Explore 10 famous culinary delights from Semarang that offer unique, historic flavors and are favorites both domestically and internationally.

Semarang, the capital of Central Java Province, is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, rich culture, and of course mouth-watering cuisine. Semarang cuisine is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting this city .

With influences from various cultures, be it Chinese, Javanese, and Dutch, Semarang has many dishes that are full of flavor and history.

Some of them have been known not only in Indonesia but also abroad. If you are planning to visit Semarang, here are 10 culinary specialties that you must try and that have become legendary and widely known.

1. Semarang Spring Rolls

Lumpia Semarang is a legendary culinary that cannot be missed when in this city . This lumpia is different from lumpia in general because it uses bamboo shoots ( bamboo shoots ) filling combined with eggs, shrimp, chicken, and a special sauce.

One of the famous places to enjoy Lumpia Semarang is at Lumpia Semarang “Semarang Jaya”, which is widely known by domestic and international tourists.

Lumpia Semarang has a sweet and savory taste, and can be enjoyed in fried or wet form. The uniqueness of this lumpia is the seasoning that perfectly penetrates the filling served in a thin, crispy skin.

Semarang Culinary Tour offers a delightful experience for food lovers, showcasing iconic local dishes and flavors. This culinary delight is already known in various countries and is a must-buy souvenir for tourists visiting Semarang.

2. Tahu Gimbal

Tahu Gimbal is a typical Semarang culinary that is famous for its unique taste and texture that is different from other traditional dishes.

Tahu Gimbal consists of fried tofu pieces served with crispy gimbal (shrimp fritters), mixed with fresh vegetables , and drizzled with thick peanut sauce. This dish is usually served with crackers and boiled eggs.

The deliciousness of Tahu Gimbal lies in the combination of the savory taste of tofu and shrimp fritters, combined with the spiciness of peanut sauce that is rich in spices.

Tahu Gimbal can be found in various food stalls in Semarang, but there are several famous places that serve it with the best taste, such as in the Simpang Lima area which is the culinary center of Semarang.

3. Tripe Fried Rice

Nasi Goreng Babat is one of Semarang’s specialties that has a unique taste thanks to the addition of chewy tripe (beef offal).

Usually, this fried rice is cooked with a special seasoning that is rich in spices and served with a fried egg on top. In Semarang, Nasi Goreng Babat is very popular with locals and tourists, because of its savory and slightly spicy taste.

In addition to tripe, Nasi Goreng Babat is also often served with pieces of beef and fried onions which add to its deliciousness. This dish is a favorite of many and is often served in food stalls that are open until the evening, making it a favorite for dinner.

4. Semarang Satay

Sate Semarang is a satay that has a characteristic peanut sauce that is thicker and sweeter . Usually, Sate Semarang uses chicken or goat meat, and has a tender texture after being perfectly grilled.

The peanut sauce is made from ground peanuts with other seasonings such as brown sugar, soy sauce, and special spices.

Sate Semarang is very famous in the South Semarang area, especially in the area of Sate Sapi Mbak Lintang and Sate Kambing Tepi Laut. This satay is not only popular among local residents, but has also been known by international tourists who come to Semarang.

5. Kwetiau Siram Semarang

Kwetiau Siram Semarang is a very popular Chinese culinary in Semarang. Kwetiau, a typical Chinese wide noodle, is cooked by pouring over it with savory spices that are rich in flavor.

This dish is usually served with additional seafood such as shrimp, squid, or chicken which adds to its delicious taste. Kwetiau Siram is usually added with fresh vegetables and served with spicy chili sauce.

This culinary can be found in various Chinese restaurants in Semarang, but one of the famous places that serves the best Kwetiau Siram is in the Semarang Chinatown area, which is also known for its various other delicious culinary delights.

6. A bowl of Soto Semarang

Soto Semarang is a variant of soto that uses clear broth with a rich taste. Usually, this soto is served with chicken or beef cut into small pieces, as well as accompaniments such as bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and fried onions. Soto Semarang has a distinctive savory taste thanks to the use of broth rich in spices.

In Semarang, Soto Semarang is a favorite dish, especially in the morning for breakfast. One of the places famous for Soto Semarang is in the Kaligawe area, which is already famous among tourists and locals.

7. Milkfish Presto

Bandeng Presto is one of Semarang’s signature dishes that uses milkfish as the main ingredient. Milkfish is cooked by presto or cooking with high pressure, so that the bones become soft and edible.

This process makes Bandeng Presto a unique and very popular dish, especially for those who don’t want to bother with fish bones.

Presto Milkfish is very popular in Semarang and is often used as a typical souvenir by tourists. One of the famous places that sells the best Presto Milkfish is in the Bandarharjo area, which is widely known by the public.

8. Cong Lik Ice Cream

Es Puter Cong Lik is a very famous traditional ice in Semarang. Made from a mixture of grated coconut, coconut milk, and brown sugar, this ice puter has a natural sweet taste and a soft texture.

Es Puter Cong Lik is a legendary culinary in Semarang that is often chosen to refresh yourself during the day.

This ice cream can be found in various corners of the city , but the most famous is in the Simpang Lima area which is the culinary center of Semarang. In addition to coconut ice cream, this place also serves various other flavors such as durian and green beans.

9. Semarang Tinutuan Porridge

Tinutuan Porridge is one of Semarang’s signature dishes that you must try when you are in the city . This porridge has a thick texture and is served with various side dishes such as salted fish, boiled eggs, and chili paste. Tinutuan is a very delicious and nutritious breakfast dish, perfect for starting the day full of energy.

Tinutuan porridge can be found in various breakfast stalls in Semarang. One of the famous places serving Tinutuan Porridge is in the Kalisari area, which is famous for its distinctive taste.

10. Semarang Cubir Cake

Kue Cubir is a traditional snack from Semarang made from sticky rice flour dough filled with grated coconut and brown sugar.

This cake is cooked by baking until cooked, producing a distinctive sweet taste and chewy texture. Kue Cubir is very suitable as a souvenir because it lasts a long time and is easy to take home.

sweet and chewy taste makes Kue Cubir a favorite snack choice for tourists and locals.

Semarang is not only rich in tourist destinations and natural beauty, but also has culinary delights that are no less appetizing. From the famous lumpia to the refreshing es puter, Semarang’s cuisine offers a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Each dish reflects the city’s rich culture and history, influenced by various tribes and traditions. For culinary lovers, exploring Semarang’s cuisine is a taste journey that should not be missed.

After enjoying Semarang’s flavors, continue your adventure with a Solo Culinary Tour to discover even more delightful dishes and experience the unique culinary heritage of Solo.