East Java's Culinary Heritage: Exploring Traditional Dishes

East Java, Indonesia, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions. From Surabaya to Madura, the region offers a diverse array of dishes. These flavors promise an authentic taste of the local culture. Rawon is a beef soup with a distinctive dark broth flavored with keluak. Tender beef pieces combine with bean sprouts and sambal. This creates a savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor. Soto Lamongan features a clear, spice-rich broth. It includes shredded free-range chicken, koya (a topping of fried shallots and fine shrimp crackers), and lime. It is light yet flavorful, suitable for any time of day. Lontong Balap consists of sliced lontong (rice cake), fried tofu, lentho (bean fritters), bean sprouts, and a savory broth. Drizzled with sweet soy sauce and sambal, it offers a blend of soft, crunchy, and spicy-sweet textures.