Top 10 Must-Try Yogyakarta Foods This Summer & The Best Places to Enjoy Them

Yogyakarta, or "Jogja" as it’s lovingly called by locals, is a city rich in culture, art, and history — and it’s just as famous for its incredible culinary delights. Whether you're a food adventurer or simply looking to explore Indonesian flavors, Jogja offers a summer feast like no other. The warm weather makes street food hunting exciting, while the city’s natural and historical sites create the perfect backdrop for your foodie journey.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 iconic Yogyakarta dishes to try during your summer visit, along with recommended places to enjoy them and top travel destinations nearby to complete your experience.

---

1. Gudeg – The Soul of Yogyakarta

What it is:

Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish made from young jackfruit stewed for hours in coconut milk, palm sugar, and spices. It’s sweet, rich, and usually served with rice, chicken, eggs, and krecek (spicy cow skin stew).

Where to try:

Gudeg Yu Djum (Jl. Wijilan No.167) – This legendary spot has been serving authentic gudeg for generations.

Gudeg Pawon – Open late at night, you can enjoy gudeg straight from the kitchen (pawon), cooked on traditional firewood.

Nearby travel spot:

Keraton Yogyakarta (The Sultan’s Palace) – Just minutes away from Gudeg Yu Djum, visit the royal complex and feel Jogja’s historical pulse.

---

2. Bakpia Pathok – Sweet Souvenir from Jogja

What it is:

Bakpia is a small round pastry filled with sweet mung bean paste, though now it comes in modern variants like chocolate, cheese, and green tea.

Where to try:

Bakpia Pathok 25 – The classic and most famous.

Bakpia Kurnia Sari – Known for its soft and moist texture.

Travel idea:

Malioboro Street – Walk off your bakpia indulgence while shopping for batik, souvenirs, and local snacks.

---

3. Sate Klathak – Unique Goat Satay

What it is:

Sate Klathak is made from tender goat meat, seasoned simply with salt and grilled on iron skewers. It’s usually served with gulai (curried soup).

Where to try:

Sate Klathak Pak Pong (Bantul) – Often crowded, this place is worth the wait.

Sate Klathak Pak Bari – Famous for appearing in the film AADC 2 (What’s Up with Love? 2).

Travel tip:

After your meal, take a short ride to Parangtritis Beach and catch the sunset.

---

4. Sego Kucing at Angkringan – The Street Food Culture

What it is:

"Sego kucing" means "cat rice," but don’t worry — it’s just a small portion of rice with toppings like sambal, anchovies, or tempeh, sold at humble street carts called angkringan.

Where to try:

Angkringan Lik Man – Famous for kopi joss (coffee with burning charcoal).

Angkringan KR – Popular among locals and students.

Travel idea:

Chill with locals near Tugu Jogja at night, often with street music around.

---

5. Mie Lethek – Rustic and Earthy Noodles

What it is:

Mie lethek translates to “dirty noodles” due to its dull color from being made with cassava flour without preservatives or bleach.

Where to try:

Mbah Mendes – A family-run eatery that keeps the tradition alive.

Mie Lethek Bantul – For a more rustic atmosphere with traditional clay stoves.

Nearby travel tip:

Visit Gembira Loka Zoo or Imogiri Royal Cemetery to continue the cultural trail.

---

6. Oseng Mercon – Firecracker Stir Fry

What it is:

Oseng mercon is a spicy stir fry made from beef or offal, cooked with a volcanic amount of chilies.

Where to try:

Oseng Mercon Bu Narti – Not for the faint-hearted. It’s spicy and addictive.

Oseng Mercon Mbak Endang – Milder version but still fiery.

Cool off nearby:

Visit Taman Sari Water Castle – An old bathing palace, great for photos and a touch of history.

---

7. Ayam Geprek – Spicy Crispy Chicken

What it is:

Ayam geprek is a deep-fried chicken crushed with raw sambal (chili paste). It’s crunchy, spicy, and very popular among students.

Where to try:

Ayam Geprek Bensu – A chain started by celebrity Ruben Onsu.

Geprek Bu Rum – Student favorite for its affordability and spice level customization.

Travel idea:

Ullen Sentalu Museum in Kaliurang – A hidden gem for art, culture, and cool mountain air.

---

8. Tiwul – Sweet & Nutty Cassava Dish

What it is:

Tiwul is made from dried cassava (gaplek) and used to be a staple during hard times. It now makes a healthy, sweet alternative to rice.

Where to try:

Dapoer Tiwul – Modern take with interesting toppings like coconut and palm sugar.

Pasar Beringharjo – Find traditional tiwul and other vintage snacks.

Travel companion:

After the market, visit Fort Vredeburg – A Dutch colonial fortress with great exhibitions.

---

9. Jadah Tempe – Savory Sticky Rice Delight

What it is:

Jadah is sticky rice shaped like a patty, paired with sweet tempeh or tofu cooked in thick soy sauce. It’s a perfect picnic snack.

Where to try:

Jadah Tempe Mbah Carik – Located in Kaliurang, perfect for a mountain snack stop.

Top site nearby:

Mount Merapi Viewpoint or Museum Ullen Sentalu – both within reach and stunning.

---

10. Es Dawet – Sweet Summer Drink

What it is:

Es dawet is a refreshing iced drink made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice flour jelly. It’s sweet, cool, and perfect for the heat.

Where to try:

Es Dawet Ayu Bu Dermi at Beringharjo Market.

House of Raminten – A quirky and atmospheric restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes and unique decor.

Perfect pairing travel spot:

Alun-Alun Kidul – Try the twin banyan tree challenge after your drink, especially at night with the festive lights.

---

Final Tips for Your Summer Jogja Culinary Adventure

Rent a motorbike for flexible, easy food hunting.

Hydrate often – Jogja gets hot in the summer.

Don’t be afraid to try street food, just make sure it’s fresh and served hot.

Bring cash – many local food vendors don’t accept cards.

---

Conclusion

Yogyakarta is more than just temples and traditions — it’s a flavorful journey waiting to be discovered. From iconic dishes like gudeg to spicy street favorites like oseng mercon, every bite tells a story of culture, heritage, and warmth. Pair your culinary exploration with visits to historical sites, beaches, and mountain views, and your summer in Yogyakarta will be unforgettable.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning traveler, these top 10 foods and recommended places will guide you to the heart of Jogja’s culture — through your taste buds