Explore Solo’s mouth-watering culinary delights, from goat’s head tengkleng to Selat Solo, a blend of traditional flavors and local uniqueness that are not to be missed.
Solo, also known as Surakarta, is one of the cultural cities in Central Java that has a very rich and diverse culinary heritage. The uniqueness of Solo cuisine lies not only in the taste, but also in the ingredients used and the way of serving which has become a hereditary tradition.
Many typical Solo foods are already famous throughout the archipelago, even the world, thanks to their distinctive taste and quality ingredients.
1. Goat Head Tengkleng
Tengkleng Goat Head is one of the legendary culinary originating from Solo. This food is made from goat’s head cooked with special spices rich in herbs, giving it a deep savory taste.
Usually, tengkleng is served with the bones still attached and the meat tender, making it a favorite choice for culinary lovers who like the taste of goat meat. Coupled with a broth rich in spices, this tengkleng becomes a very appetizing dish.
2. Bakmi Toprak
Bakmi Toprak is one of Solo’s signature dishes that combines noodles and other ingredients in one plate. Usually, bakmi toprak is served with kunir noodles (turmeric made from wheat flour), chicken, and beef, and is doused with a thick sauce made from selected spices.
The savory and spicy taste is the main attraction of Bakmi Toprak, one of the Typical Solo Food dishes, which can be enjoyed at any time. Bakmi Toprak is often served as a breakfast or dinner dish and is perfect for warming the body.
3. The trough
Tahok is a sweet dish made from soy flour processed into soft tofu, then doused with thick brown sugar water. The tofu used for tahok has a very soft and chewy texture, while the brown sugar water adds a refreshing sweetness.
This food is usually sold as a light snack in the morning or afternoon. In Solo, tahok has a special place in the hearts of the people as one of the refreshing traditional desserts.
4. Ledre
Ledre is a typical Solo snack made from grilled plantains and sprinkled with coconut sugar on top. This food has a natural sweet taste from the banana combined with an appetizing grilled aroma. Ledre is often found in traditional markets and food stalls in Solo.
Its simple yet delicious shape makes it a favorite snack, especially when enjoying a relaxing time in Solo. The deliciousness of ledre can be enjoyed with warm sweet tea, making the Solo culinary experience even more memorable.
5. Tamarind Shallots
Brambang Asem is a traditional Solo dish made from boiled shallots (brambang) mixed with fresh sour sauce. This food has a slightly spicy, sour, and savory taste that is perfect for refreshing the tongue.
Usually, brambang asem is eaten with white rice and side dishes such as chicken or fish. The refreshing sour taste of brambang asem is perfect to enjoy on a hot afternoon or during dinner with the family.
6. Buntel Satay
Sate Buntel is a unique Solo satay because the goat or beef used is wrapped in meat fat, then grilled until cooked. The presentation of this sate buntel provides a very delicious savory and fatty taste.
Sate buntel is usually served with peanut sauce or soy sauce, plus warm white rice, making it a very appetizing dish. Sate Buntel is perfect for meat lovers who want to enjoy a satay dish with a richer and different taste from satay in general.
7. Tofu and Rice Cake
Kupat Tahu is one of the legendary culinary from Solo that is very famous. This dish consists of ketupat pieces served with fried tofu, fresh vegetables, and a sweet and savory peanut sauce.
Kupat Tahu is the right choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a light but filling dish. Usually, this kupat tahu is also served with additional crackers or emping to add texture to each bite. This food is perfect for breakfast or lunch.
8. Cabuk Rambak
Cabuk Rambak is a typical Solo food made from rambak crackers served with fresh vegetables and spicy and sweet peanut sauce. Its fresh and savory taste makes cabuk rambak the right choice for lunch or a snack.
This food is also often served as a traditional dish at certain events in Solo. The combination of the taste of crunchy rambak crackers with fresh vegetables and rich peanut sauce provides a unique culinary experience.
9. Liwet Rice
Nasi Liwet is a typical Solo food that is very famous for its unique way of serving. Rice is cooked using coconut milk and special spices, which give it a savory and rich taste. Nasi liwet is usually served with various side dishes such as chicken, tofu, tempeh, eggs, and chili sauce.
This dish is very popular during dinner with family, especially on special occasions. The specialty of liwet rice lies in its savory taste and soft texture, making it a dish that should not be missed when visiting Solo.
10. Solo Strait
Selat Solo is a typical dish similar to a salad, but served with more diverse ingredients such as beef or chicken, boiled potatoes, eggs, and fresh vegetables, which are then drizzled with mayonnaise or a special sauce.
Selat Solo is known for its balanced taste between sour, sweet, and savory, making it a suitable food to be enjoyed as a main course or snack.
Selat Solo is very popular in Solo and is a dish that is much sought after by tourists who want to experience the city ‘s unique combination of flavors.
Solo cuisine is a representation of the diversity of flavors and cultures in this city. From heavy dishes such as Tengkleng Kepala Kambing and Nasi Liwet, to sweet snacks such as Ledre and Tahok, Solo has a variety of culinary choices that are mouth-watering.
The uniqueness of the taste of each dish, coupled with the distinctive way of serving it, makes Solo cuisine very attractive. Every food in this city carries a deep taste and has its own story and history.
As part of Semarang Specialties, these dishes offer a unique culinary experience that reflects the city’s rich culture and traditions. Therefore, when visiting Semarang, be sure to taste the various culinary specialties mentioned above and enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey.
