The Best Street Food in Surabaya, Indonesia

Bakso sold on a cart
Bakso sold on a cart | © rai_19 / Flickr
Edira Putri

While it’s easy to spot just about any good restaurant in the modern city of Surabaya, it takes a venturesome spirit to try some of the authentic recipes served by locals at street food stalls. If you’re interested in trying out what the locals eat, go for these best street food options in Surabaya, Indonesia.

1. Rujak Cingur Genteng Durasim

Diner, Indonesian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

What differentiates rujak cingur from other rujak or Indonesian salad recipes is the cow’s muzzle in its sauce ingredients. This distinctive recipe originated from Surabaya and the specialty of the legendary small warung in Genteng Durasim that has been operating since 1943. The dish includes slices of tempeh, tofu, vegetables, and various fruits.

2. Bakso Pak War

Restaurant, Indonesian

This humble street food stall serves phenomenal bakso or Indonesian meatballs. It’s loved by many locals who come from near and far for a bowl of the delicious meatballs, savoury broth, and tasty condiments. Pak War may not have a building for his business, but he sure turns the area nearby into a packed parking area.

3. Bebek Tugu Pahlawan

Food Stand, Indonesian

This street food place serves fried duck with luscious and somewhat addictive condiments. Tourists can choose which part to order, whether it’s the breast, leg or innards. The juicy meat and delicious Madura condiment are popular throughout the city, so well-liked that sometimes you have to queue just for a seat at the table.

5. Rawon Kalkulator

Diner, Indonesian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Popular throughout the country, rawon is a traditional beef black soup originally from Surabaya. The strong flavour comes from black nuts, turmeric, and various herbs and spices. Rawon Kalkulator has one of the most sought after rawon dishes in Surabaya, where the soup is served with scrumptious add-ons such as potato cakes, salted egg, and more. And if you stop by for dinner at this warung, you’ll also be entertained by the cashier’s exceptional manual computing skill – thus, the name ‘calculator’.

6. Sop Kaki Kambing Bang Oya

Diner, Indonesian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

The scrumptious goat legs and mutton pieces make for a delectable and satisfying dinner, while the savoury broth will help warm your body as you’re out at night in Surabaya. The goat’s leg soup is very popular that it has a few branches in Surabaya and Malang. Whether you’re in for a big meal or just want a little taste, you can order and customise your own portion and what it consists.

7. Kampung Arab Surabaya

Building

Surabaya has a very lively Arab district lined up with authentic shops and food stalls. Tourists can enjoy scrumptious Middle Eastern food while admiring the area’s ornate architecture, including the historical Ampel Mosque.

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