5 Tasty Dishes You Should Try When Visiting Solo

The 11th ASEAN Para Games is coming to Solo! Also known as Surakarta and nicknamed “The City of Batik” and “The Spirit of Java”, the city has a lot to offer besides exciting sporting events. As you witness the action-packed competitions of the ASEAN Para Games, give yourself some time to unveil the flavorful taste of Solo’s cuisine! Formerly a kingdom, the city has become a key hub of Javanese culture. Its rich history birthed a handful of dishes that will pamper your mouth. Curious about these dishes? Check them out and get to know the best place to taste them below!

1. Selat Solo (Selat Solo Mbak Lies)

Adopted from colonial Dutch cuisine, this iconic dish was enjoyed mainly by the royals in the past. The name itself was given because the dish is dominated by salads. With beef stew, hard-boiled egg, and fried potatoes as the main ingredients, selat solo might look western. But don’t be fooled! The taste of this dish has a touch of Javanese sweetness. One of the best places you can visit to enjoy it is Selat Solo Mbak Lies, a legendary restaurant that has been standing since 1987 in the Serengan District.

Address: Jl. Yudhistira No.9, Serengan, Kec. Serengan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57155

Phone: 071 653 332

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5:30 PM

@selat.mbaklies

2. Timlo (Timlo Sastro) 

Another delicacy that you shouldn’t miss while cruising down Solo is timlo, a soup consisting of telur bacem (eggs boiled with sweetener and spices), ati ampela ayam (chicken liver and gizzards), and Solo sausage (ground meat wrapped with crepe then fried). Known as the city’s signature comfort food, timlo can be found easily throughout the streets. To get a taste of this hearty soup, just set your foot at Timlo Sastro. Located in Jebres and Laweyan Districts, the restaurant is famous for serving one of the best timlo ever.

Address:Jl. Abdul Muis No.32A, Kepatihan Kulon, Kec. Jebres, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57139

Jl. Dr. Wahidin No.30, Purwosari, Kec. Laweyan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57148

Phone: 027 1654 820 (Jebres)

027 1728 981 (Laweyan)

Opening hours: 6:30 AM -  3:30 PM (Jebres)

6:30 AM -  7:30 PM (Laweyan)

@timlosastro.id

3. Sate Buntel (Sate Kambing Bu Hj. Bejo) 

Are you craving the smoky taste of barbecues? Then this dish will definitely catch your attention! Made from minced and spiced mutton wrapped in goat fat and then grilled above hot coals, sate buntel is one of the most unique satays in Indonesia. The goat fat wrapping of sate buntel creates a juicy texture that makes the dish so favored among many, including the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish at Sate Kambing Bu Hj. Bejo, which is found in Pasar Kliwon District. The restaurant is a popular spot to taste sate buntel!

Address: Jl. Sungai Sebakung No.10, Kedung Lumbu, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57119

Phone: 0823 2587 0170

Opening hours: 8AM - 4PM

@satekambingbuhjbejo

4. Nasi Liwet (Nasi Liwet Bu Wongso Lemu) 

If you’re looking for a big meal, look no further than nasi liwet! One of the staple dishes in Java, nasi liwet, is as complete as it can be. Rice cooked with coconut milk, broth, and spices is complemented by a selection of side dishes, which usually include chicken, ati ampela, yellow tofu, and eggs. Interested in this fantastic dish? Head over to Nasi Liwet Bu Wongso Lemu in Banjarsari District! This place has been offering its specialty since 1950, and is a highly renowned food spot in Solo. The traditional vibe around here is also worth experiencing too!

Address: CRJF+5C8, Jl. Teuku Umar, Keprabon, Kec. Banjarsari, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57131

Opening hours: 4 PM - 1 AM (Monday - Saturday)

4 PM - 12 AM (Sunday)

5. Serabi (Serabi Notosuman Ny. Lidia) 

For those who love dessert, serabi is a dish you must try while exploring the wonders of Solo. This delicate and aromatic rice cake is made of coconut milk, sugar, pandan leaves, and sometimes a sprinkle of chocolate. If you’d like to get one of the best serabi in Solo, check out Serabi Notosuman Ny. Lidia in Serengan District. Here, you can get a pleasant taste of authentic serabi in plain or chocolate flavor.

Address: Jl. Moh. Yamin No.28, Jayengan, Kec. Serengan, Kota Surakarta, Jawa Tengah 57152

Phone: 027 1651 852

Opening hours: 5 AM - 4 PM

Can’t wait to try them all? As you prepare to set foot in Solo for the ASEAN Para Games, remember to check out the latest regulations to enter the country and make sure to always comply with the CHSE (cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability) protocols.

Make sure to also follow @wonderfulindonesia, Twitter @wondefulid,  Facebook @WonderfulIndonesia, TikTok @wonderfulid, and our YouTube channel at Wonderful Indonesia to discover a myriad of amazing cuisine throughout the archipelago.