Java is not only famous for its temples and scenery, but also for its amazing traditional snacks. If you love exploring local food, Javanese snacks will be a highlight of your visit. These treats come in many forms—from sweet desserts to savory bites perfect with tea or coffee. Here are 10 must-try Sweet and Savory Javanese snacks you should taste on your next trip!
Sweet and Savory Javanese Snacks
1. Klepon
Klepon is one of the most popular traditional sweets in Java. These are soft, green rice balls filled with melted palm sugar. When you bite into them, the sweet liquid sugar bursts in your mouth. The balls are rolled in grated coconut for extra flavor and texture. Klepon is usually sold in local markets and is loved by both children and adults. It’s chewy, sweet, and a perfect introduction to Javanese desserts.
2. Srabi Solo
Srabi Solo is a special pancake from Solo city in Central Java. It’s made with rice flour and coconut milk, giving it a soft, slightly chewy texture with crispy edges. Often cooked on a small clay pan over charcoal, it has a wonderful aroma and traditional feel. Some versions are topped with sweet coconut sugar syrup or even a savory coconut topping. Srabi Solo is simple, satisfying, and great with tea or coffee.
3. Dadar Gulung
Dadar Gulung is a beautiful green pandan-flavored crepe filled with sweet coconut sugar mix. The green color comes from natural pandan leaves, giving it a gentle aroma. The filling is made from grated coconut cooked with palm sugar, which is rich and fragrant. Rolled neatly like a small log, Dadar Gulung is soft, sweet, and perfect for an afternoon snack. It’s a must-try for those who love traditional Southeast Asian sweets.
4. Jenang
Jenang is a thick, sticky dessert made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk. It has a gooey texture and rich, caramel-like taste. There are many types of Jenang in Java, with different flavors depending on the region. Often cooked slowly to develop deep color and taste, Jenang is usually sold in small squares or scoops. It’s a popular treat during traditional ceremonies and is loved for its rich, comforting sweetness.
5. Kue Putu
Kue Putu is a classic street snack that’s fun to watch being made. The vendor uses bamboo tubes to steam the green rice flour dough, which is filled with melted palm sugar. As the steam whistles through the bamboo, the sweet aroma spreads through the street. Once cooked, the cakes are rolled in grated coconut and served warm. Soft, sweet, and lightly fragrant, Kue Putu is an unforgettable traditional Javanese treat.
Savory Javanese Snacks
6. Tempe Mendoan
Tempe Mendoan is a favorite savory snack in Java. It features thin slices of tempeh dipped in light, seasoned batter and fried quickly so the inside stays soft while the outside is lightly crispy. It’s best served warm with spicy sambal sauce. Tempeh itself is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans, known for its nutty flavor and health benefits. Tempe Mendoan is a simple but delicious way to enjoy it.
7. Tahu Isi
Tahu Isi means “stuffed tofu” and is a popular street food snack. It is made by filling tofu with a mixture of seasoned vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts. The stuffed tofu is then dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The outside is crunchy, while the inside is warm and savory. It’s a filling snack often enjoyed with fresh green chilies or a spicy dipping sauce for extra heat.
8. Risol
Risol is a tasty fried roll with a thin, crepe-like wrapper on the outside and savory filling inside. The filling often includes seasoned vegetables or minced chicken cooked with spices. The rolls are dipped in beaten egg, coated with breadcrumbs, and then fried until golden brown. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, Risol is popular at markets, cafes, and street stalls. It’s a great snack to enjoy any time of day.
9. Lemper
Lemper is a delicious snack made of sticky rice filled with shredded, spiced chicken or beef. The rice is cooked with coconut milk for a rich taste and then wrapped tightly around the filling. Traditionally, Lemper is wrapped in banana leaf, giving it a nice aroma and helping keep it moist. It’s a convenient, portable snack that’s perfect for traveling or picnics, and it’s often served at parties and ceremonies.
10. Sosis Solo
Sosis Solo is a specialty snack from the city of Solo in Central Java. It features a thin, soft crepe filled with savory minced chicken that has been cooked with spices. Unlike Western sausage rolls, the filling is moist and flavorful, while the outside is tender. Sosis Solo is usually pan-fried until lightly golden. It’s a popular choice for tea time or as a small meal on the go, and a great example of Java’s colonial-era fusion snacks.
Taste Them All!
These 10 sweet and savory Javanese snacks are just a small sample of the island’s rich food culture. You’ll find them in local markets, small shops, and family kitchens across Central Java. They are perfect for tasting tours, cooking classes, or simply enjoying with friends over tea or coffee.
Ready to explore these authentic flavors? Join our Javanese culinary tour and taste the real Java with us!
