Semarang, the capital of Central Java, used to be a bustling trade center dating back to the 16th-century. It’s no surprise the gem has embraced influences from Dutch, Chinese, and Javanese cultures, resulting in a melting pot civilization - this is most noticeable in the food around Semarang.
Here are 10 awesome Semarang foods to try:
1. Lumpia Semarang
Lumpia Semarang is a type of fried spring roll thats comes with savory sweet bamboo shoot fillings – chicken, shrimp, and egg are usually added. The dish essentially boasts the blend of Chinese and Javanese flavors. Snacking on the top-ratted fusion delicacy is incomplete without dipping it in the sauce made of brown sugar, soy sauce, and corn starch.
Lunpia Delight (Lumpia)
Address: Jl. Gajahmada No.107, Miroto, Semarang Tengah, Semarang City, Central Java
Opening Hours: 5 am to 10 pm
2. Bandeng Presto Semarang
Bandeng (a type of milk fish) is notoriously tough to eat – it is much bonier than other seafoods. On the contrary, Bandeng Presto, the pressure cooked milk fish, is super tender and delicate. You won’t feel the bony texture anymore once the dish lands in your mouth. Additionally, the aroma of bay leaves, turmeric, and grilled coriander can be sensed.
Bandeng Juwana Elrina
Address: Jl. Pandanaran No.57, Randusari, Semarang Sel., Semarang City, Central Java
Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 11 pm
3. Tahu Gimbal
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For those seeking a tofu-based dish and prawn, try the sweet and spicy Tahu Gimbal. This typical Semarang dish consists of fried chunks of tofu, compressed rice cake, gimbal (battered and deep-fried shrimp), egg, and beansprout. A sprinkle of fried peanuts and chopped celery is also added. What makes the food so mouth-watering is the light peanut sauce.
Tahu Gimbal Pak Is
Address: Jalan Menteri Supeno Mugassari, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 9 am to 12 am
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Tahu Pong
Tahu Pong is another tofu dish – it’s actually a kind of snack enjoyed in the afternoon – you can’t miss it. The fried tofu is called this as it’s empty inside (Pong means unfilled). The dish is interestingly crunchy outside yet smooth inside. It’s usually served with radish pickles and petis dipping sauce. After blending them, the salty, sweet, sour, and peppery flavors will appear.
Tahu Pong Semarang
Address: Jl. Gajahmada No.63B, Kembangsari, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 11:30 am to 8 pm
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Baba Kopitiam is a newly-established cafe in Semarang! I visited this cafe around March 2023.
This place is where you can enjoy kopitiam at Semarang. In the frame, we have nasi hainan and teh tarik. Yum! (P.S. The nasi's tahu a.k.a. tofu has big cuts - a typical Semarang cafe way!)
Semarang Tour Guide
Emir Yamin
When it comes to travel, the journey isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about the experiences you gather along the way. While big group tours might be the conventional choice, opting for a local guide can elevate your travel adventure to new heights. That's why I've decided to become a tour guide.During my tenure as the Chief of Media Relations, I had the opportunity to travel extensively and host numerous visitors from Indonesia. This experience not only fueled my passion for exploration but also equipped me with in-depth knowledge about Indonesia, inspiring me to contribute to the tourism sector.My expertise in tourism is rooted in my genuine interests. I have a deep love for trying new foods, leading me to discover amazing places with incredible culinary delights. Beyond gastronomy, I am passionate about nightlife, exploring the unique offerings each city has after dark. Additionally, I find joy in driving around, immersing myself in new cultures, and savoring new culinary experiences.These experiences have left an indelible mark on me, and I am eager to share the richness of each city's culture, food, and nightlife with all of you. Join me on a journey where every tour is not just a trip; it's a collection of unforgettable moments.
Tours by Emir
Semarang Tour Guide
Dori Januhari
I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science physics. I'll be happy to guide and ready to show you the magnificent places in Indonesia.
Tours by Dori
5. Es Cong Lik
Es Cong Lik should be included in your must-try culinary list. The legendary dessert was popularized by an old man named Cong Lik in the city’s Chinatown. The traditional ice cream comes with different types of flavors such as chocolate, coconut, durian, and avocado. The additional elements could be mutiara sago, agar-agar jelly, mung beans, and tropical fruits.
Es Puter Cong Lik
Address: Jl. KH.Ahmad Dahlan A No. 11, Semarang Tengah, Karangkidul, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 6 pm to 12 am
6. Nasi Ayam Semarang
If Yogyakarta has Nasi Liwet for its specialty, Semarang is always identified with Nasi Ayam. This typical food can easily be found through the entire Semarang when the night comes. The steamed rice is doused with the yellow chicken gravy named “kuah opor ayam” and served with additional dishes such as sautéed chayote, shredded chicken, and sweet satay.
Nasi Ayam Bu Wido
Address: Jl. Melati Selatan, Brumbungan, Semarang Tengah, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 4:30 pm to 11 pm
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Speaking about traveling for foods while in Indonesia, Semarang is the best city in Indonesia with robust traditional culinary characteristics that they manifest in their local foods, like, nasi goreng, bihun goreng, and tahu gimbal (the local food you can only find in Semarang).
When you visit Semarang, you will find these three dishes: Nasi goreng ruwet, bihun goreng, and tahu gimbal, in most warong tenda (tent warongs), depot (small restaurants on the roadsides), warkop (traditional Indonesian food stalls on the roadsides), and if you're staying in any 3-star hotels and above, you will most likely find these traditional dishes in the restaurants' menu book!
7. Babat Gongso
Some of you will probably feel disgusted seeing cow’s tripe on your main course menu, won’t you? Don’t be surprised when your lunch meal is Babat Gongso, a reddish brown meaty dish favored by most out of Semarang people. The mammal’s intestine is diced and simmered with sweet soy sauce and aromatic spices such as bay leaves, galangal, and lemon grass.
Babat Gongso Pak Karmin
Address: Kauman, Semarang Tengah, Semarang City
Contact Number: +62 85100564005
8. Soto Bangkong
Are you a true soto enthusiast? Don’t miss out on the chance of tasting the delicious Soto Bangkong. The likable food’s name is taken from the location of the first restaurant selling it – the Bangkong crossroads. It highlights clear yellowish chicken broth, shredded chicken, and special seasonings comprising of turmeric, coriander, and pepper. It’s often served with rice vermicelli, spring onion, beansprout, and celery.
Soto Bangkong
Address: Jl. A. Yani, Jl. MT Haryono and Jl. Brigjen Katamso, Semarang City
Website: Soto Bangkong
9. Kue Lekker Paimo
Are you curious about the Dutch culinary delights in Semarang? Check out your Google Maps and navigate your car to Leker Paimo, a legendary eatery which has been existent for many decades. It’s where you can enjoy a European crepe with varied fillings such as peanut crumb, chocolate, cheese, and banana. You’re not a fan of sweet things? Try the sausage and tuna flavors.
Kue Lekker Paimo
Address: Jl. Karang Anyar No.37, Brumbungan, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Tip from Trip101 local expert
"I'm not from Semarang, but every time I go to Semarang, I always make sure to stop by this restaurant! The restaurant is Antarakata A Yani on Jalan Ahmad Yani No 162 (opposite Haka Hotel A Yani).
In this frame, we have ""Antarakata Big Breakfast"" consisting of sausage, egg, loads of chips, baguettes, spinach, baked beans, and other ingredients. The portions are so big here! We also have two cups of cappuccino to accompany Antarakata's unique Big Breakfast, only in Antarakata, and only in Semarang."
10. Pisang Plenet
The last but not ever the least is Pisang Plenet, a flattened and grilled banana. It’s been the local youngster’s favorite snack forever, great for a fun night out with friends. The tropical fruit is pressed, greased with margarine, and grilled until burnished brown. In order to be more tempting, it’s topped with sugar powder, cheese, jam and chocolate.
Pisang Plenet Pak Subandi
Address: Jl. Pemuda, Pandansari, Semarang City
Opening Hours: 1:30 pm to 11 pm
Go discover Semarang to enjoy the incredible fusion foods
Semarang surprisingly renders a vast array of great foods you can’t imagine. The Chinese-style Lumpia, Babat Gongso highlighting the culture of Java, and the Dutch crepe named Kue Lekker are just few things that Central Java’s capital has to offer.
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