Travel in Yogyakarta: Taste Other Flavors

On your travel in Yogyakarta, we’re sure that culinary is part of the journey. The tanginess of the famous Gudeg Yu Djum and that unforgettable crispiness of the original Ny. Suharti’s fried chicken, these famous establishments are now considered a classic local taste and always on the top of every traveler’s mind. You may also have been to the House of Raminten and Bale Raos too if you are a well traveled eater. Yogyakarta keeps on moving and there are more eating spots that have sprung up in recent years, each offering other flavors that will delight every foodie’s heart during their travel in Yogyakarta. We’ll take you to four of them.

The Sawah

On his travel in Yogyakarta, a Dutch journalist fell in love with life at the village of Kasongan (about half an hour from downtown Yogyakarta) and together with his partner, who is also one of leading local designers, decided to build a retirement residence in a plot near a local cemetery park. To fill the remote compound with good conversations and share their back to basic-lifestyle, they created The Sawah. In this restaurant expect to eat simple food, western or Asian style, made from fresh local ingredients, served by the friendly hosts themselves, in the beautifully decorated dining room. Come here before dusk and you’ll enjoy the view of rice fields and nearby village.  Dinner only, email first for reservation.

Kesuma Restaurant

Hailed as the best restaurant in Yogyakarta in year 2012 by a famous travel website, everything about the establishment tells you a story about ingenuity.  The menu is not extraordinary, as you can find the dishes in most restaurants when you are travel in Yogyakarta, but the ingredients, process, taste and presentation represent what is great in Indonesia, in terms of food. Eating in a simple Javanese traditional house made entirely from wood and surrounded by heirloom of the owner’s ancestors is also part of the experience. The limited number of seats makes a lunch or dinner reservation here is a must.

Bu Ageng

Enjoy traditional fares that you’ll find in Indonesian homes, especially Java and Kalimantan, here. With an affordable price –less than IDR 50,000 for a main and a dessert- Bu Ageng offers an authentic menu with fresh, local ingredients, such as  Nasi Campur Ayam Bakar Suwiran (rice with shredded chicken), Baceman Kambing (marinated lamb) and the famous Sambal Kutai (Kutai-style chili sauce).  Established more than a year ago, this eating place has placed itself as a reason to travel in Yogyakarta, especially for art-lover folks who tote the latest Louis Vuitton’s Yayoi Kusama polka dots or colorful Goyards as the owner, artist cum comedian Butet Kertaradjasa, often invites his famous colleagues here.

Abhayagiri

Nestled in a hill overlooking the Prambanan temple compound and located just minutes away from other newly discovered ancient structures, it is a perfect place to unwind after your grand odyssey to the ancient temples.  Abhayagiri serves an international menu with an Asian touch, all beautifully presented and using only locally grown ingredients.  From their fresh welcome drinks –created by a former Aman Resorts employee- to their succulent Duck Speciale, this restaurant sets a new standard for Yogyakarta’s fine dining scene and should not be missed on your travel in Yogyakarta. The owner says that this is one of the favorite hangout places of the current King of Yogyakarta.

Taste the treats and enjoy the ambiance of all four, as each of these restaurants promises a different experience. Take some great snapshots here, upload them in your profile at Burufly and tell your friends about your favorite menus and other great tips on travel in Yogyakarta.