Known for its refreshing climate and stunning panoramas, the city of Malang in East Java, also boasts a food scene that’s as impressive as its landscapes! From traditional Javanese classics to Dutch-Indonesian fusion and unique local dishes, Malang’s food scene is packed with tempting flavours to explore.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of bakso or a traditional Javanese meal, here’s our pick of the 8 top spots to eat in Malang to fill your belly:
Table of Contents
Malang can be quickly reached from Surabaya, East Java. If you’re in Surabaya, here are the best things to do while in town.
1. Toko Oen
Toko Oen in Malang is a historic restaurant that has become an iconic part of the city’s culinary and cultural heritage. Established in 1930, this beloved restaurant is famous for its charming colonial-era atmosphere and a menu that serves-up a delicious mix of Indonesian and Dutch favourites like bitterballen, poffertjes and nasi goreng.
Step inside and travel back in time with Toko Oen’s old-fashioned décor, vintage furniture and cosy vibes. The walls are adorned with nostalgic memorabilia and photographs which tell the story of the restaurant’s long history. It feels like you’ve stepped into a European café, with a piano tucked in the corner just waiting to be played and a menu written in both Dutch and Indonesian. Conveniently located in the middle of the city centre, it’s the ideal spot to take a break from a busy day of sightseeing.
Address: Jl. Jenderal Basuki Rahmat No.5, Kauman, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang
2. Bakso President
Bakso President is one of Malang’s most famous bakso (meatball soup) joints. Located near the railway tracks, this spot is known for its flavorful broth and wide variety of bakso, including bakso urat (beef tendon meatballs), bakso goreng (fried meatballs) and bakso telur (egg-filled meatballs). Typically served with a rich and flavorful beef broth, the bakso is accompanied by noodles, fried shallots, tofu, crispy crackers and sometimes vegetables, making it a hearty and filling dish that hits all the right notes. Situated right in the heart of town and easy to find, it’s a favourite hangout spot for both tourists and locals craving a hearty bowl of bakso.
Address: Jl. Batanghari No.5, Rampal Celaket, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang
This spot is one of the must-see attractions in Malang. If you’re looking for other attractions, check out these 11 sights to visit in Malang.
3. Warung Lama Haji Ridwan
A true Malang institution, Warung Lama Haji Ridwan has been serving-up traditional Javanese dishes since the 1920s. Must-try local favourites include rawon (beef black soup), nasi campur (mixed rice) and sate komoh (spiced beef satay). The humble, old-school décor complete with wooden furnishings and vintage photos, takes you on a journey through Warung Lama’s past with plenty of nostalgic charm. Tucked within Malang’s bustling main market, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite whilst soaking-in the city’s lively energy.
4. Inggil Museum Resto
At Inggil Museum Resto you can feast on Javanese culture as well as delicious food in one awesome experience! This quirky restaurant serves a variety of traditional Javanese dishes such as gudeg (young jackfruit stew), ayam goreng kampung (fried free-range chicken) and pecel (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), which you can enjoy whilst surrounded by impressive Javanese antiques.
Inggil Museum Resto is designed to resemble a traditional Javanese house, complete with wooden furniture, intricate carvings and vintage treasures like old radios, traditional masks and puppets. With its museum-like charm, Inggil Resto turns your meal into a culinary trip through Java’s rich heritage as you dine. Situated in the buzzing city centre, it’s the perfect pit-stop for visitors looking for a tasty bite and cultural fix in Malang.
Address: Jl. Zainul Arifin No.53 A-B, Sukoharjo, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang
5. Pecel Kawi
Pecel Kawi is where Malang’s locals and those tourists who are ‘in-the-know’ flock to for a genuine taste of pecel – a traditional Javanese salad featuring a variety of steamed vegetables topped with spicy peanut sauce. Since 1975, this unpretentious laid-back eatery has been serving-up authentic deliciousness in a no-frills, cosy setting furnished with simple wooden tables and chairs. Here, the focus is on great food rather than fancy décor! With its warm and welcoming vibe and central location, it’s a favourite destination for those craving a quick, satisfying meal that offers a true taste of Java.
Address: Kawi St Kios No.43B, Bareng, Klojen, Malang City
6. Java Dancer Coffee
For coffee lovers, Java Dancer Coffee is the place to be! This café serves a variety of Indonesian coffee beans, including the famous Kopi Luwak. Alongside their coffee, they offer a selection of light Indonesian and Western dishes, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the local coffee culture.
The café’s decor is a nod to Javanese heritage, featuring wooden furniture, batik fabrics and traditional artwork that creates a warm and welcoming space to enjoy your coffee. Soft lighting and mellow tunes makes Java Dancer Coffee a must-visit to catch-up with friends or simply kick-back and relax. With its main outlet on Jalan Kahuripan, as well as other locations throughout Malang, it’s easy to see why this is a beloved hangout in the local coffee scene.
Address: Jl. Jakarta No.59, Oro-oro Dowo, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang
7. Mie Gadjah Mada
If noodles are your thing, head to Mie Gadjah Mada which offers a range of noodle dishes, from bakmi (wheat noodles) to kwetiau (flat rice noodles). The restaurant is famous for its Mie Ayam (chicken noodles) and various other noodle-based dishes served alongside a flavourful broth and toppings. Expect a no-fuss dining experience where the focus is solely on delicious food and affordability. The constant buzz of satisfied diners is a reflection of its popularity where it exudes a lively and friendly vibe. Located just a short hop from Malang’s central market and nearby many of the city’s main attractions, it’s a top-pick for a speedy and scrumptious meal in between your sight-seeing adventures.
Address: Jl. Pasar Besar No.17 A, Sukoharjo, Kec. Klojen, Kota Malang
