Enjoy the deliciousness of various Semarang specialties that are appetizing and have a delicious taste. unmatched authentic taste.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java, is not only famous for its historical buildings, but also rich in a variety of traditional culinary delights that pamper the tongue.
If you visit Semarang, it is mandatory to taste the typical food of this area. Here are 10 delicious Typical Semarang Foods with authentic flavors that are guaranteed to make you want to come back to this city.
1. Semarang Spring Rolls
The first typical food that is an icon of the city of Semarang is lumpia. Lumpia Semarang has a different filling from lumpia in general, namely a mixture of bamboo shoots (young bamboo), eggs, and chicken or shrimp.
With a crispy skin on the outside and a savory filling on the inside, this lumpia is best eaten with a distinctive thick sweet sauce.
Lumpia Semarang is often served during big events or certain celebrations, but you can easily find it in souvenir centers or traditional markets in Semarang. Its savory and delicious taste makes this lumpia always a favorite souvenir for tourists.
2. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu gimbal is a dish consisting of fried tofu cut into pieces, gimbal (shrimp fritters), sliced cabbage, and bean sprouts, all drizzled with a special peanut sauce. The peanut sauce in tahu gimbal usually has a slightly sweet, spicy, and savory taste.
The combination of soft tofu, crispy gimbal, and fresh vegetables make tahu gimbal a perfect meal to enjoy anytime. This food is very popular among locals, especially as an afternoon snack.
3. Milkfish Presto
Milkfish presto is one of the most famous souvenirs from Semarang. Milkfish that usually has many bones, is processed by pressure cooking until the bones are soft and edible. The cooking process using a pressure cooker makes this milkfish soft and easy to enjoy.
Milkfish presto is usually seasoned with garlic, turmeric, and salt before being pressure cooked, giving it a distinctive savory taste. Usually served with chili paste or spicy soy sauce. This milkfish presto is very suitable as a side dish with warm rice.
4. Wingko Babat
Wingko Babat is a traditional cake made from a mixture of grated coconut, glutinous rice flour, and sugar.
This cake has a soft and chewy texture with a combination of sweet and savory coconut flavors. Generally, wingko is baked until the surface is brown, adding a distinctive, tempting aroma.
Wingko Babat is often made as an iconic souvenir from Semarang. It tastes perfect when eaten with a cup of coffee or tea during leisure time. This cake is usually round and flat and comes in a variety of flavors, such as original, chocolate, to durian.
5. Semarang Chicken Rice
If in other areas there is liwet rice or mixed rice, in Semarang you can find chicken rice. Semarang chicken rice usually consists of rice served with shredded yellow spiced chicken, tofu opor, chayote vegetables, and doused with savory coconut milk sauce.
What makes this typical Semarang chicken rice special is its thick sauce that is rich in spices. Usually, this chicken rice is served with crackers or melinjo chips as a complement. Its savory and delicious taste is perfect to be enjoyed anytime, especially for breakfast.
6. Kopyok Noodles
Mie kopyok is one of the street foods that must be tried when in Semarang. This noodle consists of yellow noodles that are boiled and mixed with sliced pong tofu, bean sprouts, lontong, and crackers. Then doused with a light, savory broth.
What makes kopyok noodles different from other noodles is the addition of fried onions and sliced celery leaves that give a fresh aroma. This dish is perfect to enjoy during the day because it tastes light but still filling.
7. Soto Bangkong
Soto Bangkong is a variation of Semarang’s typical soto which has a clear sauce with a savory taste. The name Bangkong is taken from the name of the street where this soto was first sold. Soto Bangkong usually contains shredded chicken, vermicelli, bean sprouts and fried onions, then drizzled with fresh chicken broth.
The light yet delicious taste makes Soto Bangkong a favorite of many. You can add chili sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice to taste to give a more complete taste.
8. Tofu Petis
Tahu petis is a typical Semarang snack that is very popular among locals and tourists. Crispy fried tofu is served with petis sauce made from shrimp cooked until thick and dark black. The savory and slightly sweet taste of petis is very suitable when combined with crispy tofu. .
Tahu petis is perfect as an afternoon snack or tea time companion. This food is easily found in street vendors to restaurants in Semarang.
9. Babat Gongso
Babat gongso is a typical food made from tripe (beef stomach) cooked with soy sauce and spices. The long cooking process makes the tripe tender and the spices are perfectly absorbed. The taste is sweet and savory with a little spiciness from the chili used.
Babat gongso is often served with warm white rice and crackers as a complement. This food is perfect for those of you who like sweet and savory flavors in one dish.
10. Paimo’s Sweets
Lekker Paimo is a fairly well-known snack in Semarang. Unlike most lekker which are thin and only filled with chocolate or cheese, Lekker Paimo comes with a variety of fillings, such as sausage, egg, corned beef, and even mozzarella cheese.
The combination of crispy skin and abundant filling makes Lekker Paimo always crowded with buyers. This food is perfect for an afternoon snack, especially for those of you who like snacks with unique and varied flavors.
Semarang is indeed a city rich in culinary delights. For those looking to indulge in Typical Central Javanese Food, from savory lumpia to lekker with abundant fillings, every Semarang specialty has a unique taste that should not be missed.
So, if you plan to visit Semarang, make sure to try these 10 specialty foods to make your culinary experience even more complete and memorable! Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just curious to explore local flavors, Semarang’s dishes will certainly leave a lasting impression.
