Yogyakarta Culinary Guide: Top Local Eats & Hidden Gems (Part 1)

ViaVia Jogia
Step into a culinary journey at ViaVia Jogia, where Western and local flavors blend seamlessly, as their sign proudly declares, “taste the world.” The interior is a feast for the eyes, adorned with artistic decor and a charming selection of cultural and creative products for sale. While the menu may be concise, it’s the perfect spot to savor a cup of coffee, indulge in a delectable dessert, and enjoy a leisurely chat.

The vibrant street outside is lined with quaint shops, inviting you to explore and snap photos, making it a popular spot for Instagram check-ins.

Tempo Gelato
Just a stone’s throw from ViaVia Jogia, Tempo Gelato offers a wide array of flavors, particularly fruit-based ones. However, it doesn’t quite measure up to Malio Gelato. I tried the coconut choc flavor, which, surprisingly, lacked any hint of coconut [doge]. My friend’s lychee was overwhelmingly sweet, but the chocolate, coffee, matcha, and guava flavors are surefire hits. Don’t forget, it’s cash only here!

Malio Gelato
Nestled on the bustling Malioboro tourist street, Malio Gelato was our go-to spot for two days. We sampled an array of flavors: coffee, dark chocolate, matcha, passion fruit, apple, and mint chocolate. The passion fruit and apple were incredibly refreshing, while the mint chocolate, unfortunately, tasted more like toothpaste—definitely not a recommendation! At 35K for two scoops, it’s a sweet deal, minus the mint chocolate, of course.

Zona Seafood
Open until 11 PM, Zona Seafood was our post-folk performance dinner destination. Just a short walk from Special Sambal downstairs, the restaurant greets you with a warm, homely welcome from the kitchen staff, making you feel instantly at ease [cute emoji]. The menu is available in English, offering a variety of cooking methods and prices for each type of seafood.

The big crabs, priced around 50 RMB for two, were a standout. You can have them fried, with salted egg yolk, black pepper, sweet and sour, or grilled. The local dishes tend to be on the sweeter side, so choose according to your taste preferences!
Special tip: When ordering drinks, specify if you want less or no sugar.

I usually prefer less sweetness, but I forgot to mention this when ordering butter juice, and it nearly knocked me off my feet with its sweetness. A sugar-free lemon tea helped me recover [golden potato emoji].

Waroeng Spesial Sambal ”SS“ Plengkung Gading
This authentic local eatery is a favorite among locals, bustling with activity. On our visit, we found no tables available, so we followed the local custom and sat in the shoe-free, cross-legged seating area. The ordering board was a bit of a puzzle, so we relied on the picture menu.

I overtrusted a photo translation and ended up with six plates of chili sauce [cute emoji]. Despite the mix-up, the grilled Gurame fish was a revelation, packed with meat and utterly delicious. The fried duck breast was another pleasant surprise, a fantastic alternative if you’re craving something other than chicken.

Sapi, meaning beef, was also a hit; we tried all the beef dishes, and each one was a delightful experience.

Grab Food Delivery
Late-night cravings hitting hard? We turned to the trusty green Grab app and decided on some chicken satay. The spicy original chicken satay was a delightful surprise—bursting with flavor, incredibly aromatic, and juicy! If you haven’t tried it yet, don’t hesitate to order through Grab’s food delivery service for a taste of this delicious treat!