Yogyakarta, a city of student, that how Indonesian called it. It has become a top destination for high school graduates who wish to pursue higher education. This reputation is supported by the presence of several prestigious universities in the city and a relatively affordable cost of living. It's unsurprising that students from across Indonesia choose to study here. So, if you're planning a trip to Yogyakarta soon, don’t miss out on trying these 5 favorite student meals in the city. Don’t worry—these dishes are budget-friendly!
1. Soto Lamongan Pak Nar
Soto Lamongan served in the Monjali area offers a distinctive flavor that is predominantly savory and salty. As a signature dish from East Java, this flavor profile has become a defining characteristic. The soup is rich yellow in color, resembling curry at first glance, as it is made with a variety of traditional Indonesian spices boiled together with chicken broth.
The combination of chicken broth and aromatic spices gives Soto Lamongan its uniquely enticing taste. At Soto Lamongan Pak Nar—one of the most popular eateries in the Monjali area—there are several topping options available, including chicken meat, beef, and various types of offal.
Interestingly, this dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day, though I personally find it most satisfying as a breakfast meal. To enhance the flavor, I usually add koya powder, a squeeze of lime, chili sauce, and a dash of sweet soy sauce. The combination of sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavors blends perfectly, creating a truly delightful culinary experience.
Every time I visit this eatery, I always order a small portion so I can still enjoy the side dishes like crispy fried tempeh and prawn crackers. This combination makes the experience of enjoying Soto Lamongan in Monjali even more complete and satisfying.
2. Mie Gacoan
Mie Gacoan is one of the most sought-after dishes among university students, especially during lunchtime. This spicy fried noodle dish is extremely popular across Indonesia and now boasts thousands of outlets in various cities. The word "Gacoan" is a slang term commonly used by young people when referring to this beloved meal.
With its signature sweet and spicy flavor and highly affordable price, Mie Gacoan has become a favorite among students. One of the best things about it is the ability to customize the spiciness level to suit your taste. Personally, I always order Level 1 because it’s still within my tolerance range. If you’re trying it for the first time, I highly recommend starting with Level 1.
What about Level 2? To me, it feels like hell. I’ve tried it once, and although I managed to finish the dish, I was in tears the whole time. The next day, I even ended up with a bad case of diarrhea. So, unless you have a high tolerance for spicy food, it’s better to proceed with caution when trying Levels 2 to 5.
Aside from noodles, Gacoan also offers a variety of delicious side dishes such as cheese shrimp balls, rambutan shrimp, spring rolls, and fried dumplings. My personal favorite is the cheese shrimp balls—crispy on the outside with gooey mozzarella cheese inside. This item is also one of the most popular side dishes at Gacoan.
There are plenty of branches spread throughout the city, especially in the Sleman area. This shouldn’t make you worry about finding one.
3. Richeese Factory
This locally-owned fast food franchise has become a student favorite, especially in a university city like Yogyakarta. Richeese Factory sells fried chicken dishes like McDonald’s or KFC, but with a uniquely Indonesian twist. One of its signature dishes is the spicy chicken topped with a secret blend of seasonings, famously known as Fire Chicken.
This spicy chicken has become the most popular menu item at Richeese. Much like the spice level system at Mie Gacoan, you can choose your preferred level of heat. It's a perfect choice for students who love spicy food and want to enjoy affordable fast food with a bold flavor.
If your taste buds start to feel the burn from the Fire Chicken, you can cool down with a drink called Pink Lava. It has a mildly sweet flavor with a little bit of coconut aroma. At first glance, it looks like strawberry milk due to its pink color and creamy texture. I still personally think it is a mysterious beverage as if only Richeese knows what it is made of. .
Richeese Factory outlets are easy to find around Yogyakarta. Just search on Google Maps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying this legendary spicy chicken. Richeese is a great option for students seeking local fast food with bold flavors and budget-friendly prices.
4. Sate Ayam & Kambing Cak Beiri
If you are visiting Jogja and looking for delicious late-night culinary delights, don’t miss trying Sate Ayam & Kambing Cak Beiri, located near the Colombo traffic light. This eatery has long been a favorite among Jogja’s students due to its distinctive flavor and affordable prices. Here, you can choose satay made from either lamb or chicken meat, all perfectly grilled and served with a thick, sweet, and savory peanut sauce typical of Madura.
Cak Beiri Satay is perfect as a dinner menu option. Like most satay vendors in Indonesia, they start selling in the evening. To complement your satay, you can enjoy it with lontong—rice packed in banana leaves and cooked until firm and chewy. If you’re not a fan of lontong, steamed white rice is also available as a side. The tempting peanut sauce and tender meat make Cak Beiri Satay a must-try on your Jogja late-night culinary tour.
5. Gudeg Bu Hj Ahmad
Gudeg, a traditional food from Yogyakarta made out of unripe jackfruit, is known for its sweet flavor. Gudeg is often e with spicy krecek sambal, simmered duck eggs, and free-range chicken. If you want to experience authentic and unique Jogja gudeg, you must visit Gudeg Bu Hj Ahmad.
Unlike most gudeg that tends to be overly sweet, Gudeg Bu Hj Ahmad offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that delight the palate. My experience tasting this gudeg made me want to come back again because of its distinctive and captivating taste.
This eatery is located just north of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), making it easily accessible, especially for students. In terms of price, it is somewhat pricey for the complete set that includes duck egg, chicken, and krecek sambal. However, the delicious taste makes the price well worth it. For those on a budget, the gudeg package with just duck egg is still affordable and is a favorite among many students.
This is one of the favorite dining spots for students in Jogja that you must try. Besides serving delicious gudeg at reasonable prices, the place also offers a distinctive local atmosphere. Come and make your trip to Jogja more memorable by tasting the legendary Gudeg Bu Hj Ahmad and other traditional culinary delights!
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