Must-Try Foods In Surabaya (Indonesia) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

City

Food History of Surabaya, Indonesia

The food history of Surabaya is as rich and diverse as its cultural tapestry. From its early days, the port city has been a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its culinary scene. The influence of Javanese, Madurese, Chinese, and Arabic cuisines is prominent in Surabaya's local dishes. Traditional foods often feature a combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami flavors, achieved through the use of ingredients like coconut milk, palm sugar, peanuts, and various spices. The city's coastal location also means seafood is a staple in its culinary offerings.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Surabaya

Rujak Cingur (Non-Veg): A traditional East Javanese salad with a mixture of sliced fruits, vegetables, and thinly sliced boiled cow's nose (cingur), served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Gado-Gado (Veg): An Indonesian salad made from boiled vegetables drenched in peanut sauce, usually served with rice cakes (lontong) and sometimes topped with boiled eggs.
Rawon (Non-Veg): A rich beef black soup that uses keluak nut to give it a distinctive dark color and earthy flavor.
Soto Ayam Ambengan (Non-Veg): A famous type of chicken soup from Surabaya with a clear, yellowish broth flavored with turmeric, and served with rice or rice cakes.
Sate Klopo Ondomohen (Non-Veg): Skewered grilled meat, typically chicken or goat, coated in coconut shavings and served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
Lontong Balap (Non-Veg): A traditional Surabayan street food consisting of rice cakes (lontong), bean sprouts, lentho (fried mashed beans), fried tofu, and served with a savory and spicy sauce.
Tahu Tek (Veg): A unique Surabayan dish made with fried tofu, sliced fresh vegetables, lontong, and drenched in a savory peanut sauce.
Tahu Campur (Non-Veg): A mixed tofu dish that includes sliced tofu, egg noodles, and a variety of meats, topped with a flavorsome spiced petis sauce.
Nasi Goreng Jawa (Non-Veg/Veg options): Javanese-style fried rice which can be prepared with a mix of chicken, seafood, or just vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Pecel (Veg): A Javanese salad with mixed blanched vegetables, served with a spicy peanut sauce dressing.

Top Famous Restaurants in Surabaya

Bu Kris: Address: Jl. Raya Darmo Permai Selatan No.1, Surabaya; Famous Food: Pecel Lele (Non-Veg) - Fried catfish served with sambal and rice.
Warung Bu Rudy: Address: Jl. HR. Muhammad No.41, Surabaya; Famous Food: Nasi Ayam Betutu (Non-Veg) - Balinese-style slow-cooked chicken rice.
Boncafe Steak & Ice Cream: Address: Jl. Dr. Soetomo 46, Surabaya; Famous Food: Sirloin Steak (Non-Veg) - Grilled sirloin steak served with a variety of side dishes.
Domicile Kitchen & Lounge: Address: Jl. Sumatera 35, Surabaya; Famous Food: Various modern dishes with international flavors (Veg/Non-Veg options available).
Depot Bu Rudy: Address: Multiple Locations; Famous Food: Sambal Bu Rudy (Veg/Non-Veg accompaniment) - A famous chili sauce that can be paired with a variety of dishes.