Ice cream and rojak? Charcoal in coffee? Yogyakarta has some of the most absurd and interesting snacks that you have to try. Here are some of the most unique local drinks and snacks, some of which can only be found in the streets of Jogja.
Kopi Joss (Charcoal Coffee)
Believed to have been first made in the ‘60s, kopi joss has since taken Jogja by storm. Allegedly, the first maker of kopi joss thought of dumping a piece of glowing hot charcoal to cure his upset stomach - it worked. It has become a novelty ever since with many testifying to its benefits. Other stalls serving kopi joss have mushroomed in Jogja so it's not too hard to find.
The “performance” starts with a bright-red piece of charcoal that’s dumped directly into a cup of coffee. The coffee starts bubbling and it’s recommended that you leave it for a minute - at most - before removing the charcoal. Some report a smoky and woody aftertaste, some just can’t take the burnt flavour. However you feel about the drink, it’s a great conversation starter for talking about your Jogja trip!
Protip: tell them you want it without sugar, or at least ask for very little of it; the bottom of your cup will look like a white Mount Merapi otherwise.
Where to try: Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man
Kipo
Moving on to something less absurd, kipo is a snack that’s commonly eaten with hot drinks at tea time. It’s made with glutinous rice flour and stuffed with palm sugar and grated coconut. The result is a light sweetness and a chewy texture.
Where to try: Kipo Bu Djito, Kotagede
Botok Mlandingan
This Javanese dish may look unappetizing at first sight, but it certainly makes up for it with its strong savoury flavour. Botok mlandingan is made from beans mixed with anchovies, ground spices. These are wrapped in banana leaves to be steamed to bring out the flavour. If you like the taste of anchovies and briny dishes, you’ll like botok mlandingan.
Where to try: Street vendors in Bantul region
Es Buah
Beat the heat with Indonesia’s favourite comfort dessert dish - es buah. It’s typically served with a mix of fruits on shaved ice topped with sweet syrup. It’s found everywhere in Indonesia but what makes the ones in Jogja special is the availability of avocado-based es buahs. Try this dish to soothe that sweet tooth craving.
Where to try: Es Buah PK Pakuningratan
Sate Klatak
You’ve tried chicken and beef sate, but have you ever tried mutton sate? Before it's put on a skewer, the mutton is marinated in salt and pepper before grilling and served with a kind of curry sauce. The dish is savoury and incredibly rich, perfect for a late-night snack.
Where to try: Sate Klathak Pak Pong
Rujak Es Krim
Here's one that will scare anyone that's familiar with Singaporean and Indonesian food - rojak topped with ice cream. That’s right, sour and savoury rojak with sweet ice cream. It's another dish that’s been described as more of a “recent” development and like the kopi joss story many stalls sell the dish today. If you’re a fan of rojak you’ll have to give this dish a go.
Where to try: Rujak Es Krim Pak Nardi
