Food History of Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The magnificent Borobudur Temple, located near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is not just a testament to spiritual and architectural splendor but also a witness to the region's rich culinary traditions. The temple, built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty, stands in a region that is a melting pot of Javanese culture, known for its distinct and flavorful cuisine. Historically, the temple served as a place of pilgrimage where food served had symbolic meanings, often prepared using local and simple ingredients that adhered to the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks. Over time, the nearby villages and city of Yogyakarta have developed a culinary scene that reflects a blend of indigenous Javanese, Indian, Arabic, and even Dutch influences due to the colonial past.
Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Gudeg (Veg) - A traditional Javanese cuisine made from young unripe jackfruit stewed with palm sugar, coconut milk, and spices.
- Tempeh (Veg) - A fermented soy product that is a staple in Indonesian cuisine, often fried or cooked with spices.
- Sayur Urap (Veg) - A salad dish of steamed vegetables mixed with seasoned and spiced grated coconut for dressing.
- Nasi Kuning (Veg/Non-Veg option available) - Turmeric-flavored rice usually served with a variety of side dishes.
- Mie Jawa (Veg/Non-Veg options available) - Javanese-style noodle dish that can be served with chicken or vegetables.
- Bakpia (Veg) - A sweet roll filled with mung bean paste, often sold as a souvenir snack.
- Peyek (Veg) - A crispy and savory Javanese cracker made from rice flour with peanuts, anchovies, or shrimp.
- Wedang Ronde (Veg) - A warm, ginger-based beverage containing glutinous rice balls, often enjoyed in the evening.
- Klepon (Veg) - Green-colored balls made from sticky rice, filled with liquid palm sugar, and coated in grated coconut.
- Lumpia (Veg/Non-Veg options available) - Spring rolls of Chinese origin that can be found with various fillings, including bamboo shoots and chicken.
Top Famous Restaurants in Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Resto Plataran Borobudur
Address: Dusun Tanjungan, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Famous Food: Nasi Tumpeng (Veg/Non-Veg options available) - A cone-shaped rice dish served with assorted Indonesian side dishes.
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Patio Restaurant by Plataran
Address: Jl. Boyong No.9, Pagerharjo, Kec. Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Famous Food: Beef Rendang (Non-Veg) - Slow cooked beef dish with coconut milk and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chillies.
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Stupa by Plataran
Address: Plataran Borobudur, Tanjungan Village, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Famous Food: Javanese Fried Chicken (Non-Veg) - Deep fried chicken marinated in traditional Javanese spices.
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Paksi Coffee House
Address: Jl. Medang Kamulan, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Famous Food: Wedang Uwuh (Veg) - A traditional herbal drink made from a mixture of several leaves such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
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Amanjiwo Dining
Address: Ds. Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Famous Food: Java Avocado Dream (Veg) - A dessert featuring avocado, Javanese chocolate, and coffee.
When enjoying the local cuisine in the area surrounding Borobudur Temple, remember that while the majority of traditional Javanese dishes are served with rice as a staple, the accompaniments can often be customized to cater to vegetarian preferences, except for certain dishes that are inherently meat-based.