5 Authentic Banyuwangi Dishes You Must Try

Banyuwangi is blessed not only with breathtaking scenery, but also with an exceptionally rich culinary heritage. The native Osing tribe’s traditional flavors are famous for their unique combinations of fresh spiciness, refreshing sour notes, and bold, aromatic herbs.

If you are vacationing in this eastern tip of Java, make sure you don’t miss these five legendary local dishes:

1. Nasi Tempong

The word Tempong in the native Osing language means “slapped.” It got this name because the fiery, raw, hand-ground chili paste packs such an incredible punch that it feels like getting slapped in the mouth!

A standard portion of Nasi Tempong consists of hot white rice, assorted steamed vegetables, fried tofu, tempeh, corn fritters, salty fish, and your main choice of fried chicken, duck, beef, or fresh seafood. The highlight is the signature sambal, freshly ground on order using heirloom ranti tomatoes, aromatic shrimp paste, and lime juice.

2. Rujak Soto

What happens when you combine sweet, savory peanut-and-petis vegetable rujak with hot, spiced beef tripe soto? You get Rujak Soto, one of Banyuwangi’s most creative and beloved hybrid culinary creations.

The thick peanut paste mixes beautifully with the warm, aromatic turmeric-infused soto broth. Typically served with rice cakes (lontong), tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, and tender beef chunks, it is an amazing burst of flavors in every single spoonful.

3. Pecel Pitik

This is a highly culturally significant dish. Traditionally, Pecel Pitik is served exclusively during Osing sacred rituals, such as the village cleaning ceremony in Kemiren Traditional Village. Today, however, you can enjoy it at various authentic local eateries.

It features tender free-range chicken (pitik), charcoal-roasted, shredded, and mixed with freshly grated young coconut seasoned with raw bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, shrimp paste, and fragrant kaffir lime leaves.

4. Bagiak

For a dry snack souvenir, Bagiak is the absolute favorite. Made of sago flour, grated coconut, and margarine, this traditional cookie has a crunchy texture that melts smoothly when dipped in a cup of hot coffee. It comes in various flavors like ginger, sesame, milk, and cinnamon.

5. Kopai Kemiren (Kemiren Coffee)

For coffee lovers, Banyuwangi is a hidden paradise. Visit the Kemiren Traditional Village and enjoy their robusta coffee brewed in clay pots. Their philosophy is beautiful: “One brew, and we are brothers.”

Explore the culinary secrets of Banyuwangi with Travel Osing! We offer customized food tours led by local guides who will take you to the most authentic, legendary local stalls.