Indonesia is world-famous for its mouthwatering local cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Dishes like Nasi Goreng and Nasi Padang are just the beginning of the country's rich and diverse culinary offerings. With its vast archipelago, Indonesia boasts a food culture so varied that missing out on the local cuisine while traveling would be a real disappointment.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through East Java, one of Indonesia's most popular regions. Not only is East Java known for its stunning natural beauty, including iconic destinations like Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen, but it's also a hub for some of the most flavorful food in Indonesia.

East Javanese cuisine is a unique blend of local flavors and global influences, including spices from India and China, yet it remains deeply rooted in its authentic culinary traditions. The food in East Java is rich with earthy spices, bold heat, and savory goodness that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're enjoying a traditional Javanese dish or exploring something new, the flavors of East Java will leave you craving more. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations for the best dishes to try in East Java, and experience the unforgettable explosion of flavors that this region has to offer!

Rawon

Are you ready to treat your taste buds to a comforting, beefy soup that will revive and warm you after a challenging hike through East Java’s majestic mountains? Picture this: a hearty, slow-cooked soup infused with exotic herbs and spices, where each sip delivers a rich, savory flavor that melts on your tongue. Before you know it, you'll have savored every drop, craving just one more spoonful.

Don't miss the chance to try Rawon, East Java's iconic delicacy! This thick, brown beef soup, bursting with bold, savory flavors, is made with tender beef and kluwek (Pangi), a unique spice that gives the soup its distinctive color and taste. Rawon has been a beloved dish in East Java for over a century and remains a staple of the region's culinary identity. Typically served with white rice, bean sprouts, and salted eggs, Rawon makes for the perfect, satisfying meal.

If you’re a fan of strong, savory flavors that are gentle on the stomach, Rawon is a must-try. For an authentic experience, visit "Rawon Kalkulator," a popular spot in East Java known not only for its delicious Rawon but also for its legendary cashier, who somehow manages to tally up thousands of bills without ever needing a calculator—yet always gets the numbers right!
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into East Java's rich culinary heritage and treat yourself to the unforgettable taste of Rawon!

Soto Lamongan

Still craving more of East Java's delicious soups? Our next top recommendation is Soto Lamongan, a light yet flavorful chicken soup that's sure to captivate your taste buds. In Indonesia, soto simply means "soup," but Soto Lamongan offers much more than just a basic broth. This dish features a golden, aromatic broth that tastes surprisingly light despite its rich color and depth of flavor. The best part? You’ll find yourself ordering another bowl without even realizing it—you just can't stop at one!

Soto Lamongan is made with tender shredded chicken, rather than diced pieces, and is topped with a unique condiment called koya, which is a flavorful powder made from dried shrimp (ebi). This addition gives the soup its signature taste and enhances its savory profile. The dish is often garnished with fresh coriander, adding a pop of color and making it even more inviting.

What sets Soto Lamongan apart from other Indonesian soups, like Rawon, is its delicate balance of flavors. While Rawon is bold and spicy, Soto Lamongan offers a lighter, more comforting savory taste with a subtle saltiness that feels familiar and soothing. Soto Lamongan is the kind of dish that will make you feel right at home in East Java, as it gently warms you from the inside out. Curious to try this savory chicken soup? Don’t wait—head to East Java and experience the delicious simplicity of Soto Lamongan for yourself!

Rujak Cingur

Have you ever imagined a dish where fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and even slices of cow's nose are combined into one bold plate? What could such a unique mix possibly taste like?

If you’re skeptical, you’re in for a surprise. This dish exists, and it’s called Rujak Cingur—a beloved and authentic culinary gem from East Java! Far from being strange, Rujak Cingur is a healthy, vibrant, and flavorful dish that brings together an exciting medley of ingredients. It combines fruits like cucumber, jicama, unripe mango, and pineapple with vegetables such as water spinach, long beans, and bean sprouts. But what truly sets this dish apart are the chewy slices of cow's nose (yes, it’s a delicacy!), all tossed together in a rich and tangy dressing made from shrimp paste, brown sugar, and fried onions.

The first bite of Rujak Cingur is an explosion of flavors, sweet, sour, savory, and spicy, dancing on your palate. The crunchy fruits and vegetables blend perfectly with the bold, umami-rich shrimp paste, creating a harmonious balance of tastes that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an iconic East Javanese "salad" that you simply cannot miss when visiting the region.

Nasi Tempong

Our final recommendation is a true Indonesian classic hailing from East Java: Nasi Tempong. If you’ve traveled to Bali or other parts of Indonesia, you may already be familiar with this iconic dish!

Nasi Tempong is an everyday rice dish with a twist. It features steamed rice paired with a vibrant mix of boiled vegetables such as spinach, cosmos leaves, along with crispy tofu, savory tempeh, corn fritters, and your choice of fried catfish or chicken. What truly sets Nasi Tempong apart is its bold, fiery sambal, which adds a spicy kick that can only be described as a “slap” to your taste buds. In fact, the name tempong comes from the Indonesian word meaning "to slap," perfectly capturing the sensation of the intense heat from the sambal.

Another great feature of Nasi Tempong is its versatility—it’s easily customizable for vegetarians! Simply swap in extra servings of fried tempeh and tofu, and you’ll have a mouthwatering, plant-based version of this beloved dish.

Don’t worry if you're not used to spicy food, the heat from the sambal will be balanced out by the refreshing boiled vegetables and crunchy fried side dishes. Each bite of Nasi Tempong will keep you coming back for more, until you’re sweating from the addicting spiciness! So, if you love spice, don’t wait—Nasi Tempong is calling your name!

These are the must-try dishes that define East Java's vibrant culinary scene: the rich and bold Rawon, the comforting Soto Lamongan, the uniquely flavorful Rujak Cingur, and the fiery Nasi Tempong. Your East Java adventure wouldn't be complete without savoring these iconic flavors. If you're planning to visit East Java and want insider tips on where to enjoy these dishes, simply click this link and begin your unforgettable culinary journey!