Discover a variety of traditional Semarang foods that not only captivate the tongues of Indonesians, but are also famous internationally.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, is not only known for its beautiful colonial architecture and peaceful city atmosphere. Semarang is also a heaven for lovers of traditional cuisine.
The variety of typical foods from this city has attracted attention not only domestically, but also abroad. Semarang’s traditional food is famous for its unique taste, a blend of local traditions and foreign cultural influences. Here are ten Typical Semarang Food that are famous abroad.
1. Semarang Spring Rolls
Lumpia Semarang is one of the most famous culinary icons of the city. This food is a roll of flour filled with bamboo shoots, chicken, or shrimp, which is then fried or steamed.
The savory and slightly sweet taste of Lumpia Semarang has succeeded in attracting the attention of local and international tourists.
Not only in Indonesia, this lumpia is also starting to be known in Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, and has even become a favorite food for several Asian restaurants in Europe.
2. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu gimbal is a delicious dish consisting of fried tofu, lontong, bean sprouts, and pieces of shrimp that are fried dry (gimbal). What makes it unique is the peanut sauce used as a seasoning.
Its slightly sweet and spicy taste is very suitable for anyone who tries it. This dish is often a favorite of foreign tourists who are visiting Semarang, even some restaurants abroad have started to serve this dish as part of their Nusantara menu.
3. Wingko Babat
Wingko babat is a traditional cake made from coconut and sticky rice flour. Its legit taste and chewy texture make this food popular with many people.
Wingko babat is usually sold as a souvenir in Semarang and is popular among foreign tourists. In several countries, wingko babat has begun to be marketed in Asian food stores and has become a favorite among Indonesian culinary lovers abroad.
4. Milkfish Presto
Bandeng presto is a typical Semarang food that is very unique because this milkfish is cooked by pressure cooking until the bones become soft and edible.
Its savory taste and soft texture make bandeng presto one of the most sought-after souvenirs from Semarang. This food has even begun to be marketed in several countries such as the Netherlands, where there are many Indonesian diaspora who miss the taste of their hometown.
5. Soto Semarang
Soto Semarang is characterized by its clear broth with a savory and fresh broth. Usually, this soto is served with shredded chicken, rice vermicelli, and perkedel as accompaniments.
Soto Semarang is a favorite not only for local people, but also foreign tourists who want to taste traditional Indonesian dishes. Several Indonesian restaurants abroad have started to include soto Semarang as their mainstay menu, making it famous among international culinary lovers.
6. Babat Gongso
Babat gongso is a dish made from beef offal, specifically tripe, cooked with sweet and spicy spices. This dish has a very distinctive taste and chewy texture, suitable for those who like the sensation of food rich in spices.
The popularity of babat gongso is not only limited to Semarang; many Indonesian restaurants abroad have started serving this dish to satisfy their longing for Javanese cuisine.
7. Gandul Rice
Nasi Gandul is a traditional food originating from Pati, but popular in Semarang. This dish is served with rice doused in thick coconut milk sauce, plus pieces of beef or offal.
Its savory taste with a strong aroma of spices makes Nasi Gandul one of the foods favored by foreign tourists. This dish is often a favorite choice for those looking for traditional Indonesian food abroad.
8. Garang Asem
Garang asem is a chicken-based dish cooked with sour spices and wrapped in banana leaves. Its fresh, sour and spicy taste makes this food very distinctive and different from other dishes in Indonesia.
Garang asem Semarang is starting to be known among culinary lovers abroad, especially because of its unique way of serving and its taste that is not easily found in other Asian foods.
9. Tahu Pong
Tahu pong is fried tofu with an empty inside, served with a special petis sauce and cucumber pickles. This dish is a snack that is very popular with many people.
Tahu pong is also often found at various international culinary events that introduce typical Indonesian food. Many foreign tourists are attracted to the uniqueness of tahu pong, both in terms of texture and the rich taste of its petis sauce.
10. Rail Block
Ganjel rel is a traditional Semarang cake made from wheat flour, palm sugar, and spices such as cinnamon. Its dense texture and sweet taste with a strong aroma of spices make ganjel rel a unique food.
Although the texture is a little hard, this cake remains a favorite of many people, especially as a souvenir from Semarang. Several restaurants and cake shops abroad have also started marketing this cake as part of a must-try Indonesian specialty.
Semarang has a rich and diverse culinary heritage. The city’s traditional foods have not only captivated the hearts of locals, but have also gained recognition from foodies around the world.
From crispy lumpia to legit ganjel rel, every traditional Semarang dish offers an unforgettable taste experience. So, if you visit Semarang, be sure to try and bring home these culinary specialties.
In addition, for those of you who are abroad, these Typical Central Javanese Foods can be a reminder of the taste of the homeland that can now be enjoyed in various countries. Enjoy the culinary riches of Semarang!
