Exploring Street Food in Yogyakarta: A Culinary Adventure

Welcome to Yogyakarta, a city filled with rich cultural heritage and an exciting street food scene. If you’re a foodie looking for an adventure, Yogyakarta is the place to be. This guide will take you through a detailed day-by-day itinerary to explore the best street food that Yogyakarta has to offer. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Introduction to Yogyakarta’s Street Food

Your culinary adventure begins in the heart of Yogyakarta, where the aroma of traditional Indonesian dishes fills the air. Today, you will get a taste of some of the city’s iconic street food and experience the vibrant atmosphere of its bustling markets.

Morning: Gudeg at Gudeg Yu Djum

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of Gudeg, a traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit stewed with palm sugar and coconut milk. Head to Gudeg Yu Djum, a famous eatery known for serving some of the best Gudeg in Yogyakarta.

Location: Jl. Wijilan No.167, Panembahan, Kecamatan Kraton, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55131

Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 09:00 PM

Pair your Gudeg with a serving of Krecek (spicy beef skin) and Oplor Ayam (chicken in coconut milk), and enjoy this savory breakfast that’s loved by locals and tourists alike.

Afternoon: Exploring Beringharjo Market

After breakfast, make your way to Beringharjo Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Yogyakarta. This market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of local snacks and delicacies.

Don’t miss trying these must-try snacks:

• Pecel – A traditional Javanese salad with peanut sauce.
• Lumpia – Indonesian spring rolls filled with bamboo shoots, eggs, and chicken.
• Bakpia – Sweet rolls filled with mung bean paste, a perfect souvenir to take home.

Location: Jl. Margo Mulyo No.16, Ngupasan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55122, Indonesia

Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Evening: Angkringan at Malioboro Street

In the evening, head to Malioboro Street, the beating heart of Yogyakarta’s nightlife and culinary scene. Here, you’ll find countless Angkringan – small street stalls serving a variety of snacks and drinks.

Popular dishes to try at Angkringan:

• Nasi Kucing – Small portions of rice with assorted toppings like sambal, tempeh, and anchovies.
• Sate – Skewers of marinated meat grilled to perfection.
• Wedang Ronde – A warm ginger drink with glutinous rice balls, perfect for winding down the day.

The lively atmosphere, the friendly vendors, and the delicious food will make your first day in Yogyakarta memorable.

Location: Malioboro Street, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Yogyakarta.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Day 2: Delving Deeper into Yogyakarta’s Culinary Delights

On Day 2, you’ll immerse yourself further into Yogyakarta’s vibrant food culture. From traditional breakfast dishes to a bustling night market, today’s itinerary is packed with culinary experiences that will delight your taste buds.

Morning: Breakfast at Kampung Wijilan

Begin your morning in Kampung Wijilan, an area famous for its various Gudeg restaurants. If you missed it yesterday or crave a different variation, you’ll find plenty of options here.

Besides Gudeg, try the following breakfast delicacies:

• Sego Kucing – Small portions of rice accompanied by side dishes like sambal and fried tempeh, similar to what you’ve tasted at Angkringan but crafted uniquely here.
• Jenang – A sweet, sticky rice porridge made with palm sugar and coconut milk.

Location: Kampung Wijilan, near the Kraton area, Yogyakarta.

Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Afternoon: Lunch at Pasar Kranggan

Head over to Pasar Kranggan, a bustling traditional market known for its variety of fresh produce and food stalls. Here, you can sample an array of Indonesian street snacks and dishes.

Don’t miss these lunch options:

• Soto – A traditional Indonesian soup with chicken, noodles, and vegetables. Served with a squeeze of lime and sambal.
• Bakmi Jawa – Javanese noodle dish cooked with chicken broth, garlic, and various spices.

Location: Jalan Poncowinatan No.1 Gowongan, Jetis, Yogyakarta.

Opening hours: 4:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Evening: Yogyakarta Night Market

As the sun sets, make your way to one of Yogyakarta’s famous Night Markets. Alun-Alun Selatan is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to gather and indulge in street foods.

Indulge in a variety of dishes and snacks, including:

• Bakso – Meatball soup served with noodles and a tasty broth.
• Es Cendol – A refreshing drink made with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup. Perfect to cool down after a hearty meal.
• Ayam Goreng Kalasan – Fried chicken marinated in Javanese spices, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

The night market isn’t just about food. You’ll find various performances, traditional games, and the famous tandem bicycles brightly decorated with neon lights. It’s a feast for all the senses!

Location: Alun-Alun Kidul, Pekapalan, Pakualaman, Yogyakarta.

Opening hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Day 3: Uncovering Yogyakarta’s Hidden Culinary Gems

Day 3 introduces you to more hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path culinary delights of Yogyakarta. From unique breakfast options to an exploration of lesser-known food spots, prepare for a day of delicious discoveries.

Morning: Breakfast at Lesehan

Kick off your morning with a traditional Indonesian breakfast at a Lesehan. These eateries are known for their relaxed, floor-seating arrangement and delectable offerings. One of the best spots to try Lesehan is around Malioboro Street.

Popular breakfast items include:

• Nasi Uduk – Steamed coconut rice served with fried chicken, tempeh, and a variety of side dishes.
• Sate Ambal – Spiced chicken satay unique to the region, served with a special peanut sauce.

Location: Around Malioboro Street, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Yogyakarta.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Afternoon: Lunch at Jejamuran Restaurant

For lunch, treat yourself to a unique culinary experience at Jejamuran Restaurant, famous for its mushroom-based dishes.

Must-try dishes include:

• Sate Jamur – Mushroom satay grilled to perfection and served with a savory sauce.
• Tumis Jamur – Stir-fried mushrooms with a blend of local spices, a vegan delight.

Location: Jl. Pandowoharjo, Niron, Pandowoharjo, Kec. Sleman, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55512, Indonesia

Opening hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM