Surabaya’s coastal city vibe means it’s often hot, but it also means the city is packed with amazing culinary spots that are easy to reach from anywhere. Unlike Jakarta, Surabaya’s traffic is much lighter, so you can quickly get around using either public transport or your own vehicle. If you’re in Surabaya, don’t just visit iconic places like the Heroes Monument or the House of Sampoerna. Before you leave, make sure to check out these top 5 must-try culinary spots in Surabaya.
Soto Ambengan Pak Sadi
Soto Pak Sadi is famous not just for its refreshing broth and chicken but also for its mouth-watering sambal and Koya seasoning. If I had to rank the best soto in Surabaya, Soto Ambengan Pak Sadi would take the top spot in the top five culinary spots in Surabaya.
Soto lovers shouldn’t miss this spot. It’s so popular that Soto Pak Sadi has opened branches in various malls, even Jakarta! But the original is still on Jl. Ambengan in Central Surabaya.
You can choose from various chicken soto options, whether you prefer just the meat, skin, or other parts. The prices vary, but the deliciousness is guaranteed.
Address: Jl. Ambengan 3A, Surabaya (Maps)
Kampung Semanggi Surabaya
Semanggi is a unique dish from Surabaya. For those unfamiliar, Semanggi consists of various vegetables topped with a brown sauce. It’s similar to gado-gado, but the sauce is made from cassava instead of peanuts.
However, Semanggi can only be found in a few places in Surabaya. Interestingly, the vendors selling it come from specific villages known as Kampung Semanggi.
Kampung Semanggi is mostly in West Surabaya, particularly in the Bringin and Kendung, Benowo areas, which are one step away from Gresik. It’s a bit farther than the other culinary spots on this list, but the authentic Semanggi experience is worth the trip.
Address: RW 2 Kelurahan Bringin, Sambikerep and Kampung Kendung, Sememi, West Surabaya (Maps)
Zangrandi Ice Cream
Why is Zangrandi Ice Cream one of the top 5 culinary spots in Surabaya? Besides its strategic location and variety of flavors, Zangrandi Ice Cream has a rich history. This ice cream parlor has been around since 1930, even before Indonesia’s independence!
Zangrandi offers a wide range of ice cream flavors by the scoop and special recipes you won’t find elsewhere. Try the Banana Split, which combines chocolate, strawberry, and coconut ice cream with banana, or the traditional Tutti Frutti.
Zangrandi has several branches in Surabaya, but for the full experience, visit the original parlor in Central Surabaya.
Address: Jl. Yos Sudarso No. 15, Embong Kaliasin, Surabaya (Maps)
Sate Klopo Ondomohen
Not far from Zangrandi Ice Cream, you’ll find another must-try culinary spot in Surabaya: Sate Klopo Ondomohen. This stall serves delicious beef satay wrapped in savory coconut (klopo).
Sate Klopo Ondomohen is so famous that it’s a go-to spot for celebrities and government officials visiting Surabaya. The stall isn’t very large, so you might have to wait a bit for a seat to enjoy the satay.
It’s busiest in the morning, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting on a weekday.
Address: Jl. Walikota Mustajab No.36, Ketabang, Surabaya (Maps)
Rawon Setan Surabaya
Rawon is another iconic Surabaya dish. The rich, dark broth with kluwak aroma poured over tender beef is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Among the many rawon restaurants in Surabaya, Rawon Setan is one of the most popular. It’s called “Setan” (meaning “devil”) because it only opens at night, from 6 PM until dawn.
Its popularity is due to its incredible taste and convenient location near several star-rated hotels and shopping centers in Central Surabaya.
Address: Jl. Embong Malang No.78/I, Genteng, Surabaya (Maps)
So, which of these culinary spots in Surabaya have you tried?
Cover image source: Instagram cureniawan
