I shall assume that most of you have heard of this city. But if you have not, then I shall explain in short sentences; Yogyakarta is the soul of Javanese people. Both are rich with culture, and traditional values.
Should you ever visit this awesome, culture-fuelled and the soul of Java, please try these recommendations:
1. Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan**.**
If you happen to like sweet dishes, it’s good to try this. Most javanese people agree that Gudeg Yu Djum is the gold standard for this jackfruit stewed dish. Typically served with side dishes like Krecek (cattle skin spicy stew), Telur Pindang (pindang eggs) as seen in this photo.
Location: Gudeg Yu Djum
2. Gudeg Bubur Mandiri
To experience true authenticity, I think this is the only one where the local truly eat. I was recommended by my Taxi driver about this Gudeg place. On the next day we went here by the help of google maps. It’s the same old Gudeg goodness but instead of served with rice, it’s uses porridge to complement the textures of the savory jackfruit.
Location: Gudeg Mandiri
3. Kopi Klothok
I was surprised by how crowded the place is. The original Kopi Klothok is located in a rather quiet village, surrounded by rice paddy field. There are few others me-too restaurant, but this is the original. I suppose one of the reason why people came all the way here, is because they wanted to feel the nostalgia feeling. This establishment makes you feel like you’re at your grandparents house back in old time.
The must try here is their Kopi Klothok. It’s a black coffee poured with hot water directly and dipped with charcoal. Also try their classic Pisang Goreng (Banana Fritters)
Location: Kopi Klotok
Bonus: Tempo Gelato
I realize that gelato is not especially local but domestic tourist and Yogyakartans seems to swarm this gelato parlour. Worth to try when you’re here. Located in Prawirotaman Street.
Location: Tempo Gelato Prawirotaman
Solo Recommendation!
1. Adem Ayem Restaurant
This place used to be a fine establishment. It was first opened when the country is still under Dutch occupation. The ultimate menu to try here shall be: the Ayam Goreng aka Fried Chicken. It’s a classic that’s never goes out of style
Location: Adem Ayem Restaurant
2. Kusuma Sari Restaurant
This is something that you won’t find on any other city. Kusuma Sari provides various food that is specially catered to authentic javanese cuisines. Seen above is their favourite Salad Lidah (Cattle tongue meat with veggie salad with beef croquette
Location: Kusuma Sari Resto & Ice Cream
Bonus:
Bakmie Djawa Pak Geno
This is the best Bakmie I ever taste in the whole Yogyakarta. Their broth is always rich in taste, the noodle cooked perfectly, and ever so satisfying. Cooked using charcoal on a clay pot. This place always got a long queue, but it’s very worth the wait
Location: Bakmi Jawa Pak Geno
With that exploration, sometimes you feel discouraged to try. Some people have this fear. They fear that their exploration for food might be resulted in bad experience. I used to feel this way. But not anymore, since the era of Google Maps. This is why I really like to share my stories as local guides. It helps people find the right fit, in the millions and millions of recommendations.
And this is something I want more people to experience.
I guess that’s it from me, thank you for reading!
Should you have any questions please ask away