Surabaya

Local Cuisine Guide: Surabaya, Indonesia

Popular Dishes

1. Rawon

   • Description: A rich, dark beef soup flavored with keluak nuts, giving it a unique earthy taste.
   • Cultural Significance: Considered a traditional dish of East Java, often served during special occasions.
   • Typical Ingredients: Beef, keluak nuts, shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and spices.
   • Preparation Method: Beef is simmered with spices and keluak paste until tender, creating a deep, flavorful broth.
   • Where to Find: Rawon Setan (famous for its spicy version) and local warungs (small eateries).
   • Price Range: IDR 30,000 - 50,000.

2. Sate Klopo

   • Description: Skewered and grilled beef or chicken satay mixed with grated coconut.
   • Cultural Significance: A unique Surabaya twist on traditional satay, showcasing local ingredients.
   • Typical Ingredients: Beef or chicken, grated coconut, spices, and sweet soy sauce.
   • Preparation Method: Meat is marinated, skewered, coated with coconut, and grilled over charcoal.
   • Where to Find: Sate Klopo Ondomohen and street vendors.
   • Price Range: IDR 20,000 - 40,000 per serving.

3. Tahu Tek

   • Description: A savory dish made of fried tofu, bean sprouts, and potatoes, served with a peanut sauce.
   • Cultural Significance: A popular street food, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
   • Typical Ingredients: Tofu, bean sprouts, boiled potatoes, and peanut sauce.
   • Preparation Method: Tofu is fried, then mixed with vegetables and drizzled with peanut sauce.
   • Where to Find: Street vendors and local markets.
   • Price Range: IDR 15,000 - 25,000.

4. Nasi Goreng Jancuk

   • Description: A spicy fried rice dish, often served with fried egg and various toppings.
   • Cultural Significance: A local favorite, showcasing the Indonesian love for spicy food.
   • Typical Ingredients: Rice, chili, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, and optional proteins (chicken, shrimp).
   • Preparation Method: Ingredients are stir-fried together, often in a wok, to create a flavorful dish.
   • Where to Find: Nasi Goreng Jancuk stalls and local eateries.
   • Price Range: IDR 20,000 - 35,000.

5. Klepon

   • Description: Sweet rice cake balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
   • Cultural Significance: A traditional snack often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.
   • Typical Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, palm sugar, and grated coconut.
   • Preparation Method: Dough is formed into balls, filled with sugar, boiled, and rolled in coconut.
   • Where to Find: Street vendors and traditional markets.
   • Price Range: IDR 5,000 - 15,000 per serving.

Local Markets and Locations

• Pasar Atom: A bustling market known for a variety of local foods, including street snacks and traditional dishes.
• Taman Bungkul: A park area with food stalls offering local delicacies, perfect for casual dining.
• G-Walk: A food street in the West Surabaya area, featuring numerous stalls and restaurants serving local cuisine.

Local Customs and Etiquette

• Dining Etiquette: It is common to eat with your hands, especially with dishes like nasi goreng. Use your right hand only, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Sharing Food: Meals are often shared among friends and family, reflecting the communal aspect of Indonesian dining culture.
• Respect for Food: Always show appreciation for the meal, and it’s polite to say "Selamat Makan" (Enjoy your meal) before starting.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Surabaya's local cuisine, highlighting the rich flavors and cultural significance of each dish. Enjoy your culinary exploration!