What Food To Try in Surabaya and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Surabaya for 2024.
National currency: Rupiah, symbol — Rp (international currency code IDR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Surabaya cafes and restaurants
$1.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1
$13.3
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $9.98
$3.3
Combo Meal
Starting from $2.66
What to Try in Surabaya
Must-try Dishes
Nasi Grown - Rice with Fried Fish - Steamed rice served with crispy fried fish and a zesty sambal. Locals often enjoy this dish for breakfast at morning markets, where the fish is still warm from the fryer.Sate Ayam - Chicken Skewers - Tender marinated chicken grilled on bamboo sticks and served with a rich peanut sauce. Street vendors are popular spots to grab these skewers as a perfect snack or light meal in the late afternoon.
Rawon - Spiced Beef Soup - A hearty beef soup infused with aromatic spices and dark, rich broth, often served with rice and a side of lime. It's a common comfort food for lunch among locals, especially on rainy days, bringing warmth to family meals.
Rujak Cingur - Vegetable Salad with Sauce - A unique mix of blanched vegetables, boiled potatoes, and cow's nose (cingur), tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made from fermented shrimp paste. It’s a local specialty enjoyed during festive gatherings, known for its bold flavors.
Brongkos - Savory Stew - A beautifully braised stew featuring meat, beans, and coconut, simmered till tender. You’ll find it often served on special occasions, showcasing the traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Es Campur - Mixed Ice Dessert (Seasonal) - A refreshing bowl of shaved ice, mixed with fruits, sweet syrup, and sometimes a splash of coconut milk. Best enjoyed during hot afternoons or local festivals, it's a perfect way to cool down and mingle.
Lumpia Semarang - Spring Rolls - Crispy spring rolls filled with seasoned vegetables or chicken, often served with sweet soy sauce. These rolls are a popular street food, devoured by locals in the evening, usually paired with a side of friendly conversation.
Desserts & Drinks
Kopi Surabaya - Kopi Surabaya (local coffee blend) - A robust blend of local Arabica and Robusta beans brewed strong and served black. It's typically enjoyed in the morning or during work hours at tiny street-side stalls with a hint of nostalgia for the traditional coffee culture.Es Goyobod - Es Goyobod (refreshing coconut dessert) - A chilled mix of coconut milk, jelly, and shaved ice, often flavored with pandan and served sweetened. Best enjoyed during the hot afternoons, it's a favorite for cooling off, especially after a stroll through local markets.
Bajigur - Bajigur (hot beverage with a twist) - A warm drink made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and a touch of ginger, served steaming in cups with a sprinkle of grated coconut on top. You’ll spot locals enjoying this comforting drink during rainy evenings, making it a cozy go-to.
Pisang Goreng - Pisang Goreng (fried banana snack) - Crispy, sometimes sweetened bananas coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection, served warm. This is not just a snack but a beloved treat during festivities, often accompanied by a side of syrup for dipping.
Roti Bakar - Roti Bakar (toasted sweet bread) - Delightful slices of sweet bread toasted and slathered with a generous amount of butter and chocolate spread, sometimes with toppings like cheese or condensed milk. Commonly found at night food stalls, it's a popular late-night indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings.
Food and Groceries in Surabaya
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.05 |
| Bananas | $1.44 |
| Oranges | $2.06 |
| Potatoes | $1.17 |
| Apples | $2.44 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.43 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.12 |
| Imported Beer | $3.15 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $25 |
| Milk 1L | $1.19 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $6.55 |
| Chicken | $3.44 |
| Cigarettes | $2.15 |
| Rice | $0.84 |
| Local Cheese | $7.32 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Surabaya's food scene vibrates with a rhythm that many visitors might overlook. For instance, meal times here are generally structured around bustling routines. Breakfast typically kicks off around 6 AM to 9 AM, with locals grabbing quick bites like bubur (rice porridge) or traditional pastries from neighborhood vendors. Lunch, of course, is a more communal affair, often happening between 12 PM and 2 PM, where family-style dining is common. Dinner usually stretches from 7 PM to 9 PM, often later during weekends.
Price ranges vary considerably by district. In areas like Gubeng, you can find street food for as low as Rp15,000 for a generous serving of nasi goreng (fried rice). However, venture into more upscale neighborhoods likeJl. S Parman, and the prices for similar dishes can climb to Rp75,000—quite a stark difference. This makes exploring diverse areas a thrilling culinary journey (and budget-friendly if you choose wisely).
Visitors often assume that tipping is customary everywhere in Indonesia, but in Surabaya, it's not as prevalent. A service charge of about 5-10% is often included in your bill, especially at restaurants. I've found that paying cash is still quite common here, despite the growing prevalence of cashless systems. Oh, and don’t forget to check if the establishment accepts various payment methods before you sit down.
One interesting local dining habit involves sharing meals. It creates a sense of community; it’s not unusual for plates of various dishes to be spread out on the table, encouraging everyone to share and sample. The concept of "sambel" (spicy dipping sauce) is also central to meals, offering extra flavor and a touch of personal spice preference at every gathering.
A common mistake that tourists make is not checking operating hours. Some restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner (poor timing can leave you hungry), so it's good to plan your visits accordingly. Generally, the busiest hours are around noon and in the evening after work, especially in dining districts like Tunjungan where crowds flock to local fare.
As the seasons change, so do some dining trends. In the wet season, hearty soups and warm dishes become popular, pushing hot street food vendors into high demand. Expect prices for seafood to spike during the dry season, as fishing conditions can lead to fluctuations in availability and cost.
Overall, Surabaya’s food offerings are dynamic and encompass a wide variety of tastes and experiences. Next time you find yourself contemplating where to devour a dinner, just remember the atmosphere influences your selection!
Price ranges vary considerably by district. In areas like Gubeng, you can find street food for as low as Rp15,000 for a generous serving of nasi goreng (fried rice). However, venture into more upscale neighborhoods likeJl. S Parman, and the prices for similar dishes can climb to Rp75,000—quite a stark difference. This makes exploring diverse areas a thrilling culinary journey (and budget-friendly if you choose wisely).
Visitors often assume that tipping is customary everywhere in Indonesia, but in Surabaya, it's not as prevalent. A service charge of about 5-10% is often included in your bill, especially at restaurants. I've found that paying cash is still quite common here, despite the growing prevalence of cashless systems. Oh, and don’t forget to check if the establishment accepts various payment methods before you sit down.
One interesting local dining habit involves sharing meals. It creates a sense of community; it’s not unusual for plates of various dishes to be spread out on the table, encouraging everyone to share and sample. The concept of "sambel" (spicy dipping sauce) is also central to meals, offering extra flavor and a touch of personal spice preference at every gathering.
A common mistake that tourists make is not checking operating hours. Some restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner (poor timing can leave you hungry), so it's good to plan your visits accordingly. Generally, the busiest hours are around noon and in the evening after work, especially in dining districts like Tunjungan where crowds flock to local fare.
As the seasons change, so do some dining trends. In the wet season, hearty soups and warm dishes become popular, pushing hot street food vendors into high demand. Expect prices for seafood to spike during the dry season, as fishing conditions can lead to fluctuations in availability and cost.
Overall, Surabaya’s food offerings are dynamic and encompass a wide variety of tastes and experiences. Next time you find yourself contemplating where to devour a dinner, just remember the atmosphere influences your selection!