Yogyakarta is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional Javanese dishes that are rich in flavor, history, and culture. From sweet stews to spicy street food, the city’s cuisine is a must-try for anyone visiting this cultural hub. Here are some of the best dishes to savor:

1. Gudeg Known as Yogyakarta’s signature dish, gudeg is a sweet stew made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar. Often served with rice, chicken, boiled eggs, and spicy sambal, gudeg offers a unique combination of flavors. Try it at traditional eateries like Gudeg Yu Djum, a local favorite.

2. Nasi Kucing A popular street food, nasi kucing (meaning “cat’s rice”) consists of small portions of rice served with simple toppings such as sambal, fried anchovies, or tempeh. It’s often paired with hot tea and enjoyed late at night at angkringan (street food stalls).

3. Sate Klathak Unlike the typical satay, sate klathak is made with skewered goat meat seasoned only with salt and grilled over a charcoal fire. The simplicity of this dish lets the flavor of the meat shine. Served with a light broth and rice, it’s a favorite among locals.

4. Bakpia For those with a sweet tooth, bakpia is a must-try. These small pastries are filled with mung bean paste, chocolate, or cheese and are best enjoyed fresh from local shops like Bakpia Pathok 25. They’re also a popular gift for visitors to take home.

5. Mie Jawa Mie Jawa is a traditional Javanese noodle dish served either fried or in a savory broth. Often cooked over a charcoal fire, the noodles have a distinct smoky aroma. It’s usually topped with chicken, vegetables, and a soft-boiled egg.

6. Tengkleng A rich, flavorful goat soup, tengkleng is similar to a curry but with a thinner broth. It’s made using goat bones and meat, giving it a deep, savory taste. This dish is a specialty in Yogyakarta’s traditional markets.

7. Wedang Ronde To end your meal on a warm note, try wedang ronde, a traditional ginger drink with glutinous rice balls filled with sweet peanuts. It’s perfect for cooler evenings and is said to have health benefits.