Solo the Spirit of Java

Weekend Wanders in Solo

On our free day, our student buddies took us on a fun food trip around the heart of Solo. Our first stop was Pasar Gedhe, the city’s oldest market. The place was alive with colors, scents, and sounds—from stacks of fresh fruits and veggies to the mouthwatering aroma of local Javanese snacks. It was the kind of place that wakes up all your senses.

Upstairs, they introduced us to dumplings—my first time trying them outside my home country! Soft on the outside, tasty on the inside, and even better when dipped in sambal—that spicy kick made it extra memorable.

To cool off, we tried Es Potong, a traditional Javanese ice cream that looked like a hotdog but tasted like a sweet childhood popsicle. They even cut it in half and dipped it in chocolate syrup—simple, unique, and so good! It was one of those small but unforgettable weekend adventures that made Solo feel even more like home.