Solo is one of the cities situated in Central Java and considered one of the most visited travel destination in the province. One of the most interesting things about Solo is that it still strongly adheres to its Javanese roots. You can see it through various heritage buildings scattered around the city such as the stunning Surakarta Palace. Also, the city is famous for its batik and many shops selling handcrafted batik with authentic motifs and designs. You can find the authenticity of Javanese roots in Solo through its traditional dishes.
Traditional dishes you must try while in Solo
Solo is a paradise for delicious foods. And if you consider yourself a foodie, this place is a perfect destination to visit as it has various traditional dishes that taste delicious and a heartwarming story behind. Here are some of the most famous traditional dishes you must try in Solo:
Cabuk Rambak
The name may sound complicated to pronounce but this traditional food is easy to love and a must to try as it’s a food gem of Solo’s authentic cuisine. It’s hard to find this dish anywhere else in Indonesia. This dish is often considered a snack due to its small portion. Cabuk Rambak consists of rice pack called Ketupat drizzled in a pale brown sauce made from roasted sesame seeds and grated coconut. Crunchy rice crackers are added on top to give crispy sensation. This simple dish can leave you wanting more.
Timlo
Timlo is another mouthwatering dish in a form of savory soup rich in proteins and vegetables. A bowl of Timlo soup consists of a clear broth filled with shredded chicken, sweet hard-boiled eggs or telur pindang, boiled mushrooms, various vegetables, chicken innards, and Solo sausage which is basically an egg roll filled with grounded beef. To add more flavor to the dish a sprinkle of fried crispy Asian shallots are added on top.
Selat Solo
Selat Solo is a rendition of steak that Solo has influenced by European culture. This authentic Solo dish consists of beef braised in a broth consisting of vinegar, garlic, sweet soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, seasoned with salt and pepper. From the look of the dish, it is like a perfect combination of steak, soup, and salad. This dish comes with a side of potatoes and an array of vegetables. This dish is also fulfilling that you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner.
Nasi Liwet
Nasi Liwet is basically an authentic dish of Indonesia in which each region has their own version of it. Nasi Liwet is savory rice cooked in coconut milk, bay leaves, chicken broth, and lemongrass. The side dishes vary but the most popular ones are telur pindang, scrambled egg, shredded chicken and areh, a thick coconut sauce. This meal can be enjoyed for breakfast or lunch and fulfilling enough since it’s a complete meal. People in Solo also like to enjoy this dish along with shrimp crackers or Kerupuk udang to add some crispiness to the dish.
