Yogyakarta is known for its cultural heritage. This city, and indeed the whole province breathes Javanese culture and every aspect of life here reflects that. You can find traditional buildings, ceremonies, and food here. Speaking of culinary tradition, Jogja has gudeg, the city’s signature dish.
Gudeg is basically unripe jackfruit stewed in palm sugar and coconut milk for hours. Of course, there are spices and other smaller ingredients that give characteristics to each gudeg warung (restaurant). When visiting Jogja, you don’t want to miss trying this dish. Here are some of the best place to enjoy Gudeg.
Gudeg Yu Djum
Gudeg Yu Djum is probably the most popular chain of warung. It has many branches all over the city, making it one of the easiest gudeg to find. It has a dominantly sweet taste, and the food here is presented in a big portion. Usually, you will have rice and side dish with your gudeg. Gudeg Yu Djum also offers dry gudeg that can last for days, ideal for a culinary souvenir.
Gudeg Bu Tjitro 1925
Gudeg Bu Tjitro set itself apart from other warungs by offering several options. You can eat in the restaurant or take the gudeg home. You can buy gudeg that is stored in a kendhi (clay pot), it can last for two days.
Alternatively, you can buy canned gudeg that will last up to a year, making it enjoyable anywhere. However, many consider that the best place to enjoy gudeg is still in its restaurant.
Gudeg Manggar Bu Tinur
Gudeg Manggar is a variation of gudeg that uses manggar (young coconut flower) as its main ingredient. It is cooked just like the unripe jackfruit one, but the texture is slightly different. Gudeg Manggar usually a bit wetter than the usual gudeg, and served with side dishes like cow skin (krecek), tempeh, chicken, and eggs.
Gudeg Mercon Bu Tinah
Gudeg is mainly a savory and sweet dish, but in Gudeg Mercon Bu Tinah, you can find a spicy version of it. The gudeg here is made similar to other places, but they add chili pepper to give their signature taste. In this stall, you can also find many side dishes like sate, krecek, fried chicken, beef, sometimes also seafood, and many more. If you love spicy food, this is a must-try choice.
Gudeg dan Mangut Lele Mbah Marto
The main dish here is actually Mangut Lele (smoked catfish) with gudeg as its side dish. However, the main selling point is the authenticity of its taste. The customers come directly into the kitchen, where they cook everything traditionally using wood stoves. You can pick your own food directly after it’s cooked. Many customers return here because of its homey atmosphere.
There are still many more gudeg restaurants and warungs scattered all around Jogja. You might stumble into one when you are exploring this city. Fun fact, without the side dish, gudeg is basically a vegetarian food.
