- Brongkos is a rich, coconut-based Yogyakarta dish once enjoyed by the Sultan, now a beloved culinary heritage recognized as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Legacy.
- Once reserved for the Sultan, brongkos is a traditional Yogyakarta dish made with beef, tofu, and beans simmered in spiced coconut milk. Now enjoyed by everyone, it holds cultural significance and continues to thrive in legendary eateries across the city.
- Brongkos, a traditional Javanese delicacy from Yogyakarta, blends local ingredients like beef, tofu, and beans in a coconut milk broth enriched with spices. Historically favored by the Sultan, the dish symbolizes Yogyakarta’s royal culinary legacy. Officially recognized as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, brongkos remains a must-try meal found in classic eateries such as Warung Brongkos Handayani, which has served it since 1975.
When visiting Yogyakarta, one culinary treasure you should not miss is sayur brongkos, also known as jangan brongkos. This traditional dish is widely enjoyed across Yogyakarta and Central Java. Once considered a royal delicacy favored by the Sultan, brongkos has now become a staple that everyone can taste across the city.
Today, it’s easy to find eateries serving this rich, heritage dish at several spots in Yogyakarta. Some legendary food stalls have been serving brongkos for decades, keeping alive its unique flavor and deep historical roots.
Getting to Know Brongkos, the Classic Yogyakarta Dish
Brongkos is a traditional cuisine native to Yogyakarta and surrounding Central Java regions. According to Agustina Dwi Rahayu’s book “Jejak Rasa dari Yogyakarta,” the name brongkos may have originated from the foreign word “Brownhorst,” which locals adapted into the Javanese name we know today.
This dish features pieces of beef, tofu, eggs, and kacang tolo or red beans, all simmered in a rich coconut milk broth infused with aromatic spices. Typically served with warm white rice, brongkos embodies a flavor profile that blends savory, sweet, and spicy notes uniquely Javanese in character.
A Royal Favorite
The distinctive taste of brongkos once made it one of the Sultan’s favorite meals. It was even served to visiting dignitaries and esteemed guests, earning its reputation as a symbol of Javanese hospitality and refinement. Alongside gudeg, sayur lodeh, and rawon, brongkos is recognized as a timeless dish that represents the elegance of traditional Javanese cuisine.
Beyond its culinary appeal, brongkos carries cultural significance. In 2018, Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture officially recognized sayur brongkos as part of the nation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, preserving its legacy for future generations.
Legendary Brongkos Stalls in Yogyakarta
For those curious to experience authentic brongkos, several longtime eateries continue to serve it throughout Yogyakarta. Among them, Warung Brongkos Handayani stands out as one of the most beloved and historic spots. Located just south of Alun-Alun Kidul, this establishment has been around since 1975, attracting loyal customers and tourists alike.
Warung Brongkos Handayani offers various versions of the dish, including brongkos tahu (tofu), brongkos telur (egg), and brongkos campur (mixed). The eatery also serves other local Javanese favorites, such as soto and nasi pecel, making it a must-visit for those exploring Yogyakarta’s traditional flavors.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara