Explore the Best Tempat Makan Jogja – A Foodie’s Paradise

Yogyakarta, or Jogja as locals call it, is a city that never fails to amaze visitors with its rich cultural heritage and culinary delights. Known as the cultural capital of Indonesia, Jogja is famous for its royal palaces, ancient temples, and of course, mouth-watering food. With so many options to choose from, finding the best tempat makan Jogja can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey to discover the top tempat makan Jogja that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

1. Warung Bu Ageng

When it comes to authentic Jogja cuisine, Warung Bu Ageng is a must-visit. This humble eatery located in Kotagede serves traditional dishes that are cooked with love and care. From the famous gudeg to the savory opor ayam, everything on the menu is a crowd-pleaser. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make this place even more special. Don’t forget to try the es dawet, a refreshing drink made with coconut milk and pandan-flavored jelly.

2. Bale Raos

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that showcases Jogja’s royal cuisine, Bale Raos is the place to go. This elegant restaurant is situated in the Kraton area, the heart of Jogja’s cultural heritage. The menu is a tribute to the royal family’s culinary traditions, with dishes like nasi gurih and ayam goreng kremes that are fit for a king. The attentive service and beautiful ambiance make Bale Raos a perfect destination for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

3. Warung Handayani

For a taste of Jogja’s street food culture, head to Warung Handayani. This popular food court in the center of the city offers a wide variety of local delicacies at affordable prices. You can savor the classic nasi campur, where you can choose from a selection of dishes to create your own plate, or try the legendary sate klatak, a grilled beef skewer that’s served with spicy sambal and rice. The bustling atmosphere and diverse crowd make Warung Handayani a true reflection of Jogja’s vibrant food scene.

4. Gudeg Yu Djum

Gudeg, a sweet and savory dish made from jackfruit, is Jogja’s signature dish. And Gudeg Yu Djum is the place to taste the best gudeg in town. This iconic eatery has been around since 1950 and has gained a loyal following ever since. The gudeg is slow-cooked for hours with coconut milk and spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that’s hard to resist. You can choose from different types of gudeg, from the mild to the spicy, and pair it with chicken, tofu, or egg. Don’t forget to try the krecek, a crunchy beef skin that’s a perfect complement to the gudeg.

5. Sate Pak Pong

Sate, or grilled skewered meat, is a staple in Indonesian cuisine. And at Sate Pak Pong, you’ll find the best sate in Jogja. This humble stall located in the busy Jl. Gejayan offers a simple yet delicious menu of chicken and beef sate that’s grilled to perfection. The secret is in the marinade, which is made with a blend of spices and sweet soy sauce. The sate is served with peanut sauce and lontong, a compressed rice cake that’s a popular side dish. The affordable prices and generous portions make Sate Pak Pong a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

6. Mie Ayam Tumini

If you’re a fan of noodle soup, Mie Ayam Tumini is a must-try. This unassuming stall in the neighborhood of Ngampilan serves a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup that’s packed with flavor. The noodles are homemade and cooked al dente, while the broth is made with chicken bones and a blend of spices. You can add toppings like boiled egg, fried shallots, and celery to enhance the taste. The friendly owner, Bu Tumini, has been running this place for over 30 years and has perfected the recipe to perfection.

7. Gudeg Pawon

Gudeg Pawon is another gudeg destination that’s worth a visit. This rustic eatery located in a traditional Javanese house in the village of Wijilan offers an authentic gudeg experience. The gudeg is cooked in a traditional clay pot over a wood fire, which gives it a smoky flavor and aroma. The menu is simple, with only gudeg and rice on offer, but the quality is top-notch. The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back, with wooden benches and traditional decorations. Don’t forget to take a picture with the giant clay pot, which is a signature feature of Gudeg Pawon.

8. Soto Kadipiro

Soto, a soup dish made with meat and vegetables, is a popular comfort food in Indonesia. And Soto Kadipiro is the best place to try soto in Jogja. This legendary stall located in the neighborhood of Kadipiro has been serving soto since 1960 and has become a cultural icon. The soto is made with chicken or beef broth and served with rice cakes, bean sprouts, and shredded chicken or beef. The broth is rich and aromatic, with a hint of lemongrass and turmeric. The stall is always crowded, so be prepared to wait in line. But trust us, it’s worth it.

9. Gudeg Bromo

Gudeg Bromo is a hidden gem that’s tucked away in the northern part of Jogja. This cozy restaurant serves gudeg with a twist, by adding shredded chicken and mushrooms to the dish. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly night. The gudeg is cooked in a clay pot and served with rice and krecek. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The ambiance is rustic and charming, with wooden tables and vintage decorations.

10. Lotek & Gado-Gado Bu Wiryo

Lotek and gado-gado are two similar dishes that are made with a mix of vegetables and peanut sauce. And Bu Wiryo is the queen of lotek and gado-gado in Jogja. This small stall located in the neighborhood of Gondokusuman offers a simple yet delicious menu of lotek and gado-gado that’s made fresh daily. The vegetables are blanched to perfection, and the peanut sauce is creamy and savory. You can add toppings like tofu, tempeh, and boiled egg to elevate the taste. The stall is open for lunch and afternoon snack, and always attracts a loyal crowd.

11. Sate Buntel Pak Jangkung

Sate buntel, a unique type of sate that’s filled with minced meat, is a specialty of Jogja. And Pak Jangkung is the master of sate buntel. This legendary stall located in the neighborhood of Caturtunggal offers a mouth-watering menu of sate buntel that’s cooked over charcoal fire. The meat is tender and juicy, and the filling is flavorful and aromatic. The sate is served with peanut sauce and lontong, and you can choose from chicken, beef, or lamb. The stall is always busy, so be prepared to wait. But the reward is worth the patience.

12. Sate Kere Mbah Satinem

Sate kere, or cheap sate, is a popular street food in Jogja. And Mbah Satinem is the queen of sate kere. This humble stall located in the neighborhood of Umbulharjo offers a simple menu of chicken and beef sate that’s priced at only Rp.1000 per skewer. Yes, you read that right. The sate is small but tasty, and the peanut sauce is spicy and tangy. The stall is open at night and attracts a diverse crowd, from students to office workers. Don’t be fooled by the price, the quality is top-notch.

13. Sate Klathak Pak Pong

Sate klatak, a unique type of sate that’s made from beef ribs, is a local delicacy in Jogja. And Pak Pong is the master of sate klatak. This simple stall located in the neighborhood of Condongcatur offers a mouth-watering menu of sate klatak that’s grilled to perfection. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the sambal is spicy and aromatic. The sate is served with rice and vegetables, and you can choose from mild to extra spicy. The prices are affordable, and the service is friendly. Don’t miss this hidden gem.

14. Sate Karang

Sate Karang is another sate destination that’s worth a visit. This small stall located in the neighborhood of Karangwaru offers a simple menu of chicken and beef sate that’s cooked over charcoal fire. The meat is tender and juicy, and the marinade is a secret recipe that’s been passed down for generations. The sate is served with peanut sauce and lontong, and you can add toppings like cucumber and tomato. The stall is open at night and attracts a loyal crowd of locals and tourists.

15. Mie Setan Mbah Mo

If you’re a fan of spicy food, Mie Setan Mbah Mo is the place to go. This legendary stall located in the neighborhood of Demangan offers a fiery bowl of instant noodles that’s not for the faint-hearted. The noodles are cooked with a blend of chili sauce and spices, and topped with chicken, egg, and vegetables. The level of spiciness can be customized, from mild to extra hot. The stall is open at night and attracts a young and adventurous crowd. Are you brave enough to try it?

16. Sate Padang Pak Datuk

Sate Padang, a type of sate that’s originated from West Sumatra, has become a popular dish in Jogja. And Pak Datuk is the best place to try Sate Padang in Jogja. This simple stall located in the neighborhood of Janti offers a menu of beef sate that’s cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the sauce is a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and savory. The sate is served with rice cakes and vegetables. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Don’t miss this fusion of flavors.

17. Bakmi Jowo Pak Karmin

Bakmi Jowo, or Javanese-style noodle, is another comfort food that’s popular in Jogja. And Pak Karmin is the master of Bakmi Jowo. This humble stall located in the neighborhood of Kotabaru offers a simple menu of noodle soup that’s made with chicken or beef broth. The noodles are homemade and cooked al dente, and the toppings are a mix of meat, vegetables, and crispy fried shallots. The broth is rich and flavorful, with a hint of spices. The stall is open for breakfast and lunch, and always attracts a loyal crowd of locals.

18. Warung Makan Bu Dermi

Warung Makan Bu Dermi is a hidden gem that’s tucked away in a residential area in the neighborhood of Candi Gebang. This humble eatery offers a menu of traditional Javanese dishes that are cooked with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. From the classic nasi liwet to the spicy tongseng kambing, everything on the menu is a treat for your taste buds. The prices are affordable, and the portions are generous. The atmosphere is cozy and homely, with wooden tables and chairs. Don’t miss this local favorite.

19. Sate Kelinci Pak No

Sate kelinci, or rabbit sate, is a unique dish that’s only available in Jogja. And Pak No is the best place to try sate kelinci. This simple stall located in the neighborhood of Depok offers a menu of rabbit sate that’s grilled to perfection. The meat is tender and juicy, and the marinade is a secret recipe that’s been passed down for generations. The sate is served with peanut sauce and lontong, and you can add toppings like cucumber and tomato. The prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly. Don’t miss this exotic delicacy.

20. Sate Ayam Srempet Pak Haji

If you’re a fan of spicy food, Sate Ayam Srempet Pak Haji is the place to go. This legendary stall located in the neighborhood of Wonosari offers a menu of chicken sate that’s marinated in a blend of chili and spices. The sate is grilled over charcoal fire, which gives it a smoky flavor and aroma. The spicy sambal is a perfect complement to the tender meat. The stall is open at night and attracts a young and hip crowd. Don’t miss this fiery sensation.

21. Sate Klathak Pak Bari

Sate Klathak Pak Bari is another sate destination that’s worth a visit. This legendary stall located in the neighborhood of Jl. Kaliurang offers a menu of beef sate that’s cooked over charcoal fire. The meat is tender and juicy, and the marinade is a secret recipe that’s been perfected over the years. The sate is served with peanut sauce and lontong, and you can choose from mild to extra spicy. The stall is always busy, but the service is quick and efficient. Don’t miss this local favorite.