As someone who actually lives in Jogja, I’d like to share my personal ranking of souvenirs, including things I buy when I return to Jakarta or Japan!
10. Gula Aren (Palm Sugar)
Gula Aren is a type of palm sugar made by boiling down the sap of the sugar palm tree.
Gula Aren is also used in the menu of ‘Kopi Kenangan,’ an Indonesian-born unicorn coffee chain, and many people get hooked on its unique aroma and rich sweetness.
It is sold in various forms, such as solid blocks similar to Japanese brown sugar candy, powder, and syrup.
Gula Aren is particularly rich in minerals like copper, iron, and potassium. It has been measured to have approximately 861 times the total mineral content of granulated sugar and about 2.6 times that of maple sugar. Minerals are essential for maintaining and regulating bodily functions but cannot be produced by the body, making them a crucial nutrient to obtain from food.
There are many facilities around Borobudur that show the actual production process.
＼ Learn more about Gula Aren! ／
9. Bakpiaku
Bakpiaku is one of the brands of Bakpia, a classic Yogyakarta souvenir.
Founded in 2012, it is a relatively new brand.
This brand is particularly famous for its small, stylish boxes containing 5 pieces. While other Bakpia often come in boxes of 20, making them difficult to give out as individual souvenirs, Bakpiaku’s 5-piece boxes at IDR 18K (about 150 JPY) are perfect for buying as a simple gift.
With a shelf life of about 5-10 days, it has a relatively longer shelf life and better quality control compared to other Bakpia.
Being a new brand, it also offers some unusual flavors like durian and cappuccino.
It’s also recommended for those who want to try a slightly different kind of Bakpia.
＼ Official Shop ／
8. Canned Gudeg from Gudeg Yu Djum
This is a canned version of Gudeg, a representative local dish of Yogyakarta.
Gudeg is a dish made by stewing young jackfruit with coconut milk and red sugar (palm sugar), along with chicken, egg, and tofu.
For those who like it, this dish with its characteristic sweetness is addictive. The most famous franchise chain, Gudeg Yu Djum, offers a canned version, which allows for long-term storage (about 2 years) and makes for an interesting conversation piece.
Be sure to serve it as a dish to your friends and family in Japan.
※Be warned, it’s an acquired taste, so not everyone will like it… lol
＼ Tokopedia Official Shop ／
7. Wayang Puppets
Wayang puppets are marionettes used in the traditional shadow puppet theater performed on the island of Java, Indonesia.
The puppets are made of cowhide and are intricately crafted with fine perforations. This technique allows not just the overall shadow of the human or animal form to be cast, but also the detailed outlines of each body part.
Various small items featuring wayang puppet motifs are also recommended.
Bookmark featuring a wayang puppet motif
https://tokopedia.link/kaJVJujvjxb
You can buy these kinds of unique small items at Hamzah Batik on Malioboro Street.
https://hamzahbatik.co.id/
6. Wedang Uwuh
This is a herbal drink originating from Javanese culture.
The name means “trash drink” in Javanese, and it is said to have been named so because it actually looks like fallen leaves and dried grass from the roadside.
It is sold in a format like the photo above, and you can make Wedang Uwuh just by adding hot water.
Locals often drink it when they are feeling a bit under the weather.
↓Here’s what the product looks like online.↓
https://tokopedia.link/aiicN4Xvjxb
5. Monggo Chocolate from Borobudur
“Monggo” is a brand of chocolate often seen in Indonesia, but it’s a chocolate brand from Yogyakarta, with its factory located there.
This “Monggo” chocolate is a high-quality, slightly premium chocolate made with 100% cocoa butter. Particularly recommended is the chocolate in the shape of a Borobudur stupa, as shown in the photo above, which is a souvenir that can be enjoyed for both its appearance and taste.
This is recommended for friends who are hesitant about trying unusual foods, or for those who want to give a “safe bet” souvenir.
↓The official online shop is here↓
https://tokopedia.link/xF8D47Bwjxb
The direct sales shop in Yogyakarta city is also very nice, so be sure to visit.
4. Silver Crafts
In Yogyakarta, there is an area called Kotagede, famous for its silver crafts.
Here, you can buy silver rings, earrings, and other items cheaply.
What’s especially recommended is that you can also experience silver crafting in this area.
It’s a great souvenir for yourself, combined with the experience of making it.
3. Bakpia Pathok 25
This is the most famous and long-established Bakpia shop in Yogyakarta.
As the most classic Bakpia, its taste, which has been passed down for many years, is guaranteed to be delicious.
It seems the shop was founded in 1981. Knowing that makes you want to eat it again, doesn’t it?
By the way, I recommend the chocolate or cheese (keju) flavors.
↓Here’s what it looks like online↓
https://tokopedia.link/QbcfzaPxjxb
＼ The classic Yogyakarta souvenir, Bakpia 25 ／
2. Batik
When it comes to famous things from Yogyakarta, Batik is indispensable.
Items incorporating Yogyakarta motifs, like the one in the image below, are especially recommended.
Also, there are many batik shops on Malioboro Street where you can buy them very cheaply.
Hamzah Batik on Malioboro Street is particularly recommended.
