Yogyakarta

Street Food Guide: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Popular Street Food Items

1. Nasi Goreng

   • Ingredients: Fried rice, soy sauce, garlic, shallots, chili, vegetables, and often chicken or shrimp.
   • Typical Cost: IDR 15,000 - 30,000 (approximately $1 - $2).
   • Where to Find: Street vendors, night markets, and food stalls.
   • Preparation: Rice is stir-fried with spices and ingredients on a hot wok.

2. Sate (Satay)

   • Ingredients: Skewered and grilled meat (chicken, beef, or goat) served with peanut sauce.
   • Typical Cost: IDR 10,000 - 25,000 per serving (5-10 skewers).
   • Where to Find: Street stalls, especially in the evening.
   • Preparation: Marinated meat is skewered and grilled over charcoal.

3. Bakso

   • Ingredients: Meatballs made from beef or chicken, served in broth with noodles and vegetables.
   • Typical Cost: IDR 15,000 - 25,000.
   • Where to Find: Dedicated bakso stalls or food carts.
   • Preparation: Meatballs are boiled and served in a savory broth.

4. Gado-Gado

   • Ingredients: Mixed vegetables, boiled eggs, tofu, and tempeh, topped with peanut sauce.
   • Typical Cost: IDR 15,000 - 30,000.
   • Where to Find: Street vendors and local eateries.
   • Preparation: Ingredients are boiled or steamed and then mixed with sauce.

5. Klepon

   • Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut.
   • Typical Cost: IDR 5,000 - 10,000 for a serving.
   • Where to Find: Street vendors, especially in markets.
   • Preparation: Dough is shaped, filled, boiled, and rolled in coconut.

Cultural and Practical Tips

• Hygiene: Choose vendors with a clean setup and a steady stream of customers to ensure food safety.
• Timing: Evening is the best time to explore street food, as many vendors operate primarily at night.
• Payment: Cash is preferred; small denominations are useful for street food purchases.
• Etiquette: It’s common to eat standing or at small tables. If offered, use a fork and spoon; chopsticks are less common.
• Local Customs: It’s polite to greet vendors with a smile and a simple “Selamat pagi/siang/sore” (Good morning/afternoon/evening).
• Spice Level: Many dishes can be spicy; ask for “tidak pedas” (not spicy) if you prefer milder flavors.

Recommended Locations

• Jalan Malioboro: A bustling street with numerous food stalls, especially in the evening.
• Alun-Alun Kidul: Known for its vibrant night market atmosphere and various street food options.
• Pasar Beringharjo: A traditional market where you can find a variety of local snacks and dishes.

Exploring street food in Yogyakarta offers a rich culinary experience that reflects the city’s culture and traditions. Enjoy the flavors and the vibrant atmosphere!