Discover culinary attractions in Surabaya with delicious traditional and modern dishes, perfect for satisfying your taste buds.
Surabaya, the capital of East Java, is known as a multicultural city rich in culture and cuisine. The culinary scene in this city spans a wide range of flavors, from traditional dishes to those resulting from cultural fusion.
From street food to legendary restaurants, Surabaya always offers a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Here are 10 culinary spots in Surabaya that you must try!
1. Rawon Kalkulator
Rawon Kalkulator is famous for the speed at which the seller calculates the total bill, just like a calculator.
This legendary eatery has been around for 35 years and is always packed with visitors. The main dish is rawon, a savory beef soup served with a complete set of sides like fritters, tempeh, salted eggs, and cow lungs.
Rawon Kalkulator is open until midnight, making it perfect for those who get hungry late at night.
2. Tauwa (Kembang Tahu)
Tauwa, also known as Kembang Tahu, is a traditional Surabaya dish with a soft pudding-like texture, served with a sweet ginger broth made from ginger and palm sugar.
This dish, often included in Typical Surabaya Souvenirs, is the result of a cultural fusion between Chinese and Javanese influences, and it is popular among the Chinese-Javanese community in Surabaya.
3. Sego Sambel Mak Yeye
Sego Sambel Mak Yeye is a legendary penyetan place that has been serving since 1982. Offering various side dishes like tempeh, tofu, eggs, and stingray, this spot is famous for its spicy sambal.
Prices start from IDR 15,000 per serving. Sego Sambel Mak Yeye is open from 9:00 PM until sold out at Jalan Jagir Wonokromo Wetan No. 10, Surabaya.
4. Nasi Babat Pegirian
For offal lovers, Nasi Babat Pegirian is a great choice. This place serves fried babat (tripe) and fried cow lungs with savory corn rice, offering a unique flavor.
With prices starting from IDR 15,000 per serving, Nasi Babat Pegirian opens at 5:00 PM at Jalan Nyamplungan, Ampel, Surabaya.
5. Bebek Goreng Purnama
Bebek Goreng Purnama is a legendary culinary spot that has been operating since 1992 at Jalan Dinoyo No. 4, Keputran, Surabaya. Its specialty is the generous serving of grated coconut served with fried duck, sambal, and warm rice.
Prices start from IDR 12,000 per serving. Besides duck, you can also try fried chicken offal as a side dish.
6. Sate Kelopo Ondomohen Bu Asih
Sate Kelopo Ondomohen Bu Asih is a must-visit for satay lovers. This spot serves various satay options like chicken, beef, intestines, shrimp, and bone marrow, all topped with grated coconut. Its unique taste makes this culinary experience unforgettable.
7. Bubur Ayam Mang Dudung
Although bubur ayam (chicken porridge) is typically a breakfast dish, Bubur Ayam Mang Dudung opens at 11:00 PM. This porridge is a favorite among locals and tourists alike because of its delicious flavor. It’s no surprise that long queues are often seen at this place.
8. Nasi Bali Pengampon
Nasi Bali Pengampon is a Surabaya specialty that serves rice with side dishes like tempe, eggs, tofu, and meat, all flavored with a spicy red sauce.
Located at Depot Nasi Bali Pengampon on Jl. Pengampon Gang 1, it is open from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM, making it a great late-night culinary destination.
9. Kampung Wisata Ketandan
Located amidst the modernity of Jalan Tunjungan, Kampung Wisata Ketandan is one of Surabaya’s oldest neighborhoods, preserving colonial-era architecture.
Here, you can sample traditional cakes at local UMKM (small businesses), enjoy Soto Tangkar at Rumah Makan Pusaka Bunda, or shop for unique Cak Markeso batik shibori.
The village also offers a unique experience with local guides who share the area’s history and culture.
10. Tunjungan Romansa
Tunjungan Romansa is a tourist area that combines a modern lifestyle concept with Surabaya’s heritage. This place is busy from the afternoon to evening, with various UMKM stalls offering local snacks, arts performances, and a typical Surabaya street atmosphere.
Often compared to Malioboro in Yogyakarta or Braga in Bandung, Tunjungan Romansa has become one of Surabaya’s iconic tourist destinations that you must visit.
Conclusion
Surabaya offers a rich and diverse culinary experience, from legendary street food stalls to modern heritage areas.
Each place has its own distinctive flavor, reflecting the cultural fusion and warmth of the local people. Don’t forget to bring home some Typical Malang Souvenirs to share with loved ones.
So, set aside some time to explore every corner of this city and experience the unbeatable taste of Surabaya’s culinary delights!
