Enjoy the unique and authentic deliciousness of Magelang’s specialties, from mangut beong to senerek soup, which you can only find in this city .

Magelang, a small city in Central Java that is rich in culture and history, also has culinary delights that are no less interesting to explore. In addition to the natural charm and historical buildings, Magelang also offers a variety of authentic and appetizing specialties.

If you visit this city, don’t forget to try the following 10 unique Magelang specialties that you rarely find anywhere else.

1. Catfish Mangut

Mangut lele is one of Magelang’s famous traditional dishes. Mangut itself is a dish similar to gulai but has a spicier and thinner sauce. Fried or grilled catfish will be doused with a rich coconut milk sauce, creating a savory and spicy taste.

The cooking process is quite simple, where the spices are sautéed until fragrant before the coconut milk is added, then the catfish is added to this rich spice sauce. This dish, a part of Typical Magelang Food, is perfect to be enjoyed with warm rice.

2. Beong’s Mangut

Apart from catfish, Magelang is also famous for its mangut beong. Catfish is an endemic fish that is only found in the Progo River. Its shape is similar to catfish but its size is bigger, and this fish has thicker meat especially in the head.

The deliciousness of mangut beong lies in the spicy and savory taste that can eliminate the fishy smell typical of this river fish. Mangut beong is the right choice for those of you who want to feel a different sensation from traditional mangut.

3. Rice porridge

Sego godog, or boiled rice, is a unique culinary dish from Magelang that you may have never encountered before. This dish is similar to boiled noodles, but the main ingredient is rice.

Rice is boiled with previously sauteed spices, then mixed with various fillings such as vegetables, shredded chicken, eggs, and yellow noodles. Sego godog has a savory taste with a little sweetness, as well as a fresh sensation from sliced cucumber and cabbage served as a complement.

4. Rice Lesah

Nasi lesah is a typical Magelang dish that is similar to soto, but the sauce is thicker and made from a mixture of coconut milk and chicken stock. It tastes savory with a little sweetness, making it a delicious dish to eat for lunch.

Nasi lesah is usually served with accompaniments such as tempe mendoan, perkedel, chicken feet, and shellfish satay or quail satay. Its affordable price makes nasi lesah one of the favorite foods for locals and tourists.

5. Kupat Tahu Magelang

Kupat tahu Magelang is another popular dish that is similar to kupat tahu Solo. However, the Magelang version has more fillings, including kupat, white tofu, bean sprouts, sliced cabbage, and bakwan.

These ingredients are doused in a savory and sweet peanut sauce, and sprinkled with fried onions on top. The delicious taste of this kupat tahu is not only appetizing but also filling, making it a suitable lunch dish.

6. Duck Opor

If you are bored with chicken opor, try Magelang’s signature entok opor. Opor entok uses duck meat which has a chewier texture and rich flavor. The cooking process is longer compared to chicken opor because the entok must be grilled first before being cooked.

This gives a distinctive savory taste to the broth. Opor entok is usually served with warm rice, cucumber, and spicy green chili sauce.

7. Taro Leaf Buntil

Buntil is a traditional food made from taro leaves filled with grated coconut and foreign shrimp, and seasoned with spices. This dish is then cooked in a savory coconut milk sauce. Its spicy and savory taste makes taro leaf buntil a unique Magelang specialty.

Although buntil is better known as being made from cassava or papaya leaves, this taro leaf version is no less delicious and worth trying.

8. Senerek Soup

Senerek soup is a typical Magelang red bean soup that is perfect for enjoying on cold days. This soup is made from beef or chicken broth mixed with red beans, carrots, and potatoes.

It tastes fresh and savory, and has a clear broth that is light but still rich in flavor. Senerek soup is often served with hot rice, making it a filling and healthy meal.

9. Jombor Noodles

For noodle lovers, Bakmi Jombor is a must-try choice in Magelang. This noodle is different from Javanese noodles in general because the sauce is thicker and darker in color.

There are two menu options, namely simple noodles and special noodles served with chicken and eggs. The sweet and savory taste of jombor noodles makes it very appetizing, especially for fans of soup dishes.

10. Slondok

As a typical Magelang snack, slondok is made from cassava which is processed into crispy crackers. Slondok has various flavors, from original, cheese, to balado. This snack is very suitable as a souvenir from Magelang because besides its delicious taste, slondok also lasts a long time.

You can find slondok in almost all souvenir shops in Magelang, along with geblek crackers and other traditional snacks. Magelang not only captivates with its natural beauty and history, but also with its authentic culinary richness.

From soupy dishes to crunchy snacks, each Magelang specialty dish offers a unique taste experience that is hard to find anywhere else. While exploring the area, don’t forget to try some Typical Jogja Food alongside these 10 Magelang specialties when you visit, and enjoy an unforgettable delight!