Authentic Jogja Souvenirs Besides Bakpia and Gudeg That You Must Try

A trip to Yogyakarta wouldn't be complete without bringing home souvenirs for family and friends. While bakpia and gudeg remain the most sought-after gifts for tourists, Jogja offers many other traditional culinary delights that are just as delicious and worth taking home. Some of them may not be as well-known, but they are certainly tempting to try.

1. Yangko: Jogja’s Mochi with Peanut Filling

At first glance, Yangko resembles Japanese mochi. However, this traditional Jogja snack has a denser texture and comes in small square shapes. Made from glutinous rice flour, Yangko is typically filled with peanuts, sesame, strawberry, or chocolate and coated with a layer of powdered sugar, giving it a perfectly balanced sweetness.

2. Geblek: A Savory Snack from Kulon Progo

A well-known specialty from Kulon Progo, Geblek has a unique shape resembling the number 8. This snack is made from tapioca flour mixed with garlic and salt, then deep-fried until crispy. Geblek is best enjoyed while still hot, as it has a crispy outer layer and a chewy interior. However, once it cools down, it tends to become tougher.

3. Kue Banjar and Ukel: Crispy Treats from Kotagede

Kotagede is not only famous for its silver crafts but also for its traditional snacks, Kue Banjar and Kue Ukel. Both are made from a mixture of flour, eggs, sugar, coconut milk, and salt, then twisted into a figure-eight shape before being fried in cold oil. The difference between the two lies in their sugar coating: Kue Banjar is not dusted with powdered sugar, while Kue Ukel has a sugary layer, providing a stronger sweet sensation.

4. Jadah Tempe: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory from Kaliurang

This specialty from Kaliurang is a perfect combination of jadah (steamed glutinous rice) and tempeh or tofu bacem, which has a sweet and savory taste. Interestingly, Jadah Tempe was a favorite food of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. Legend has it that he loved it so much that he would often send his guards to buy it directly from Kaliurang. To this day, Jadah Tempe remains one of the must-try traditional foods in Jogja.

Preserving Jogja’s Culinary Heritage

The variety of Jogja’s souvenirs is a testament to its rich culinary traditions that deserve to be preserved. So, when visiting the City of Gudeg, don’t just bring home bakpia or gudeg—explore these unique delicacies to further appreciate the diverse flavors of Yogyakarta.