'Angkringan', Yogyakarta's Traditional Street Food Stalls

KBRN, Yogyakarta: Joko Pinurbo's poem "Jogja terbuat dari rindu, pulang, dan angkringan" (Jogja is made of longing, homecoming, and angkringan) is a familiar sentiment for travelers who miss the cultural and tourist city of Yogyakarta.

Angkringan, a traditional street food stall serving food and drinks on roadsides, has become an integral part of the Yogyakarta experience.

The evening atmosphere of angkringan in Jogja has become popular with tourists and young locals.

While modern cafes and hangouts are scattered throughout the city, angkringan remains a crowded and beloved destination.

Angkringan carts typically offer a range of traditional menus such as Nasi Kucing (small portions of rice) with anchovies, egg, milkfish sauce, stir-fried tempeh, and more.

They also serve satay, various fried foods, and baceman, marinated dishes. In addition to food, angkringan stalls offer drinks like hot ginger, ginger tea, and ginger milk.

Here are some popular angkringan spots in Yogyakarta, as quoted from the book Simpul Gastronomi Yogyakarta II:

Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man

Established in the 1950s by Mbah Pairo, this angkringan has been continuously operated by his relatives, Lik Man. Located along Jalan Malioboro, it has maintained a loyal clientele.

A unique feature of Lik Man's Angkringan is its signature kopi joss, a hot coffee prepared by plunging a piece of red-hot charcoal into the brew. This results in a sizzling and aromatic beverage.

Angkringan Pak Tomi

Situated near the Code River, this angkringan started after the 2010 eruption of Mt. Merapi.

Later, the area was transformed, and Pak Tomi, who participated in the Yogyakarta Arts Festival, opened an angkringan. It remains popular today.

Pak Tomi Angkringan on the edge of the Code River. (Photo: Instagram/@angkringan_paktomi)

Waroeng Klangenan

This angkringan offers a modern twist on the traditional stall but maintains its roots.

Housed in an old building on Jalan Patangpuluhan No. 28, it has been revamped into a contemporary angkringan while preserving Javanese decorations that enhance the ambiance.

Waroeng Klangenan's modern angkringan. (Photo: Instagram/@waroengklangenan_40s)

Angkringan Kopi Jos Pak Agus

Angkringan Kopi Jos Pak Agus has become a popular spot for locals and tourists.

Located across from Tugu Station in Malioboro, it operates 24 hours a day and is always bustling with visitors who want to experience the unique coffee brewed with charcoal.

Kopi Jos is a traditional Yogyakarta drink made from robusta coffee, sugar, and warm water, with pieces of kesambi wood charcoal added.

The name "kopi jos" comes from the distinct sound of smoldering charcoal dipped into the coffee.

Angkringan Kang Jo

It is located at the Tugu Jogja intersection on Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 1, this angkringan is popular due to its strategic location.

Visitors can enjoy angkringan delicacies while viewing the legendary Tugu Jogja, an iconic landmark of Yogyakarta.

The relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place to hang out with friends or unwind after exploring the city.

Angkringan Kang Jo with a view of the legendary Tugu Jogja. (Photo: Instagram/@angkringan.kangjo)