Between new ventures and chain eateries popping up, there are many legendary culinary spots that have stood against the test of time in Surabaya. Here are some of the most legendary restaurants among locals in Surabaya you should pay a visit.
Best Legendary Foods and Iconic Spots in Surabaya
Sop Konro Perak (Tidak Buka Cabang)
Sop Konro Perak is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. It's a unique place because there's only one of it in Surabaya. People love it because the food is really special and the taste is unbeatable. It's always busy with lots of people because they serve big portions that are perfect for sharing with family. Plus, the price is reasonable for such delicious food.
Jl. Perak Timur No.564 Blok A-6, Perak Utara, Kec. Pabean Cantikan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60165
Phone: +62 813 3995 5007
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Tahu Campur H. Abd. Mahfud Asli Kalasan
You can visit Tahu Campur H. Abd. Mahfud Asli Kalasan any day from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm. It's a spacious place with great food and big portions. The service is fast, and people say you must try it if you're in town. The meat is so tender, and they've got this cool open space dining area. Plus, the prices are good for the quality you get.
Jl. Kalasan, Pacar Keling, Kec. Tambaksari, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60131
Lontong Balap Asli Pak Gendut
Lontong Balap Asli Pak Gendut is open every day from 9 am to 10 pm. It's famous for its perfect combination of lontong balap with sate kerang. It's one of the best places for this kind of food in Surabaya. The prices are great, and it's real authentic Surabaya culinary. If you're into traditional food, this is a must-try spot.
Jl. Kranggan depan bioskop garuda lama No.71, Sawahan, Kec. Sawahan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174
Phone: +62 899 9447 266
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Warung Nasi Cumi Pasar Atom (Ibu Atun)
This place is open 24 hours, so you can go anytime you're hungry. The food is delicious, and the place is clean. It's one of the signature foods of Surabaya, so lots of people visit. It's so famous that even though it reopened in a new place, it's still packed with customers. The food is savory and affordable, so it's worth a try.
Jl. Waspada No.30, Bongkaran, Kec. Pabean Cantikan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60161
Phone: +62 812 3313 5455
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Nasi Bebek Tugu Pahlawan
Nasi Bebek Tugu Pahlawan is open every day from 11 am to 10:30 pm. It's known for its local cuisine, especially the fried duck. It's legendary and has reopened in a decent new place. The food is tasty and famous around here. It might not be the biggest place to dine in, but it's in a good spot and definitely worth trying for the taste and experience.
Jl. Pasar Turi No.27-C, RT.006/RW.-09, Bubutan, Kec. Bubutan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 17960
Phone: +62 812 1600 0505
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Bebek Sinjay Ahmad Yani
Photo by @jajan_medan
Bebek Sinjay originally comes from Bangkalan, Madura. But now you don’t need to rush to Madura to enjoy some, there are a couple of spots spreading out in Surabaya that offers the tasty Bebek Sinjay, like Bebek Sinjay Ahmad Yani that offers tender fried duck, with a slightly salty and refreshing taste at the same time. Complete the menu with Sambal Pencit that consists of grated unripe mango and spicy sambal uleg (red chili and shrimp taste) to add the crunchy and spicy textures. It makes Bebek SInjay Ahmad Yani one of the most sought-after culinary spots in Surabaya.
Ruko Grand Ahmad Yani Blok 151H, Jl. Ahmad Yani, Jemur Wonosari, Kec. Wonocolo, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60237, Indonesia
Sambal Bu Rudy
Photo by @burudy.surabaya
Who knew Sambal Bu Rudy has become a primadonna among locals and tourists outside Surabaya, even her name already made positive waves to the international markets. Just look at those people selling Sambal Bu Rudy on international marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay. Established in 1995, Its unique taste makes Sambal Bu Rudy never loses her customers, she always prioritizes quality in all products, especially the chili sauce. She makes them daily to keep them fresh. Highlights for the most favorites are Sambal Udang, Sambal Bajak, and Sambal Ijo.
Jl. Dharmahusada No.140, Mojo, Kec. Gubeng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60285, Indonesia
Rawon Setan
Photo by @kokodemenkuliner
First, Rawon Setan got its name because in the past they were only open at night and the second, the chili they serve is notoriously spicy and pungent that makes people swear and curse. A bowl of the tasty, spicy, and glorious rawon with a big tender juicy beef meat is guaranteed to hit you with a wave of comfort that keeps people coming back for more electrifying culinary experience. Don’t forget to add an extra salted duck egg to elevate the taste.
Jl. Embong Malang No.78/I, Genteng, Kec. Genteng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60261, Indonesia
Penyetan Padin
Photo by @eat.time.story
Penyetan Padin may charge a very higher price, but the guilty doesn’t just stop there. People keep coming to Penyetan Padin because they serve one of the tasty penyetan in town. The most wanted menu of course the chicken, duck, gourami, and grouper that can be served fried or grilled as you please. Complete with a zesty kick of spiciness from Sambal Mangga and Sambal Korek.
Jl. Kranggan No. 20 – 26, Bubutan, Surabaya
Soto Ayam Lamongan Cak Har
Photo by @ericekos
A trusted name since opening in 1992. Starting from selling by the street vendors on the roadside, now Soto Ayam Lamongan Cak Har has a restaurant and other branches that reportedly can sell about 1,000 bowls in a day. The broth is flavorful, famous for its rich shredded chicken and other side dishes as you please like egg, skin, chicken feet, and many others depending on individual tastes. Before you at, give a little drizzle of lime and koya to add some refreshing palate.
Jl. Dr. Ir. H. Soekarno No. 220, Sukolilo, Surabaya
Soto Madura Wawan
Photo by @mspetty.foodiary
Opened in 2003, Soto Madura Wawan is famously known to have a savory and delicious taste that offers a thick clear broth with no fat. Not only beef, but you can also choose an egg, tripe, and liver if you crave for local fare. The soto is served in a separate bowl with the rice. The price is various depending on what kind of items you order although it’s still affordable, so be mindful of what you’re ordering.
Jl. Mayjen Sungkono No.86, Gn. Sari, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60224, Indonesia
Sego Sambel Mak Yeye
Photo by @jackmagnifico
It’s not too hard to find Sego Sambel Mak Yeye, it is situated northern side of Darmo Trade Center (DTC) building and a long queue line is not hard to miss. Aside from the comforting dishes like Egg, Tofu, and Tempe, people come here for their signature Iwak Pe (stingray fish). Iwak Pe is served fried and of course, you can’t go wrong with the sambal. It’s made from chili, tomato, shrimp paste, garlic, shallot, and a pinch of salt.
Jl. Jagir Wonokromo Wetan No. 12, Wonokromo, Surabaya
Sate Klopo Ondomohen Bu Asih
Photo by @makanlagilaperlagi
Compared to other satays, Sate Klopo is unique because it uses savory grated coconut seasoning to cover the beef or chicken skewers when grilled. This satay is served over peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce, topped with sliced shallots and chili pepper. The beef was thick and tender with a distinctive savory sensation. Oh, another extra bonus will be the complement in the form of serundeng which is also made from coconut to add textures.
Jl. Walikota Mustajab No. 36, Genteng, Surabaya
Sego Babat Cak Yasin
Photo by @foo.ga
Sego Babat Cak Yasin attracts customers with the soft textures of the tripe. The tripe has a slightly salty taste, but it is made dry resulting in a crunchy texture on the outside. Complete your meal with the overflowing serundeng plus the spicy chili sauce. Be sure to arrive early to avoid a longer time to wait.
Jl. Raya Dukuh Kupang No.30, Dukuh Kupang, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60225, Indonesia
Spesial Belut Bu Yuli
Photo by @e_ndro
The mainstay menu is Penyetan Belut (crushed eel) which can be enjoyed in a very affordable price. So the eel here will be super crispy fried and it will come with chili sauce and lalapan (raw vegetables). You can order the medium fry by request, if you prefer the moist texture. If you’re not into eel, the crispy crushed chicken and duck are also good. Expect a large crowd show up and you’ll see what all the fuss about.
Jl. Kertajaya No.173A, Airlangga, Kec. Gubeng, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60286, Indonesia