Must-Try Foods In Kota Lama (Old Town) (Semarang) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kota Lama (Old Town), Semarang, Indonesia

Kota Lama, known as the Old Town of Semarang, is rich in cultural heritage and this is reflected in its diverse culinary history. What makes the cuisines here special is the amalgamation of Javanese, Chinese, Indian, and even Dutch influences due to the region’s historical status as a bustling trading port. Semarang's iconic Lumpia Semarang, for instance, is a Chinese-influenced spring roll that has been adapted to Indonesian tastes. As a melting pot of various cultures, Kota Lama's food represents a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that are unique to this region.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kota Lama, Semarang

• Lumpia Semarang (Non-Veg) - A savory spring roll filled with bamboo shoots, chicken, or shrimp and served with a sweet, sticky sauce.
• Nasi Goreng Babat (Non-Veg) - Fried rice with seasoned beef tripe, offering a unique taste and texture.
• Bandeng Presto (Non-Veg) - Milkfish that has been seasoned and pressure-cooked until its bones are tender enough to eat.
• Soto Ayam (Non-Veg) - A fragrant chicken soup filled with noodles, vegetables, and a variety of spices, a comfort food favorite.
• Tahu Gimbal (Non-Veg) - A dish made with fried tofu, shrimp fritters, bean sprouts, cabbage, and covered in a savory peanut sauce.
• Ayam Goreng Kalasan (Non-Veg) - Traditionally marinated fried chicken known for its rich flavors and served with sambal.
• Nasi Ayam Semarangan (Non-Veg) - Semarang-style chicken rice, usually accompanied by a soup and nuanced flavor profiles.
• Es Campur (Veg) - A sweet dessert comprising mixed fruits, jelly, and milk topped with shaved ice and flavored syrups.
• Gado-Gado (Veg) - A mixed vegetable salad topped with a rich peanut sauce, usually including potatoes, tofu, and tempeh.
• Risoles (Vegetarian options available) - A pastry roll filled with various savory ingredients, often including chicken, but vegetarian options with vegetables and cheese are also common.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kota Lama, Semarang

1. Toko Oen

   Address: Jl. Pemuda No.52, Sekayu, Semarang

   Famous for: Its historical ambiance and colonial-era ice cream and pastries. The most famous dish here is the Risoles, which comes in vegetarian options as well.

2. Semarang Tofu Village

   Address: Jl. Mpu Tantular No.47, Ronggowarsito, Semarang

   Famous for: Variety of tofu-based dishes representing a vegetarian twist on classic Semarang cuisine.

3. Tahu Pong Market

   Address: Gang Warung 2, Jl. Letnan Jenderal S Parman, Kotabaru, Semarang

   Famous for: The Tahu Pong, which is a deep-fried tofu dish often consumed with savory sambals and can be enjoyed by vegetarians.

4. 7 Seven Eatery and Coffee

   Address: Jl. Gajahmada No. 129A, Jomblang, Semarang

   Famous for: Its modern take on traditional dishes. While their menu offers various non-vegetarian dishes, vegetarians can indulge in several western-style veg-friendly options as well.

5. Soto Ayam "Lombok" Asli Kota Lama

   Address: Jl. Kepodang Utara No.41, Tanjung Mas, Semarang

   Famous for: The Soto Ayam, a spicy and fragrant chicken broth with a blend of noodles and local spices.

6. Spiegel Bar & Bistro

   Address: Jl. Letjen Suprapto No.34, Kota Lama, Semarang

   Famous for: Its European ambiance and a variety of Dutch-influenced dishes, including veg and non-veg options.

7. On On Pub

   Address: Jl. Letjend Suprapto No. 36, Semarang

   Famous for: Its international cuisine that caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with a selection of Southeast Asian and Western dishes.

8. Kedai Beringin

   Address: Jl. WR Supratman No.28, Kota Lama, Semarang

   Famous for: Its traditional Javanese ambiance and delectable Nasi Ayam served in a banana leaf for that authentic local taste.

9. Warung Asem-Asem Koh Liem

   Address: Jl. MI. Ridwan Rais No.8, Tanjung Mas, Semarang

   Famous for: Its signature Asem-Asem Koh Liem, a tangy and savory beef dish that is popular among locals and tourists alike.

10. The Goeboek Coffe & Eatery

    Address: Jl. Pekojan Tmr. No.12, Kota Lama, Semarang

    Famous for: Its coffee and casual dining offering a mix of Indonesian and western dishes with vegetarian options available.