Semarang, the capital of Central Java, was a bustling trade centre dating back to the 16th-century. It’s no surprise that the gem has adopted impacts from Dutch, Chinese, and Javanese cultures, leading to a melting pot culture – which is most evident in the food around Semarang. That’s why Semarang has various foods which are loved by tourists. Below are a few awesome Semarang foods to try.
Bandeng Presto Semarang
Bandeng (a form of milkfish) is very hard to eat – it’s much bonier than several other seafoods. To the contrary, Bandeng Presto, that the pressure cooked milk, is super tender and fragile. You won’t feel that the bony feel anymore after the dish lands in your mouth. Also, the odour of bay leaves, garlic, and grilled coriander can be felt.
Lumpia Semarang
This food is a type of fried spring roll that comes with savoury sweet bamboo shoot fillings – fish, poultry, and egg whites. The dish basically is a fusion of Chinese and Javanese tastes. Snacking about the top-ratted combination delicacy is incomplete without dipping it in the sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and wheat starch.
Tahu Pong
Tahu Pong is another tofu dish – it is a sort of snack appreciated in the day – you can’t overlook it. The carrot is known as this as it is an empty interior (Pong means unfilled). The dish has a crunchy exterior yet smooth indoors. It usually serves with radish pickles and petis dipping sauce. After blending them, the sweet, sour, sweet, sour, and peppery flavours will bold.
Tahu Gimbal
For those looking for a tofu-based dish along with prawn, try out the sweet and spicy Tahu Gimbal. This typical Semarang dish is composed of fried chunks of tofu, compressed rice cake, gimbal (battered and deep-fried shrimp), egg whites, and bean sprout. A topping of fried peanuts and chopped celery is also added. What makes the food so mouth-watering is your light peanut sauce.
Babat Gongso
A number of you will likely feel disgusted seeing cow’s tripe onto your primary course menu, will not you? Do not be surprised if your lunch meal is Babat Gongso, a reddish-brown meaty dish favoured by most from Semarang folks. The mammal’s gut and intestine are diced and simmered with sweet soy sauce along with aromatic spices such as bay leaves, galangal, and lemongrass.
Nasi Ayam Semarang
If Solo has Nasi Liwet for its specialization, Semarang is always recognized with Nasi Ayam. This typical food can readily be found through the full Semarang as soon as the nighttime comes. The steamed rice is doused with all the yellow chicken gravy named “kuah opor ayam” and functioned with other dishes such as sautéed chayote, shredded chicken, and sweet satay.
Soto Bangkong
Are you a true soto lover? Do not overlook the chance of tasting the tasty Soto Bangkong. The food name is taken from the place where its first restaurant operated – the Bangkong crossroads. What distinguishes it is clear yellowish chicken broth, shredded chicken, and distinctive seasonings consisting of garlic, coriander, and pepper.
Pisang Plenet
The next food is Pisang Plenet, a flattened and broiled banana. It’s been the local kid’s favourite snack indefinitely, perfect for a fun night out with friends. The tropical fruit is pressed, smeared with margarine, and broiled until burnished brown. To make more tempting, Pisang plenet is topped with sugar-free powder, cheese, chocolate and jam.
Es Cong Lik
Es Cong Lik ought to be included in your must-try culinary listing. The mythical dessert was popularized by an old man named Cong Lik in the city’s Chinatown. The conventional ice cream includes various kinds of flavours like chocolate, coconut, durian, and avocado. The additional elements can be mutiara sago, agar-agar jelly, mung beans, along with tropical fruits.
Kue Lekker Paimo
Are you curious about the Dutch culinary delights in Semarang? Take a look at your Google Maps and navigate your vehicle to Leker Paimo, a legendary eatery that has been existing for several decades. Here you can enjoy a European crepe with varied fillings such as cheese, peanut crumb, chocolate, and banana. Are you not fond of things? Try out the lettuce and sausage flavours.
Whether your trips take you to a long walk on beaches, delicious cuisines, relaxing spas and resorts or urban attractions, additional research will give you the best experience for your visit. Get to know more about Semarang by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
