Explore a variety of Cirebon snacks that offer unique flavors, from tahu gejrot to delicious tempeh sago chips.

Cirebon, a city located on the north coast of Java Island, is known not only for its rich history and culture, but also for its mouth-watering culinary delights.

The city has a variety of traditional snacks that are widely known and are favorites of many tourists. From snacks that are perfect for enjoying while walking to more filling dishes, here are 10 typical Cirebon snacks that you must try when visiting this city.

1. Fried Tofu

Tahu gejrot is one of the most famous snacks in Cirebon. This food consists of fried tofu cut into small pieces and doused with a slightly sweet and spicy brown sugar vinegar sauce. The sauce also contains green chili sauce which makes it even more delicious.

The combination of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors makes tahu gejrot a delicious and refreshing snack. As part of Typical Cirebon Food, tahu gejrot is a must-try culinary delight for visitors.

It is usually sold by street vendors, which makes it even more distinctive and easy to find in various corners of the city of Cirebon.

2. Empal Gentong

Empal gentong is one of Cirebon’s typical dishes which is also often served as a snack. Although it can be served as a main dish, empal gentong with thick coconut milk sauce is also a filling snack option.

Made from sliced beef cooked with special spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, empal gentong has a rich and savory taste. The thick coconut milk sauce and fragrant spices provide a sensation of pleasure that cannot be missed.

3. Docang

Docang is a traditional Cirebon snack that has a unique taste. This dish is made from lontong combined with bean sprouts, fried peanuts, grated coconut, and sliced tempeh. All of these ingredients are doused with thick and slightly spicy dage or oncom sauce.

The combination of different ingredients creates a variety of textures and flavors in one bite. Docang is the right choice for those of you who want to enjoy snacks with a variety of flavors in one dish.

4. Ondal-Andil

Ondal-andil is a traditional Cirebon snack made from tapioca flour. This food has a chewy and slightly sticky texture. Usually, ondal-andil is served with grated coconut or liquid brown sugar on top.

Its sweet and chewy taste makes it a popular snack, especially for those who want to enjoy a snack with a sweet taste. Ondal-andil can be found in traditional markets in Cirebon and is often served as an afternoon snack.

5. Apem Cake

Apem cake is one of the most popular market snacks in Indonesia, including in Cirebon. This cake is made from a mixture of rice flour, sticky rice tape or instant yeast, and sugar. Apem cake has a soft texture and just the right amount of sweetness, making it suitable for all ages.

The process of making apem cake takes quite a long time because the dough must be fermented first before being steamed.

Usually, apem cake is steamed in a steamer pan with boiling water, giving it a distinctive aroma that is appetizing. This cake is often used as a typical Cirebon souvenir.

6. Cirebon Koclok Noodles

Mi koclok Cirebon is a snack similar to mi kocok Bandung, but with significant differences in ingredients and how it is served. Mi koclok Cirebon uses a thick, savory sauce rich in spices. These noodles are served with sliced chicken, eggs, and spring onions.

The thick sauce gives a richer and more delicious taste. One of the famous shops that serves delicious koclok noodles is Mie Koclok Mas Edi which is located on Jalan Lawanggada, Cirebon. Mi koclok is a snack that is perfect to eat warm, especially at night.

7. Bat Satay

Bat satay is a unique snack from Cirebon that is served in a different way. This satay is called “bat” not because the meat is made from bats, but because it is sold at night. The meat used to make bat satay is buffalo meat, not goat or beef.

Bat satay has a sweet and slightly spicy taste, depending on the chili sauce used. For fans of spicy flavors, this satay can be dipped in red chili sauce which gives a biting spicy sensation. Bat satay is a snack that is in great demand, especially at night.

8. Cirebon Tjampolay Syrup

Tjampolay Syrup is a legendary drink that has been around since 1936 and is very famous in Cirebon. This syrup is one of the perfect souvenir choices to bring home. Available in various flavors such as sour orange, cocopandan, banana milk, and many more.

Tjampolay syrup has the right sweetness, not too thick, so it is suitable to be mixed with various desserts or ice. This syrup can be found at the factory located on Jalan Elang Raya, Cirebon, or at various souvenir shops in this city.

9. Shrimp Paste

Shrimp petis is a special seasoning made from fermented rebon shrimp. Shrimp petis has a richer taste with a combination of spicy, savory, and sweet.

This petis seasoning is often used as a mixture in foods such as kupat tahu, sambal, or as a complement to other dishes. Shrimp petis is widely sold in Cirebon souvenir shops and can be taken home as a typical souvenir that gives an authentic Cirebon taste to your dishes.

10. Sago Tempeh Chips

Tempe sago chips are snacks made from tempeh combined with sago flour. These chips have a crunchy texture and savory taste, but are also available in various flavors such as spicy, cheese, and balado.

Cirebon’s typical tempe sago chips have a yellowish white color and are round in shape. This snack is perfect as a companion when relaxing while enjoying tea or coffee. These chips can be found in souvenir markets or food shops in Cirebon at affordable prices.

Cirebon, besides being known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, also offers a variety of mouth-watering snacks. From spicy and sweet tahu gejrot to crispy tempeh sago chips, each of these snacks reflects the unique taste of Cirebon.

If you plan to visit this city, be sure to try these delicious snacks, either as everyday treats or as Typical Cirebon Souvenirs for family and friends. With a variety of choices available, you will definitely find a snack that suits your taste.