Jokowi Eats Here? A Solo Foodie's Guide to Authentic Angkringan

Jokowi's favorite Angkringan (Hik)

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I'm currently exploring the vibrant city of Solo, Indonesia, and let me tell you, I've been on a serious quest to find the most authentic local eats. One thing I've heard a lot about is angkringan or hik, these casual street food stalls that are super popular here. But what really caught my attention was finding out that even the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), is a fan!

So, I decided to dive deep into the world of Solo's angkringan scene. For those who don't know, angkringan are basically these little food carts that serve up a variety of small plates, usually on skewers. You'll find everything from savory grilled meats to sweet and savory rice dishes. And the best part? They're super affordable!

I've rounded up five of the most popular angkringan in Solo. Let's check them out:

1. Wedangan Pak Dhie: This place is a Solo institution! It's been around for decades and is known for its nasi bandeng (rice with milkfish) and addictive jahe cokelat (ginger chocolate). It's located near the Mangkunegaran Palace, so you can grab a bite after exploring the palace grounds.
2. Wedangan Pendhopo: This is the one that caught my attention! Apparently, President Jokowi is a regular here. The ambiance is really cool – it's in a classic Javanese-style building. I'm told he loves the sate telur puyuh (quail eggs on skewers) and the sweet and savory chicken.
3. Wedangan Sri Rejeki: This place is great for a late-night snack. They have a variety of traditional Javanese drinks like dongo (sweet coconut drink) and sekoteng (warm ginger drink), along with some tasty fried snacks.
4. Wedangan PAKEM: If you're looking for a more modern take on the traditional angkringan, check out PAKEM. It's located inside a traditional market and offers a wider variety of dishes.
5. Wedangan Dongo Untung: This place has been around since 1955 and is a local favorite. They specialize in dongo, but they also have a great selection of other traditional drinks and snacks.

So, there you have it! My top five picks for angkringan in Solo. If you're looking for an authentic and affordable dining experience, I highly recommend checking these places out. And who knows, you might even spot the President enjoying a meal!

Have you ever tried angkringan? What's your favorite dish? Let me know in the comments!