Experience the delights of various Semarang specialties that offer authentic deliciousness, from lumpia to soto Bangkong, which are rich in history and taste.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java, is not only famous for its rich history and culture, but also for its delicious culinary delights.
Each typical Semarang food has its own unique taste and story, making it an inseparable part of the city’s identity. Here are 10 Typical Semarang Foods that you must try when visiting.
1. Semarang Spring Rolls
Lumpia is a typical Semarang food that is not only delicious but also full of history. This cuisine was born from the fusion of Chinese and Indonesian cultures.
Lumpia Semarang contains bamboo shoots cooked with special spices, often combined with chicken, shrimp, or eggs.
These spring rolls are served with a thick, sweet and slightly spicy sauce, complete with spring onions and pickled cucumbers. Lumpia Pandanaran and Lumpia Gang Lombok are two legendary places to enjoy these spring rolls.
With prices ranging from Rp7,000 to Rp17,000 per piece, Semarang lumpia is a snack that should not be missed.
2. Layer Cake
Lapis Legit or also known as spekuk is a cake inherited from the Dutch colonial era that has been adapted to the taste of the archipelago.
This cake, a popular choice among Typical Semarang Souvenirs, is made from a rich dough of butter, sugar, and eggs, with the addition of spices such as cinnamon and cardamom.
This layered cake is not only delicious but also has a delicious aroma. Lapis Legit Anggrek on Jl. Majapahit is one of the best places to taste this cake. Prices vary, starting from IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000, depending on size and flavor.
3. Wingko Babat
Wingko Babat is a typical Semarang cake made from a mixture of young coconut, glutinous rice flour, and sugar. This cake has a chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
Usually, Wingko Babat is sold in small round shapes, and you can find it in various souvenir centers, such as on Jl. Pandanaran. The unit price is only around Rp2,000, while a pack of 20 is priced at around Rp26,000. This cake is perfect for drinking coffee or tea.
4. Milkfish Presto
Bandeng Presto is a typical Semarang milkfish dish that is cooked using a pressure cooker until the bones become soft. This fish is seasoned with turmeric, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a delicious savory taste.
Bandeng Presto Juwana Elrina on Jl. Pandanaran is the best place to buy presto milkfish. One box containing five fish is usually priced at Rp40,000.
5. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu Gimbal is a typical Semarang dish consisting of fried tofu, lontong, raw cabbage, bean sprouts, and gimbal (fried shrimp flour dough). This dish is drizzled with peanut sauce mixed with petis, creating a rich and delicious taste.
Warung Tahu Gimbal Pak Man on Jl. Plampitan is a recommended place to try this dish. One portion of tahu gimbal is usually sold for Rp8,000 to Rp12,000.
6. Garang Asem
Garang Asem is a chicken-based dish cooked in thin coconut milk, starfruit, and chili. This food is served wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a distinctive, appetizing aroma.
As a complement, it is usually served with warm rice, fried tempeh, or chicken offal. Its fresh and slightly spicy taste makes it one of the favorite foods in Semarang.
7. Semarang Pecel
Pecel Semarang has a unique difference compared to pecel in other regions.
In addition to vegetables such as kale, kenikir, and bean sprouts, Pecel Semarang is usually served with snail satay and karak crackers, which provide a crunchy texture and additional savory flavor.
This dish is easy to find in various traditional food stalls in Semarang. With affordable prices, Pecel Semarang is a great choice for breakfast or lunch.
8. Soto Semarang
Soto Semarang is a variation of soto with clear broth made from free-range chicken stock. It has a light taste but is rich in the aroma of spices, making it suitable for enjoying at any time.
This dish is usually served with mussel satay, quail eggs, or fried foods such as mendoan. Soto Semarang can be enjoyed at various local food stalls at pocket-friendly prices.
9. Tofu Petis
Tahu Petis is fried tofu filled with petis, a thick shrimp-based sauce that has a savory and slightly sweet taste. This snack is often sold around the Simpang Lima area of Semarang.
One of the famous sellers is Tahu Petis Prasojo, which is open until the afternoon. The price is very affordable, making it the perfect snack to accompany your afternoon.
10. Soto Bangkong
Soto Bangkong is a variant of Semarang’s signature soto that has been around since 1950. Its name is taken from the Bangkong intersection, where this soto was first sold.
This soto is served in a small bowl with shredded chicken, tomatoes, bean sprouts, and rice vermicelli, and sprinkled with fried shallots.
You can enjoy it with additional mussel satay, perkedel, or fried foods. Soto Bangkong can be found on Jl. Brigjen Katamso at an affordable price.
Semarang is a culinary paradise with a variety of unique and delicious local dishes. From the legendary lumpia to the classic soto bangkong, each dish among the Typical Solo Souvenirs offers a special taste experience.
Whether you are looking for a light snack, a main course, or a souvenir, Semarang cuisine has it all. Don’t forget to try these 10 signature dishes to enjoy the authentic taste of the charming city of Semarang!
