Explore Surabaya’s many dining options serving legendary cuisine and authentic flavors, from rawon to mouth-watering gelato.

Surabaya, as the second largest city in Indonesia, is not only known as a business and industrial center, but also a culinary heaven with a variety of mouth-watering flavors. From traditional food to modern snacks, the city offers a variety of must-visit dining options.

Surabaya is home to legendary culinary delights such as rawon, tahu campur, and soto that have been widely known outside the region.

In addition, the uniqueness and richness of flavors in each dish make Surabaya have its own appeal for culinary connoisseurs. This article will invite you to explore the 10 best places to eat in Surabaya that serve authentic East Javanese delights.

1. Pak Pangat’s Rawon

Rawon Pak Pangat is one of the legendary culinary delights that you must try when visiting Surabaya. Rawon, known as beef soup with thick black broth from kluwek, is the favorite here.

Tender pieces of meat combined with warm rice and fresh bean sprouts make every mouthful full of deliciousness, making it a must-try dish on the Surabaya Culinary Tour.

What sets Rawon Pak Pangat apart from other places is the richness of its savory broth, without feeling too heavy on the tongue.

This rawon is perfect to be enjoyed with chili paste and shrimp crackers. This place is often crowded, especially during lunch hours, indicating its high popularity among Surabaya residents.

2. Mixed Tofu with Kalasan Sauce

Tahu Campur Kalasan serves a typical East Javanese dish that combines fried tofu, beef, cassava fritters, bean sprouts, and savory petis sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in this mixed tofu creates a rich and satisfying eating sensation.

The thick and aromatic petis sauce is the main attraction, providing a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste in one bite. This place is always crowded, especially in the afternoon until night. Tahu Campur Kalasan is the right choice to enjoy authentic Surabaya culinary specialties.

3. Sufayah Krawu Rice

Nasi Krawu is a typical Gresik dish which is also very popular in Surabaya. Nasi Krawu Sufayah offers warm rice served with shredded beef, chili paste, and savory coconut serundeng.

The soft texture of the meat with the rich taste of spices makes this krawu rice unique. Serving in banana leaves adds a distinctive and authentic aroma. This place is a favorite choice for many people because of its timeless deliciousness and simplicity.

4. Tahu Tek

Tahu Tek is one of Surabaya’s culinary specialties made from fried tofu, lontong, bean sprouts, and potatoes, which are then doused with peanut sauce and petis. The savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors blend perfectly in every mouthful.

What’s interesting about Tahu Tek is the way it is served, where the tofu is cut with scissors to produce irregular pieces. Tahu Tek in the Dinoyo area is known to have a thicker and richer petis sauce, making it a must-visit for local culinary lovers.

5. Squid Rice Stall

Squid Rice Stall in Pasar Atom offers the experience of eating squid with a distinctive black spice that is rich in flavor. Squid rice is served with various side dishes such as eggs, tofu, tempeh, and chili sauce.

The black spices that perfectly penetrate the squid meat are the key to the deliciousness of this dish. The savory, sweet, and slightly spicy taste creates a harmony of flavors that are hard to forget. This stall is open 24 hours, so you can enjoy this dish anytime.

6. Soto Lamongan Cak Har

Soto Lamongan Cak Har is known as the most popular soto in Surabaya. The clear soto soup with the rich taste of chicken broth makes this dish very appetizing.

This soto is served with shredded chicken, boiled eggs, and koya which adds to the thickness of the soup. Visitors often come because the taste is always consistent and the portions are filling. Soto Lamongan Cak Har is perfect for breakfast or lunch.

7. Sinjay Fried Duck

Sinjay Fried Duck is a must-visit culinary destination for duck meat lovers. This fried duck is famous for its tender texture with perfectly absorbed spices.

fresh sambal pencit (young mango), Bebek Goreng Sinjay presents a distinctive combination of savory and spicy flavors. The uniqueness of the taste and texture makes this place always crowded, both by tourists and locals.

8. Tambak Bayan Mixed Rice

Nasi Campur Tambak Bayan is a legendary dish that has been around for decades. This dish consists of white rice, side dishes such as red pork, chicken, sausages, and eggs covered in thick sauce.

The authentic and consistent taste makes this mixed rice one of the favorite culinary in Surabaya. The sweet, savory, and salty flavors blend perfectly in one plate, creating an extraordinary pleasure.

9. Michael TJ Gelato

Michael TJ Gelato is the perfect destination for dessert lovers. Offering a variety of unique and authentic gelato flavors, Michael TJ Gelato is the right choice to enjoy dessert in the heat of Surabaya.

Gelato’s soft and creamy texture with authentic flavors makes it popular with many people. The comfortable atmosphere of the cafe is also a special attraction for visitors.

10. Cak Gundul Crab 1992

Kepiting Cak Gundul is a famous seafood restaurant that serves crab with various sauces, such as Padang sauce, sweet and sour sauce, and black pepper.

Fresh crabs with thick meat are the hallmark of this place. Kepiting Cak Gundul is known for its large, satisfying portions, making it a favorite destination for dining with family or friends, and a must-visit spot on the Jakarta Culinary Tour.

Surabaya is a city with extraordinary culinary richness. From traditional dishes to modern desserts, every corner of the city offers mouth-watering flavors. Don’t miss these 10 places to eat to enjoy the best culinary experience in Surabaya that is unforgettable.