Malang Indonesia – Best Places to Eat and Dishes to Try

Eating is considered a national pastime here in Malang and the second largest city in Java offers its visitors a range of delicious culinary treats, local specialities and unique takes on some of Indonesia’s traditional meals. The food in Malang has Chinese influences as well as a slight Indian influence, making the local food a tasty fusion of spicy, notable flavours including sweeter dishes as a result of Java’s heavy-handed use of gula jawa (palm sugar).

Best local dishes to try

While the list of must-try dishes can be as long as the bustling queues outside some of the more popular street stalls, we’ve compiled a list of some of our own personal favourites that you should keep your eyes peeled for.

Bakso Malang, the meatball namesake of the city is a top menu item throughout Malang and the meaty soup is sure to fill up any traveller’s tummy and get you ready to tackle a day of exploring.

Ayam goreng kumpung, Indonesia’s famous fried chicken; Warung Pojok, a spicy salad with peanut sauce and cloves; Jangung Bakar (charcoal-grilled corn on the cob); and cwie mie (a Chinese noodle dish made with minced meat and boiled wontons) are all other must-eats.

Fresh, green, manalagi apples that are picked from the nearby highlands are also delicious and highly recommend. Those perusing the local warungs (restaurants) and food markets should also keep a look out for the Indonesian classics such as, tempeh (fried tofu); and gorengan which are assorted fried fritters made of tofu, sweet potato, tempeh, cassava and diced veggies. These are great options for veterinarians or for travellers looking for a quick snack that is easy to munch on the go.

The food in Malang is mostly comprised of a rice or noodle base with several meals being mostly made up of meat. Coconut, lime juice, kaffir leaves, ginger, palm sugar and peanuts are all common and generously used ingredients. The city is also filled with many traditional snacks, or small meals that are easy to eat while walking and do not necessarily require a plate, bowl or cutlery and it is not uncommon to see locals walking around with a greasy bag or grilled meat on a stick (satay) and eating while going about their daily business. Fortunately for vegetarians and even vegans, Malang and even Indonesia as a whole offers plenty of meat and protein substitutes such as soy bean and tofu to most of their staple dishes.

Street food and markets

Those seeking to get their fill without breaking the bank will be relieved to know that food in Malang is generally inexpensive, very easy to locate and mostly hearty and nutritious. For those wanting to penny-save even further, we’d suggest eating the local food, dining at the bustling warungs rather than Western restaurants, and eating at food stalls at many of the markets on offer.

The most popular night market in the city is hands-down, Jalan Merdeka, which is open on Saturdays and boasts an assortment of food, snacks and beverages for all to sample. The energy is lively, vibrant and provides a great opportunity to see the local culture of Malang up close.

Another famous market is Jalan Agus Salim, where you’ll find many of Malang’s unique dishes cooked to perfection; and Pasar Oro Oro Dowo, which is another cheap fresh market in the city selling delicious fruits, veggies, ready made snacks and a variety of household items.

Local restaurants

Other cheap eats that are ideal for visitors who wish to swap their take-away bag or box with an actual plate, chair and even table are in luck as there are plenty of bargain-priced eateries and outdoor cafés that serve delicious meals in a charming and authentically local setting.

Bakso President is one such place and the open-aired café is famous throughout the city for their famous grilled bakso meatballs. It is situated near Satsiun Malang, behind the Mitra 2 building and is pretty much next-door to an active train track. The loud, whistling trains that go whizzing by as you’re spooning steaming bakso into your mouth only add to the unique experience.

Other highly rated spots in Malang for inexpensive local grub would be, Ingill Museum Resto, open from 10am until 10pm, is well-know for its spectacular range of affordable Javanese cuisine; Warung Subuh filled to capacity with hungry locals eating a vast assortment of cheap, fresh, local fare; and Bakmi Gajeh Mada, famous for its scrumptious and slippery East-Javanese noodle dishes. Those looking for a satisfying and local breakfast should head over to the tried and trusted, Nasi Pecel Mustika Panderman for inexpensive and absolutely delicious nasi campur (mixed rice including vegetables, egg and meat) and nasi pecel (a Javanese rice dish containing vegetables and peanut sauce). This establishment on Jalan Rajekwesi has been open for years and is loved by locals.

Western and International food

There are also plenty of mid-range restaurants in Malang that include western dishes and international specialities which are ideal for travellers who are looking for a change from nasi goreng (fried rice).

Rumah Opa Kitchen and Lounge which directly translates to “grandpa’s house” is one such place that serves up wonderful Italian pizzas, pastas and cocktails all within the confines of what appears to be a classic Javanese home from back in the day. The place is filled with mismatched furniture, old-fashioned appliances and an assortment of flea-market finds. Loved by locals and visitors, this restaurant has an excellent reputation for its fresh food, superb service and beautifully presented cocktails.

Toko Oen, located opposite the Catholic church on Jalan Basuki Rahmat, has an assortment of both local and western dishes that customers can enjoy in a historical, Dutch-style setting. The café is filled with outdated, throwback furniture and is most famous for its ice-creams, desserts and banana spilts. The menu also boasts salads, sandwiches, oriental meals, local dishes, and chicken and fish steaks.

Fancy places

For those looking for fancier restaurants that are suitable for a special night out or for travellers celebrating, L'Amour Fou at the Hotel Tugu Malang have amazing French and Italian dishes that are served in a swanky, candlelit restaurant with a tranquil and upmarket atmosphere. The restaurant has live music every night and a drinks menu that is sure to impress even the most discerning diner.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

Roemah Coffee Loe Mien Toe is a Chinese-Javaese inspired heritage café that is filled with trinkets, antiques and old-fashioned furniture and will make you feel as if you’ve time travelled through Malang. Frequently used as a pre-wedding location for photographs, this spot is quirky, unusual and absolutely beautiful, plus the coffee is top-notch too! Located at Jalan Tata Surya No. 2, this wonderfully peculiar café is open from 1pm until midnight.

The Martabak Cairo Café on Jalan Kapten Piere Tendean serves the must-try kopi jahe, which is a locally brewed coffee that has been infused with cloves. This spot also serves up hearty and delicious local food and arriving hungry is highly recommend.

Bars and nightlife

As is probably expected, the nightlife in Malang is a lot more low-key and subdued than the goings-on in Jakarta or Kuta, Bali but there are a few decent bars and lively night clubs that are sure to satisfy any party animals and night owls staying in the city.

Warung Shanghai, tucked inside the Hotel Tugu is a fun spot to grab a few drinks after the sun goes down. Wines, cocktails and light snacks are served to customers in a setting where old-fashioned photographs adorn the walls, antiques decorate the shelves and the room itself is steeped in history and relics of yesteryear.

Hugo’s is another great spot for those wanting a bit of music and dancing. The club boasts live bands, musicians, a DJ; and many a local and traveller can be found dancing the night away. The energy is loud, lively and energetic.