Aurora K Surabaya, the capital city of East Java, Indonesia, is not only known for its rich history and vibrant culture but also for its diverse and delicious culinary offerings.
From savory street food to flavorful traditional dishes, Surabaya boasts a culinary scene that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies even the most discerning palates.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a selection of Typical Surabaya Food that you must try to experience the city’s culinary delights to the fullest:
1. Rawon
Rawon is a traditional Javanese beef soup famous for its rich and aromatic broth, which is flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, including keluak (Indonesian black nut).
The soup is typically dark in color and served with tender beef chunks, bean sprouts, green onions, and a side of steamed rice.
Rawon is often garnished with emping (melinjo crackers) and sambal (chili paste) for added flavor and texture.
2. Rujak Cingur
Rujak Cingur is a popular Surabayan salad made with a colorful assortment of fruits, vegetables, and meats, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce made from peanuts, tamarind, palm sugar, and shrimp paste.
The salad typically includes cucumber, raw mango, pineapple, water spinach (kangkung), bean sprouts, and slices of beef snout (cingur).
Rujak Cingur is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
3. Soto Ayam
Soto Ayam is a beloved Indonesian chicken soup that is enjoyed throughout the country, including in Surabaya.
The soup is made with aromatic chicken broth, shredded chicken meat, vermicelli noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety of herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. Soto Ayam is typically garnished with fried shallots, lime wedges, celery leaves, and sambal for added flavor and heat.
4. Lontong Balap
Lontong Balap is a popular street food dish in Surabaya, consisting of compressed rice cakes (lontong) served with a flavorful bean sprout salad, fried tofu, lentho (deep-fried mung bean patties), and a generous drizzle of savory peanut sauce.
The dish is often topped with crispy fried shallots and kerupuk (crackers) for added texture and crunch. Lontong Balap is a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of day.
5. Sate Klopo
Sate Klopo is a unique variation of Indonesian satay that originated in Surabaya. Unlike traditional satay, which is typically made with skewered meat, Sate Klopo features skewers of minced beef or lamb that are mixed with grated coconut (klopo) and spices, then grilled to perfection over charcoal.
The skewers are served with a side of peanut sauce, sambal, and sliced shallots, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to please meat lovers.
6. Tahu Tek
Tahu Tek is a popular Surabayan street food dish made with fried tofu cubes, boiled potatoes, bean sprouts, and rice cakes (lontong), all topped with a generous drizzle of sweet and tangy peanut sauce.
The dish is often garnished with fried shallots, krupuk (shrimp crackers), and green onions for added flavor and texture.
Tahu Tek is a delicious and satisfying snack that showcases the bold and vibrant flavors of Surabayan cuisine.
7. Pecel Lele
Pecel Lele is a beloved Indonesian dish consisting of deep-fried catfish served with a spicy peanut sauce, steamed rice, and a side of fresh vegetables.
The catfish is marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices before being fried to crispy perfection, while the peanut sauce is made from ground peanuts, palm sugar, tamarind, and chili peppers. Pecel Lele is a flavorful and comforting dish that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
8. Sate Kikil
Sate Kikil is a unique and flavorful dish made with skewered pieces of beef tendon that are grilled over charcoal and served with a side of peanut sauce and rice cakes (lontong).
The beef tendon is marinated in a mixture of spices and seasonings before being grilled to tender perfection, resulting in a dish that is rich, savory, and packed with umami flavor. Sate Kikil is a popular street food snack that is perfect for enjoying on the go.
9. Rujak Soto
Rujak Soto is a delicious and refreshing salad made with a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables, all dressed in a sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, chili peppers, and shrimp paste.
The salad typically includes cucumber, pineapple, green apple, jicama, and water spinach (kangkung), as well as shredded chicken or beef for added protein. Rujak Soto is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
10. Pecel Madiun
Pecel Madiun is a traditional Javanese salad made with a variety of blanched vegetables, such as water spinach (kangkung), bean sprouts, long beans, and cabbage, all dressed in a savory peanut sauce.
The salad is typically served with steamed rice, fried tofu, boiled eggs, and krupuk (shrimp crackers), creating a hearty and satisfying meal that is popular throughout Indonesia.
Pecel Madiun is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Conclusion
Surabaya is a culinary paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse array of delicious dishes that showcase the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Indonesia.
From savory soups and salads to flavorful street food snacks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Surabaya’s vibrant food scene.
So, be sure to sample these Typical East Java Foods on your next visit to the city and experience the mouthwatering delights of Indonesian cuisine.
