Solo specialties, from tengkleng to lenjongan, which are rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, perfect to complete your culinary adventure.
The city of Solo is not only known for its strong culture, but also for its delicious culinary delights.
From traditional food to legendary snacks, Solo offers a variety of dishes that are not only delicious, but also have a story behind them. Here are 10 typical Solo foods that you must try when visiting.
1. Solo Tengkleng
Tengkleng is one of Solo’s iconic specialties. This dish uses goat bones with a little meat attached as the main ingredient, served with a slightly thin savory sauce.
At first glance, tengkleng is similar to gulai, but has a lighter taste with a touch of spiciness. This dish is perfect for those who like to enjoy meat by eating it directly from the bone. Tengkleng is often served in Solo food stalls and is a favorite choice for tourists.
2. Solo Liwet Rice
Nasi liwet is a typical Solo food consisting of savory rice cooked with coconut milk, served with jipang vegetables, eggs, chicken in coconut milk, and thick coconut milk. The uniqueness of liwet rice lies in its presentation using banana leaves that are folded into a pincukan shape.
The Mangkunegaran area in Solo is the best place to taste liwet rice. This dish offers a distinctive savory taste and is the perfect breakfast menu to start the day, while also providing an opportunity to shop for Typical Solo Souvenirs.
3. Buntel Satay
Sate buntel is a favorite dish made from minced goat meat wrapped in thin goat fat, then grilled until cooked. The burnt fat gives a distinctive aroma that is appetizing.
Sate buntel is usually served with sweet soy sauce, sliced shallots, and lime. This dish is one of the favorite culinary of Indonesian figures, such as President Soeharto and President Joko Widodo.
4. Solo Kupat Tofu
Tahu kupat is a typical Solo food consisting of ketupat, fried tofu, wet noodles, bean sprouts, and fried bakwan. All of these ingredients are doused with a sweet and savory thin soy sauce, then sprinkled with fried peanuts and fried onions.
This dish is even more delicious with the addition of omelettes and crackers as a complement. Tahu kupat is the right choice for those of you who are looking for a light but still filling meal.
5. Timlo Solo
Timlo Solo is a soupy dish containing shredded chicken, gizzard liver, pindang egg and typical Solo fried sausage. Solo sausage is made from spring roll skin filled with chicken and fried until crispy.
Timlo sauce is light but rich in flavor, making it a popular breakfast choice. This dish is easy to find in food stalls in Solo and is suitable for all ages.
6. Solo Chicken Feet Gudeg
Gudeg Ceker Solo offers a sweet and savory taste typical of Java with the addition of tender chicken feet. Warung Gudeg Ceker Bu Karso Margoyudan is a legendary place to enjoy this dish.
Uniquely, this stall only opens in the early morning, starting at 01.00 WIB. The calm evening atmosphere makes the experience of enjoying this ceker gudeg even more special.
7. The bend
Lenjongan is a typical Solo snack made from various tubers such as black sticky rice, gatot, tiwul, cenil, and grontol. This snack is served with grated coconut and liquid brown sugar, creating a delicious sweet taste.
Lenjongan can be enjoyed at Pasar Gede, especially at Bu Sum’s stall. This dish brings a nostalgic feel because it was a favorite snack in the past.
8. Kere Satay
Sate kere is a typical Solo satay made from simple ingredients such as tempeh gembus, which is then seasoned with soy sauce and grilled. The name “kere” which means poor reflects the simplicity of this dish, but the taste is no less delicious.
Warung Yu Rebi in Kebonan area is a famous place to taste sate kere. With affordable prices, this satay is a favorite of tourists and locals.
9. Pecel Solo
Pecel Solo, also known as Pecel Ndeso, uses red rice as its main ingredient. This dish is complemented with vegetables such as papaya leaves, spinach, turi flowers, and banana blossoms, which are doused with a distinctive peanut sauce.
Warung Pecel Solo on Jalan Dr. Soepomo is a popular place to enjoy this dish. The comfortable place and traditional feel make the dining experience here even more memorable.
10. Pecel Tumpang Chili Sauce
Sambal tumpang is a typical Solo seasoning made from tofu, tempeh semanggit, krecek, and spices. This seasoning is served with white rice or porridge, complemented with fresh vegetables such as spinach and bean sprouts.
Warung Sambel Tumpang Bu Kis is a recommended place to taste this dish. This stall opens every morning and is a favorite of many people because of the authentic taste of its tumpang chili sauce.
Solo is the perfect destination for food lovers. From soup dishes like timlo to traditional snacks like lenjongan, Solo offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes and rich cultural stories, along with opportunities to explore Typical Semarang Souvenirs for a complete culinary journey.
When visiting Solo, be sure to try these 10 signature dishes. Each dish not only provides an extraordinary taste experience but also illustrates the richness of Solo’s traditions and culture. Enjoy your culinary journey in this warm city!