Enjoy the authentic taste of various Semarang specialties, from the legendary lumpia to the classic soto Bangkong, with a unique culinary culture rich in culture.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java, is known as a city rich in culture and history. However, Semarang’s charm does not stop there.
The city also offers a variety of tempting culinary specialties, reflecting a blend of local traditions and foreign cultural influences. Here are 10 Typical Semarang Foods that you must try when visiting.
1. Semarang Spring Rolls
Lumpia is one of the most iconic culinary delights in Semarang. With a long history originating from the fusion of Chinese and Indonesian cultures, Semarang’s signature spring rolls are a must-try dish.
The characteristic of this lumpia is the bamboo shoot filling cooked with chicken, shrimp, or egg, wrapped in crispy lumpia skin.
This dish is even more delicious with a thick sweet and spicy sauce. Lumpia Pandanaran and Lumpia Gang Lombok are two legendary places to try it. The price ranges from Rp. 7,000 to Rp. 17,000 per piece.
2. Layer Cake
Lapis Legit is a layered cake that originated from the Dutch colonial tradition. In Semarang, this cake has been adapted with the addition of typical Indonesian spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, resulting in a tempting aroma and rich taste.
The process of making this cake, a favorite among Typical Semarang Souvenirs, requires patience, because each layer is cooked one by one until it forms a perfect stacked texture.
You can find the best Lapis Legit at Anggrek cake shop on Jl. Majapahit, with prices ranging from Rp25,000 to Rp50,000 per box.
3. Wingko Babat
Wingko Babat is a typical Semarang snack 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.
This snack is often sold in souvenir centers such as on Jl. Pandanaran. Wingko Babat is available in small round shapes, priced at around Rp. 2,000 per piece or Rp. 26,000 for a box of 20. Wingko is perfect as a companion for drinking tea or coffee.
4. Milkfish Presto
Bandeng Presto is a typical Semarang fish dish that is cooked using a pressure cooker technique until the bones become soft. This fish is seasoned with turmeric, garlic and other spices, resulting in a savory and delicious taste.
One of the best places to buy Bandeng Presto is Juwana Elrina on Jl. Pandanaran. For around Rp40,000, you can get a box of five milkfish.
5. Tahu Gimbal
Tahu Gimbal is a combination of fried tofu, rice cake, raw cabbage, bean sprouts, and gimbal (fried shrimp). This dish is drizzled with peanut sauce mixed with petis, creating a blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Warung Tahu Gimbal Pak Man on Jl. Plampitan is a famous place to enjoy this dish. The price ranges from Rp. 8,000 to Rp. 12,000 per portion.
6. Garang Asem
Garang Asem is a chicken-based dish cooked in thin coconut milk, starfruit, and chili. This dish is wrapped in banana leaves, giving it a distinctive, alluring aroma.
As a side dish, it is usually served with warm white rice, fried tempeh, and chicken innards. Its fresh and slightly spicy taste makes it one of the favorite foods in Semarang.
7. Semarang Pecel
Pecel Semarang has its own uniqueness. In addition to fresh vegetables such as kale, kenikir, and bean sprouts, this dish is served with snail satay and karak crackers, giving it a distinctive crunchy texture.
You can find this pecel in various traditional stalls in Semarang. With affordable prices, Pecel Semarang is the right choice for a healthy and delicious lunch.
8. Soto Semarang
Soto Semarang is a variation of soto with clear broth made from free-range chicken stock. It has a light but rich spice flavor, making it a dish that is perfect for enjoying at any time.
This soto is usually served with mussel satay, quail eggs, or fried foods such as mendoan. With a pocket-friendly price, this soto is easy to find in various local food stalls.
9. Tofu Petis
Tahu Petis is fried tofu filled with shrimp paste, thick sauce that is savory and slightly sweet. This snack is one of the typical foods often found in the Simpang Lima area.
One of the famous sellers is Tahu Petis Prasojo. At a very affordable price, this snack is the perfect afternoon companion to enjoy with family.
10. Soto Bangkong
Soto Bangkong is a typical Semarang soto that has been around since 1950. This dish is served with a clear brown sauce made from chicken stock, and fillings of shredded chicken, rice vermicelli, tomatoes, and bean sprouts.
The name “Bangkong” is taken from the Bangkong intersection, where this soto was first sold. You can enjoy it on Jl. Brigjen Katamso. This soto is usually served with shellfish satay, perkedel, or fried foods as a complement.
Semarang is a city that offers culinary riches with unique flavors that are unmatched. From the legendary lumpia to the refreshing garang asem, every dish among the Typical Solo Souvenirs has its own story and deliciousness.
Whether you are looking for a light snack, a main course, or a souvenir, these 10 Semarang specialties are the best choices to enjoy the culinary charm of this city. Don’t miss the chance to taste these foods when you visit Semarang!
